
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 

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 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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132 Infotainment System
For more information if the GPS is not
functioning properly, seeProblems with
Route Guidance 0132 and
If the System Needs Service 0132.
Vehicle Positioning
At times, the position of the vehicle on the
map could be inaccurate due to one or more
of the following reasons:
.The road system has changed.
.The vehicle is driving on slippery road
surfaces such as sand, gravel, or snow.
.The vehicle is traveling on winding roads
or long, straight roads.
.The vehicle is approaching a tall building
or a large vehicle.
.The surface streets run parallel to a
freeway.
.The vehicle has been transferred by a
vehicle carrier or a ferry.
.The current position calibration is set
incorrectly.
.The vehicle is traveling at high speed.
.The vehicle changes directions more than
once, or the vehicle is turning on a turn
table in a parking lot.
.The vehicle is entering and/or exiting a
parking lot, garage, or a lot with a roof.
.The GPS signal is not received.
.A roof carrier is installed on the vehicle.
.Tire chains are installed on the vehicle.
.The tires are replaced or worn.
.The tire pressure for the tires is incorrect.
.This is the first navigation use after the
map data is updated.
.The 12-volt battery has been disconnected
for several days.
.The vehicle is driving in heavy traffic
where driving is at low speeds, and the
vehicle is stopped and started repeatedly.
Problems with Route Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can occur
under one or more of the following
conditions:
.The turn was not made on the road
indicated.
.Route guidance might not be available
when using automatic rerouting for the
next right or left turn.
.The route might not be changed when
using automatic rerouting.
.There is no route guidance when turning
at an intersection.
.Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
.It could take a long time to operate
automatic rerouting during high-speed
driving.
.Automatic rerouting might display a route
returning to the set waypoint if heading
for a destination without passing through
a set waypoint.
.The route prohibits the entry of a vehicle
due to a regulation by time or season or
any other regulation which may be given.
.Some routes might not be searched.
.The route to the destination might not be
shown if there are new roads, if roads
have recently changed, or if certain roads
are not listed in the map data. See Maps
0 125.
To recalibrate the vehicle's position on the
map, park with the vehicle running for two
to five minutes, until the vehicle position
updates. Make sure the vehicle is parked in
a location that is safe and has a clear view
of the sky and away from large
obstructions.
If the System Needs Service
If the navigation system needs service, see
your dealer. 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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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-
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Vehicle Care 225
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0228.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0225.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0225.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0229.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0234.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0229.
7. Battery - North America 0235.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North
America 0275.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0245.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0233.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North America 0275.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0227.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” later in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0224 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine
oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level. 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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312 OnStar
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . 314
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can
connect to an OnStar Advisor for Emergency,
Security, Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar services may
require a paid service plan and data plan.
OnStar requires the vehicle battery and
electrical system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to existing
emergency service providers. OnStar may
collect information about you and your
vehicle, including location information. See
OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details including
system limitations at www.onstar.com (U.S.)
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). The OnStar system status light is next to
the OnStar buttons. If the status light is:
.Solid Green: System is ready.
.Flashing Green: On a call.
.Red: Indicates a problem.
.Off: System is off. PressQtwice to
speak with an OnStar Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command button
may vary by vehicle and region.
Press
=to:
.Open the OnStar app on the infotainment
display. If equipped, the infotainment
system has OnStar controls in the
embedded OnStar app on the Home Page.
Most OnStar functions that can be
performed with the buttons can be done
using the app. To open the app, touch the
OnStar icon on the Home Page. App
updates require a corresponding service
plan. Features vary by region and model.
Features are subject to change. For more
information, see my.chevrolet.com/learn
or press
Q. 

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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OnStar 313
Or
.Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation voice
commands.
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi hotspot
name or SSID and password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or update
contact information.
.Get driving directions.
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the vehicle's
key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to an
AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or other
crisis situations and find evacuation
routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active safety
and security plan. With Automatic Crash
Response, built-in sensors can automatically
alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the vehicle
to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor who can contact emergency
service providers, direct them to your exact
location, and relay important information.
With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially trained
Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, to provide a central point of
contact, assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to help with
a flat tire, a battery jump, or an empty
gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance, OnStar
Advisors can use GPS to pinpoint the
vehicle and help authorities quickly
recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block, if equipped,
OnStar can block the vehicle from being
restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with law
enforcement to gradually slow the
vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked and the
vehicle alarm sounds, a notification by text,
e-mail, or phone call will be sent. If the
vehicle is stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.