2022 CHEVROLET MALIBU battery replacement

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
244 Vehicle Care
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0231 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 088.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0304.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0312.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
The vehicle has a standard 12-volt battery
under the hood. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0231.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new 12-volt
battery is needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
246 Vehicle Care
For vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine:
1. Loosen and remove the negative batterycable nut (1) at the battery sensor
connection.
2. Remove the negative battery cable (2) from the battery sensor stud.
3. Cover the negative battery cable terminal, battery sensor stud, and
negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery cable. For vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine:1. Loosen the negative battery cable nut (1).
2. Remove the negative battery cable
clamp (2) from the negative battery post.
3. Cover the negative battery cable clamp, and negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery cable.
Negative Battery Cable Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.Use the original nut from the vehicle
to secure the negative battery cable.
Do not use a different nut. If you
need a replacement nut, see your
dealer.
.Tighten the nut with a hand tool. Do
not use an impact wrench or power
tools to tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if these
guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion
inhibitors on the nut that secures the
negative battery cable to the vehicle. This
could damage the vehicle.
For vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine: 1. Install the negative battery cable to the battery sensor stud.
2. Install the negative battery cable nut to the battery sensor stud and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 247
For vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine:1. Install the negative battery cable clamp to the negative battery post.
2. Tighten the negative battery cable nut.
3. Turn the ignition on.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis. When worn,
or when cleaning is ineffective, replace the
wiper blade. For proper windshield wiper
blade length and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0313.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the wiper blade: 1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Service and Maintenance 309
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 237.
(4) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0238.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0243. (7)
Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0247.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0248.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0295.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
324 Customer Information
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Chevrolet
dealer for warranty service, or if the
vehicle was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given when the
vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws
.Legal fines
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement is up to
7 liters. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
340 Index
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 247
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . 120
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 109
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 244, 290
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141, 142
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 250
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250, 251
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
C
California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 228
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228, 244, 290,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 87
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 68

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
346 Index
PowerDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
Proposition 65 Warning, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .228, 244, 290, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 327
R
Radio HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Radios (cont'd)
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . 312
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . .7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after
a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 186
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 188
S
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324