
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
The mechanical key that is part of the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for all locks.
To remove the key, press the button near
the bottom of the transmitter, and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
See your dealer if a new key is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0303.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 312.
Remote Key
See Radio Frequency Statement 0308.
If there is a decrease in the remote key
operating range:
.Check the distance. The remote key may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the remote key battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the remote key is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Key Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the remote key is within
1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation”
following.
The remote key functions may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the remote key. See Remote
Key 07.
With Remote Start Shown 

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10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an
remote key is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for an remote key inside. If an remote
key is not detected, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED and the horn will chirp three
times.
This occurs only once each time the vehicle
is driven. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
Keyless Trunk Opening
Press the touch pad on the rear of the trunk
to open it if the remote key is within 1 m
(3 ft) of the trunk.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak remote key
battery, see Door Locks014.
Programming Remote Keys to the
Vehicle
Only remote keys programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen remote keys no longer work. Any
remaining remote keys will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can have up to
eight remote keys matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Remote Keys
A new remote key can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
remote keys. To program, the vehicle must
be off and all of the remote keys, both
currently recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the two recognized remote keys in the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the new remote
key into the key lock cylinder on the outside of the driver door and turn the
key counterclockwise five times within
10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2,
3, 4, or 5.
3. Place the first new remote key into the
remote key pocket with the buttons
facing the rear of the vehicle. The
remote key pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
remote key.
5. Remove the remote key from the remote key pocket and press
KorQ. 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 11
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 3–5 for each new
remote key.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
6. Put the key back into the remote key.
7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 014.
Programming without Recognized
Remote Keys
If two currently recognized remote keys are
not available, follow this procedure to
program up to eight remote keys. This
feature is not available in Canada. This
procedure will take approximately
30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must
be off and all of the remote keys to be
programmed must be with you. 1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the remote key
into the key lock cylinder on the outside
of the driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times within
10 seconds. The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO
LEARN and then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The DIC will again display REMOTE LEARN
PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known
remote keys will no longer work with
the vehicle. Remaining remote keys can
be relearned during the next steps.
The DIC should now display READY FOR
REMOTE # 1.4. Place the new remote key into theremote key pocket with the buttons
facing toward the rear of the vehicle.
The remote key pocket is inside the
center console storage area.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
remote key.
6. Remove the remote key from the remote key pocket and press
KorQ.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 4–6.
When all additional remote keys are
programmed, press and hold ENGINE
START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the remote key.
8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap. See Door Locks 014.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote
Key Battery
While trying to start the vehicle, if the
remote key battery is weak or if there is
interference with the signal, the DIC may
display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO
REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN 

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12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR
VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
To start the vehicle:1. Open the center console and place the remote key in the remote key pocket
with the buttons facing the rear of the
vehicle.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and
press ENGINE START/STOP. See Starting
the Engine 0177.
Replace the remote key battery as soon
as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with the
remote key. The remote key contains a
small battery, which can be a choking
hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can
occur, resulting in severe injury or death.
Seek medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch
metal surfaces on the remote key when
it has been exposed to extreme heat.
These surfaces can be hot to the touch at
temperatures above 59 °C (138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the remote key.
Static from your body could damage the
remote key.
Caution
Always replace the battery with the
correct type. Replacing the battery with
an incorrect type could potentially create
a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of
used batteries according to instructions
and local laws. Do not attempt to burn,
crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid
exposing the battery to environments
with extremely low air pressures or high
temperatures.
Caution
If the remote key is not reassembled
properly, liquids could enter the housing
and damage the circuitry, resulting in a
remote key malfunction and/or failure. To
prevent damage, always follow the steps
for remote key reassembly in this manual
to ensure the remote key is sealed
properly whenever the remote key is
opened.
Replace the battery if the DIC displays
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace
the battery: 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
1. Press the button on the side of theremote key near the bottom and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
2. Separate the two halves of the remotekey using a flat tool inserted into the
bottom center of the remote key. Do not
use the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the remote key. Do not use a metal
object.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Ensure that the silicone mat is correctly positioned with no gaps or wrinkles.
6. Set remote key button side down on a hard surface and press the other half
straight down to force the halves
together.
7. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the engine
to be started from outside the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the remote key
if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will determine
the best mode and temperature setting for
operation during the remote start. Once the
vehicle is started with the Engine Start/Stop
button, the climate control system will
begin to operate at the last customer
selected operating mode and temperature.
The rear window defogger may come on
during a remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator light
does not come on during a remote start.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they may
come on during a remote start. See Heated
and Ventilated Front Seats 034.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the remote key. See Remote Key07. 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
Warning (Continued)
out of the vehicle in a crash is
increased if the doors are not locked.
So, all passengers should wear seat
belts properly and the doors should be
locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
.Young children who get into unlocked
vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme
heat and can suffer permanent injuries
or even death from heat stroke.
Always lock the vehicle whenever
leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter through an
unlocked door when you slow down
or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors
can help prevent this from happening.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.PressQorKon the remote key. See
Remote Key Operation 07.
.In the case of a dead battery, use the key
in the driver door. The key lock cylinder is
covered with a cap. To lock or unlock the doors from the inside:
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Pull the door handle once to unlock the
door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it.
Keyless Access
The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of
the trunk or door being opened. Press the
button on the door handle to open. See
“Keyless Access Operation” inRemote Key
Operation 07.
Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In
Case of Dead Battery)
To access the driver door key lock cylinder:
1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
removal is complete.
2. Insert the key into the slot (3) on the bottom of the cap (2) and lift the key
upward.
3. Move the cap (2) rearward and remove.
4. Use the key in the cylinder.
To replace the cap: 1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
installation is complete. 

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24 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear door passenger
window switches from working.
Press
2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light is on
when engaged.
Press
2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without holding
the window switch. Press the switch down
fully and quickly release to express-open the
window. If equipped, pull the window switch up fully
and quickly release to express-close the
window.
Briefly press or pull the window switch in
the same direction to stop that window’s
express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in contact
with an object. Extreme cold or ice could
cause the window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after the
object or condition is removed.
Automatic Reversal System Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system override is
active, the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could be
injured and the window could be
damaged. Before using automatic reversal
system override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling and
holding the window switch if conditions
prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power Windows
Programming may be necessary if the
vehicle's battery has been disconnected or
discharged. If the window is unable to
express-up, program each express-close
window:
1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to accessory mode.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and continue
to pull the switch briefly after the
window has fully closed.
4. Open the window and continue to press the switch briefly after the window has
fully opened.
Remote Window Operation
If equipped, this feature allows the windows
to be opened remotely. If enabled in vehicle
settings, press and hold
"on the remote
key. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start. 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Seats and Restraints 53
approved by GM for your specific vehicle.
SeeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 053 for more
information about modifications that can
affect how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an object,
such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag,
laptop, or other electronic device is put on
an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired
remove the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be
serviced. There are parts of the airbag
system in several places around the vehicle.
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about servicing the vehicle and
the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0308.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is
turned off and the 12‐volt battery is
disconnected, an airbag can still inflate
during improper service. You can be
injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the airbag
system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualified to
do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end,
or side sheet metal may keep the airbag
system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also
be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts
of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag modules,
front or side impact sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or
with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing