
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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196 Driving and Operating
When following a vehicle and entering a
curve, ACC may not detect the vehicle ahead
and accelerate to the set speed. When this
happens the vehicle ahead indicator will not
appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert and/
or braking that is considered unnecessary.
It could respond to vehicles in different
lanes, signs, guardrails, and other stationaryobjects when entering or exiting a curve.
This is normal operation. The vehicle does
not need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead until it
is completely in the lane. The brake may
need to be manually applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of the
vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not within
your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not centered,
or is shifted to one side of the lane.
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or roadside
objects may be incorrectly detected when
located along the roadway. Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When Towing a
Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
or when towing a trailer. ACC will not detect
a vehicle in the lane while driving on steep
hills. The driver will often need to take over
acceleration and braking on steep hills,
especially when towing a trailer. If the
brakes are applied, the ACC disengages.
Ending ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.

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Driving and Operating 197
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object around
the front camera windshield area that would
obstruct the front camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the vehicle
that overhang and obstruct the front
camera, such as a canoe, kayak, or other
items that can be transported.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps, or fog
lamps, as this may limit the camera’s ability
to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield ahead
of the rearview mirror and the radar sensors
on the front of the vehicle can become
blocked by snow, ice, dirt, or mud. These
areas need to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise control
may be available. See“Switching Between
ACC and Regular Cruise Control” in this
section. Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control system. For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the
Vehicle” underExterior Care 0280.
System operation may also be limited under
snow, heavy rain, or road spray conditions.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0166.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.

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202 Driving and Operating
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA displays a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
three beeps sound from either the left or
right, depending on the direction of the
detected vehicle.
RCTA can also be turned on or off through
vehicle settings. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch Settings
> Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
flashing red alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 8 km/h (5 mph). If the vehicle
has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), it can
detect vehicles to distances of approximately
110 m (360 ft) and operates at all speeds.
SeeAdaptive Cruise Control (Advanced)
0 190.
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. SeeDefensive Driving
0 166.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA steering
wheel control or, if equipped, through
vehicle settings. To view available settings
from the infotainment screen, touch Settings
> Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA
system detects a vehicle ahead. When a
vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead
indicator will display green. Vehicles may
not be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by

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Driving and Operating 203
pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not
detect another vehicle ahead until it is
completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning to help
avoid a crash, unless it detects a vehicle.
FCA may not detect a vehicle ahead if
the FCA sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is damaged.
It may also not detect a vehicle on
winding or hilly roads, or in conditions
that can limit visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in proper
condition. Keep the windshield,
headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in
good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches another
detected vehicle too rapidly, the red FCA
display will flash on the windshield. Also,
eight rapid high-pitched beeps will sound
from the front. When this Collision Alert
occurs, the brake system may prepare for
driver braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal as the
driving situation dictates. Cruise control may
be disengaged when the Collision Alert
occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will display
amber when you are following a detected
vehicle ahead much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the steering
wheel. Press
[to set the FCA timing to
far, medium, near, or on some vehicles, off. The first button press shows the current
control setting on the DIC. Additional button
presses will change this setting. The chosen
setting will remain until it is changed and
will affect the timing of both the Collision
Alert and the Tailgating Alert features. The
timing of both alerts will vary based on
vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle speed,
the farther away the alert will occur.
Consider traffic and weather conditions
when selecting the alert timing. The range
of selectable alert timing may not be
appropriate for all drivers and driving
conditions.
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving vehicle
you are following is indicated in following
time in seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98. The minimum following time is
0.5 seconds away. If there is no vehicle
detected ahead, or the vehicle ahead is out
of sensor range, dashes will be displayed.

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204 Driving and Operating
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts to
turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles, or shadows.
These alerts are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate
properly, this may correct the issue:
.Clean the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror.
.Clean the entire front of the vehicle.
.Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision Alert
(FCA), it also has AEB, which includes
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA). When the
system detects a vehicle ahead in your path
that is traveling in the same direction that
you may be about to crash into, it can
provide a boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when driving
in a forward gear. Depending on the
situation, the vehicle may automaticallybrake moderately or hard. This Automatic
Emergency Braking can only occur if a
vehicle is detected. This is shown by the FCA
vehicle ahead indicator being lit. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0202.
The system works when driving in a forward
gear between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph), or on vehicles with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), above 4 km/h (2 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to approximately
60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.

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206 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving 0166. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair.
FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert and
Brake through vehicle settings. To view
available settings from the infotainment
screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Collision/
Detection Systems.
Detecting the Pedestrian Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking will not
occur unless the FPB system detects a
pedestrian. When a pedestrian that may
enter the vehicle’s forward path is detected,
the pedestrian ahead indicator will display
amber.
Front Pedestrian Alert
When the vehicle approaches a pedestrian
ahead too rapidly, the red FPB alert display
will flash on the windshield. Eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from the
front, or both sides of the Safety Alert Seat
will pulse five times. When this Pedestrian
Alert occurs, the brake system may prepare
for driver braking to occur more rapidly
which can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal as
needed. Cruise control may be disengaged
when the Front Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash into a
pedestrian directly ahead, and the brakes
have not been applied, FPB may
automatically brake moderately or brake
hard. This can help to avoid some very low
speed pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can automatically
brake to detected pedestrians between
8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
Automatic braking levels may be reduced
under certain conditions, such as higher
speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking may
engage the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) to
hold the vehicle at a stop. Release the EPB.
A firm press of the accelerator pedal will
also release Automatic Braking and the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could falsely
alert or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including shadows.
This is normal operation and the vehicle (Continued)

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214 Driving and Operating
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before towing a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors on your
vehicle. Even if not required, you should
install extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing,
.Tow in D (Drive). If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear may
be selected using Manual Mode See
Manual Mode0183.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0181.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer

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320 Index
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
AdaptiveCruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 163
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 48
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 48
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 47
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 53
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Replacing System Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 53
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . .142
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 303