
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 265
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific
tires for the vehicle. The original
equipment tires installed were designed
to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specification
(TPC Spec) system rating. When
replacement tires are needed, GM
strongly recommends buying tires with
the same TPC Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the overall
performance of the vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and
handling, traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring performance. GM's
TPC Spec number is molded onto the
tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC Spec number will be followed
by MS for mud and snow. SeeTire
Sidewall Labeling 0252 for additional
information. GM recommends replacing worn tires in
complete sets of four. Uniform tread
depth on all tires will help to maintain
the performance of the vehicle. Braking
and handling performance may be
adversely affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time. If proper
rotation and maintenance have been
done, all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one axle set
of worn tires, place the new tires on
the rear axle. See
Tire Rotation0263.
{Warning
Tires could explode during improper
service. Attempting to mount or
dismount a tire could cause injury or
death. Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should mount or
dismount the tires.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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268 Vehicle Care
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 245/45R18 or 245/40R19
size tires, do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains used on
a vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only(Continued)

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Vehicle Care 275
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
12-volt battery, see Battery - North America
0 235.
If the battery has run down, you may want
to use another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to use
the following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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290 Service and Maintenance
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0172.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0210.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal Service.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe Service.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0222.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0264 and
Wheel Replacement 0268.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 292.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0280.
Additional Required Services —Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. Or
when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil
and filter changed within the next
1 000 km/600 mi. If driven under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform this
work. If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service.

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Service and Maintenance 293
Tire Inspection
.Tire pressure, tread depth, and wear
.Rotation, if applicable
.Alignment check, optional
.Reset tire pressure monitor
.Check tire sealant expiration date,
if equipped
.Check spare tire, if equipped
Brakes
.Check brake system
Visible and Functional Inspections
.Seat belt components
.Exhaust system
.Accelerator pedal
.Passenger compartment air filter,
if equipped
.Engine air filter
.Hoses
.Belts
.Shocks and struts
.Steering components
.Axle boots or driveshaft and u-joints
.Compartment lift struts, if equipped
.Floor mats secured, no interference with
pedals
.Horn
.Ignition lock, if equipped
.Starter switch
.Evaporative control system
Lubricate
.Chassis components
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0280.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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318 Connected Services
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.
.Request Roadside Assistance.
.Set a parking reminder with pin drop,
take a photo, make a note, and set a
timer.
.Connect with Chevrolet on social media.
Features are subject to change. For
myChevrolet mobile app information and
compatibility, see my.chevrolet.com.
An active OnStar or connected service plan
may be required. A compatible device,
factory-installed remote start, and power
locks are required. Data rates apply. See
www.onstar.com for details and system
limitations.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Index 323
Driving (cont'd)Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 213
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Distracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . 159
E
ElectricBrake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 245
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 88
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 92
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Exterior
Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Front Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . 205
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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Index 325
InformationPublication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Infotainment Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Inspection Multi-Point Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 109
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
LampsCourtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Lamps (cont'd)
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 103
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 108
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Malfunction Indicator (Check
Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Lane
Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Gauges and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 90
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91