2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU brake

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 179
thermostat in the plug end of the cord will
prevent engine heater operation at
temperatures above−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is on the passenger
side of the engine compartment,
between the fender and the air cleaner.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded
outlet could cause an electrical shock.
Also, the wrong kind of extension cord
could overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug the cord
into a properly grounded three-prong
110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not
reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was
before to keep it away from moving
engine parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the vehicle is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the vehicle is
on or in accessory mode:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 185.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the shift lever
and pushing the shift lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
180 Driving and Operating
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0179. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0213.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift
lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pressing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult to shift out
of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may
need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle
to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
shift lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to prevent movement of
the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on and the brake pedal is applied. The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See
Jump Starting
- North America 0275 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0185.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever.
This vehicle may have the Buckle to Drive
feature, which may prevent the vehicle from
shifting out of P (Park). See Buckle To Drive
0 38.
If the shift lever will not move from P (Park),
consult your dealer or a professional towing
service.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
182 Driving and Operating
Automatic Transmission
P :This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park 0179 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 213.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has
an automatic transmission shift lock control
system. With the vehicle on, fully apply the
regular brake, then press the button on the
shift lever before shifting from P (Park).
If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever, then push the
shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the
shift lever button and move the shift lever
into another gear. See Shifting out of Park
0 180.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 171.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 183
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If the vehicle is stopped on a hill, with your
foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle may
roll. This is normal and is due to the torque
converter designed to improve fuel economy
and performance. Use the brake to hold the
vehicle on a hill. Do not use the accelerator
pedal.
L : This position gives you access to gear
ranges. This provides more engine braking
but lower fuel economy than D (Drive). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. See Manual Mode0183.
Operating Modes : The transmission may
operate in a lower gear than normal to
improve vehicle performance. The engine
speed may be higher and there may be an
increase in noise during the following
conditions:
.When climbing a grade
.When driving downhill
.When driving in hot temperatures, or at
high altitude
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the top-gear
limit of the transmission and the vehicle's
speed while driving downhill or towing a
trailer. The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the instrument
cluster. When using the ERS mode a number
will display next to the L, indicating the
highest gear available for the range selected.
To use this feature:
1. Press the shift lever button and move the shift lever to L (Low).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
184 Driving and Operating
2. Press + (Plus) or−(Minus) on the shift
lever to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to L (Low),
the transmission will shift to a
pre-determined lower gear range. The
highest gear available for this
pre-determined range is displayed next to
the L in the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98. The number displayed in the DIC is
the highest gear that the transmission will
be allowed to operate in. This means that
all gears below that number are available.
For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next
to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears
are automatically shifted by the vehicle. The
transmission will not shift into 5 (Fifth) until
the + (Plus) button is used or you shift back
into D (Drive).
While in L (Low), the transmission will
prevent shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. You have a brief
period of time to slow the vehicle. If vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not be completed. You must further slow the
vehicle, then press
−(Minus) to the desired
lower gear range.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
shutdown. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 090.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 185
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 090 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 090.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to accessory mode.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
186 Driving and Operating
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a
hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0213.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 166.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle. HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). These systems help limit
wheel slip and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 187
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0171 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.