Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
168 Driving and Operating
Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has a steering system that
varies the amount of effort required to steer
the vehicle in relation to the speed of the
vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is
less at slower speeds to make the vehicle
more maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort increases
to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering system, which reduces the
amount of effort needed to steer the
vehicle. It does not have power steering
fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.
If the vehicle experiences a system
malfunction and loses power steering,
greater steering effort may be required.
Power steering assist also may be reduced if
you turn the steering wheel as far as it can
turn and hold it there with force for an
extended period of time.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
176 Driving and Operating
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0179.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition will
turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force. 2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can
be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition off. The
shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0185.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
Accessory (Amber Indicator Light) : This
mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off. With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from accessory
mode to off after five minutes to prevent
battery run down.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :
This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will turn the
ignition on. Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts. See Starting
the Engine 0177. The ignition will then
remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do with the ignition on,
but the vehicle will not be able to be driven.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 247
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown.Fuses Usage
1 –
2 –
3 Antilock Brake System Pump/Electric Brake
Booster
5 –
6 Rear Closure 7 –
8 Memory Seat Module
9 –
10 –
11 DC DC Converter 1
12 Rear Window Defogger
13 Heated Mirrors
14 –
15 Passive Entry/Passive Start
16 Front Wiper 17 Passenger Power Seat Fuses
Usage
18 Antilock Brake System Valve
19 Driver Power Seat 21 Sunroof
22 Parking Lamp
23 Automatic Headlamp Leveling/Adaptive Forward
Lighting
24 –
26 Transmission Control Module/Ignition
27 Instrument Panel/Body/ Ignition
28 –
29 Rear Vision Camera/ Ventilated Seats
30 Malfunction Indicator Lamp/Ignition
32 Canister Vent Solenoid/ Evap Leak Check Module
33 Front Heated Seat
34 – Fuses
Usage
35 Body Control Module 6/ Body Control Module 7
36 Fuel Module
38 –
39 –
40 Steering Column Lock 41 –
43 Heated Steering Wheel
44 Headlamp Leveling 45 –
46 Engine Control Module/ Ignition
47 –
48 –
49 DC DC Converter 2 50 –
51 –
52 –
53 –
54 –
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
250 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F10 Body Control Module 2 (With Stop/Start Option)
F11 –
F12 –
F13 –
F14 –
F15 Transmission Control Module (With Stop/Start
Option)
F16 Amplifier F17 Seat Power Lumbar
F18 –
F19 –
F20 Body Control Module 1 (Without Stop/Start
Option)
F21 Body Control Module 4
F22 –
F23 Electric Steering Column Lock Fuses
Usage
F24 Sensing and Diagnostic Module/Automatic
Occupant Sensing (Airbag)
F25 Data Link Connector
F26 –
F27 AC DC Inverter
F28 –
F29 Body Control Module 8
F30 Overhead Console F31 Steering Wheel Controls
F32 –
F33 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
F34 Central Gateway Module F35 –
F36 Wireless Charger/USB Charger
F37 –
F38 OnStar Fuses
Usage
F39 Display
F40 Obstacle Detection F41 Body Control Module 1 (With Stop/Start Option)
F42 Radio
F43 –
F44 Console Accessory Power Outlet–Rear
Relays Usage
K1 –
K2 Interruptible Retained Accessory Power
K3 –
K4 –
K5 –
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 283
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0294.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
292 Service and Maintenance
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0234.
Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant every
seven years. The air conditioning system
requires maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air conditioning
system. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐ Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
.Fuel system
.Windshield washer fluid
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
322 Index
Child Restraints (cont'd)Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 69
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Child Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 186
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . . 92
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157, 159
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 305
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Customer Assistance
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 308
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 300
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . 133
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Disabled Vehicle Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Driver
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 98
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166