Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
278 Vehicle Care
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0259. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0106.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare
tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. To
use the jacking equipment to change a spare
tire safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0285. To use the
tire sealant and compressor kit, see Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit 0279.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 293
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle–such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far will the vehicle be towed? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing (2.0L Engine Only)
To tow the vehicle from the front with all
four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the vehicle off. Leave the transmission in N (Neutral). 5. Disconnect the negative (–) battery cable
at the battery. See “Negative Battery
Cable Disconnection” underBattery -
North America 0244.
Vehicles being dinghy towed should be run
at the beginning of each day and at each
fuel stop for about five minutes. This will
ensure proper lubrication of transmission
components.
Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Connected Services 337
PressQ, then ask the Advisor to download
directions to the vehicle’s navigation system,
if equipped. After the call ends, the
navigation screen will provide prompts to
begin driving directions. Routes that are sent
to the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca
(Canada).
Connections
The following services help with staying
connected.
For coverage maps, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Ensuring Security
.Change the default passwords for the
Wi-Fi hotspot and myChevrolet mobile
application. Make these passwords
different from each other and use a
combination of letters and numbers to
increase the security.
.Change the default name of the SSID
(Service Set Identifier). This is your
network’s name that is visible to other
wireless devices. Choose a unique name
and avoid family names or vehicle
descriptions. Wi-Fi Hotspot (If Equipped)
The vehicle may have a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot that provides access to the Internet
and web content at 4G LTE speed. Up to
seven mobile devices can be connected.
A data plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to do so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select Wi-Fi
Hotspot. On some vehicles, touch Wi-Fi
or Wi-Fi Settings on the screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID), password, and on
some vehicles, the connection type (no
Internet connection, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE), and
signal quality (poor, good, excellent). The
LTE icon shows connection to Wi-Fi. It is
possible that the icon may not illuminate
even though the vehicle has an active
connection.
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor. On some vehicles, the
SSID and password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu. After initial set-up, your vehicle’s Wi-Fi
hotspot will connect automatically to your
mobile devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your mobile
device, using the myChevrolet mobile app,
or by contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be managed
from the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyChevrolet Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myChevrolet mobile app to
compatible Apple and Android smartphones.
Chevrolet users can access the following
services from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equipped with
automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil life,
or tire pressure, if factory-equipped with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map (U.S.
market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/off,
manage settings, and monitor data
consumption, if equipped.
.Locate a dealer and schedule service.
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
Index 347
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 39
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 68
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 229 Service (cont'd)
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 303
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . 89
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Servicing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Shifting
Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250, 251
Storage Areas Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
System Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237