Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 291
The jump start negative ground terminal for
the discharged battery is on the shock tower
on the driver side of the engine
compartment.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative ground,
both vehicles can be damaged. Only use
a vehicle that has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles. Put an automatic transmission
in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the parking brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning flashers if
needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) or remote positive (+)
terminal of the discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote positive (+)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal of
the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the negative (–) ground
terminal for the discharged battery.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
310 Service and Maintenance
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0312 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled. Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Index 343
FusesEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 254
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 258
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 80
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . . 135
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 106
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 250
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . 34
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . 253
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 39
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Indicator
Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 56
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 110
J
Jack
Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
344 Index
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 105
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 109
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 89
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Lights (cont'd)
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Index 349
Vehicle (cont'd)Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . 329
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Warning (cont'd)
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Wiring, High Voltage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . 253