Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 227
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 228
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 229
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 229
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 250
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 250
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LT and Premier) . . . . . 251
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 253
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 254
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 269
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 273
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . 275
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 276
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 279
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 290
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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250 Vehicle Care
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
1. Sidemarker Lamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
3. High-Beam Headlamp
Headlamps (Except Premier)
To replace one of the headlamp bulbs:1. Open the hood. See Hood0229.
2. For the driver side bulb, remove the windshield washer bottle filler neck by
firmly pulling it straight up and out of
the bottle. 3. For the passenger side bulb, remove the
engine air cleaner housing by gripping
firmly and pulling straight up.
4. Remove the cover from the back of the headlamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Press the retaining tab on the electrical connector to disconnect.
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by turning counterclockwise.
7. Replace the bulb and reverse Steps 1–6 to reinstall.
Headlamps (Premier)
See your dealer for replacement.
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
See your dealer for replacement.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turning counterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket.
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Vehicle Care 251
6. Install the bulb socket by turningclockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
Stoplamp/Taillamp and Turn Signal Lamp
1. Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Sidemarker Lamp
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb. To replace any one of these bulbs:
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull the trunk trim away from the taillamp assembly.
3. Remove three hex-nuts from each stud.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling it straight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket from the taillamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb from the socket by turning the bulb counterclockwise
one-quarter turn and pulling it
straight out.
7. Install a new bulb into the socket.
8. Install the bulb socket into the taillamp assembly by turning it clockwise.
9. Install the trunk trim, hex nuts, and push pins.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LT and
Premier)
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.
The stoplamp/taillamp and trunk deck
inboard taillamp are LEDs. To replace, see
your dealer.
Back-Up Lamp 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
268 Vehicle Care
High Speed Operation Inflation Pressures
Tire Size Cold Inflation Pressure kPa (psi)
245/40R19 262 kPa (38 psi)
Return the tires to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure when high-speed
driving has ended. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 179 and
Tire Pressure 0266.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
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270 Vehicle Care
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light flashes for about one minute and then
stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. A DIC warning message also displays.
The malfunction light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and DIC message should go off after
the road tire is replaced and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See“TPMS Sensor Matching
Process” later in this section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was
not done or not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message should go off
after successfully completing the sensor
matching process. See "TPMS Sensor
Matching Process" later in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the
DIC message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match
the original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those
recommended could prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires 0274.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly it
cannot detect or signal a low tire pressure
condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and audible
alerts outside the vehicle to help when
inflating an underinflated tire to the
recommended cold tire pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning light
comes on: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated.
The turn signal lamp will flash.
When the recommended pressure is
reached, the horn sounds once and the
turn signal lamp will stop flashing and
briefly turn solid.
Repeat these steps for all underinflated tires
that have illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling 0261 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops. To release and correct the pressure,
while the turn signal lamp is still flashing,
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Vehicle Care 271
briefly press the center of the valve stem.
When the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
The TPMS sensor matching process should
also be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next ignition
cycle. The sensors are matched to the tire/
wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool,
in the following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire. See your
dealer for service or to purchase a relearn
tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Place the vehicle in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions 0182.
3. If equipped, make sure the Tire Pressure info page option is turned on. The info
pages on the DIC can be turned on and
off through the Options menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 94 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
4. Use the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel to scroll to the Tire
Pressure screen under the DIC info page.
5. Press and hold
Vin the center of the
DIC controls.
A message requesting acceptance of the
process may display.
The horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC display.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
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OnStar 331
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . 332
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can
connect to an OnStar Advisor for Emergency,
Security, Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar services may
require a paid service plan and data plan.
OnStar requires the vehicle battery and
electrical system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to existing
emergency service providers. OnStar may
collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location information. See
OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details including
system limitations at www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). The OnStar system status light is next to
the OnStar buttons. If the status light is:
.Solid Green: System is ready.
.Flashing Green: On a call.
.Red: Indicates a problem.
.Off: System is off. PressQtwice to
speak with an OnStar Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command button
may vary by vehicle and region.
Press
=to:
.Open the OnStar app on the infotainment
display. See OnStar System 0124 for
information on how to use the
OnStar app.
Or
.Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation voice
commands.
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi hotspot
name or SSID and password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or update
contact information.
.Get driving directions.
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OnStar 333
Reactivation for Subsequent Owners
PressQand follow the prompts to speak to
an Advisor as soon as possible. The Advisor
will update vehicle records and explain
OnStar or connected service options.
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response, Emergency
Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Remote Services, and Roadside
Assistance are available on most vehicles.
Not all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For more
information, a full description of OnStar
services, system limitations, and OnStar User
Terms, Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
.Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827).
.See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
.See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
.Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
.PressQto speak with an Advisor.
OnStar or connected services cannot work
unless the vehicle is in a place where OnStar
has an agreement with a wireless service
provider for service in that area. The
wireless service provider must also have
coverage, network capacity, reception, and technology compatible with OnStar or
connected services. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot work
unless GPS signals are available,
unobstructed, and compatible with the
OnStar hardware. OnStar or connected
services may not work if the OnStar
equipment is not properly installed or it has
not been properly maintained. If equipment
or software is added, connected,
or modified, OnStar or connected services
may not work. Other problems beyond the
control of OnStar
—such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather, electrical system
design and architecture of the vehicle,
damage to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless
phone network congestion or jamming —
may prevent service.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0328.
Services for People with Disabilities
Advisors provide services to help with
physical disabilities and medical conditions.
Press
Qto help:
.Locate a gas station with an attendant to
pump gas.
.Find a hotel, restaurant, etc., that meets
accessibility needs.
.Provide directions to the closest hospital
or pharmacy in urgent situations.
TTY Users
OnStar has the ability to communicate to
deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired
customers while in the vehicle. The available
dealer-installed TTY system can provide
in-vehicle access to all OnStar services,
except Virtual Advisor and OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
If equipped, TTY mode can be turned on or
off by touching Settings, then Apps, and
then Phone. When TTY mode is on, phone
calls can be made or received with OnStar
using the infotainment display.
OnStar Personal Identification
Number (PIN)
A PIN is needed to access some OnStar
services. The PIN will need to be changed
the first time when speaking with an
Advisor. To change the OnStar PIN, contact
an OnStar Advisor by pressing
Qor calling
1-888-4ONSTAR.
Warranty
OnStar equipment may be warranted as part
of the vehicle warranty.