Owners Manual,Owner's Manual 2018 Malibu

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18_CHEV_Malibu_COV_en_US_23378946B_2017SEP13.ai 1 9/7/2017 2:27:12 PM

CMY

23378946 B

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 31
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . 105
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 165
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 365
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 382
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 392
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Introduction

The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem,
MALIBU, and the MALIBU Emblem
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Company” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 23378946 B Second Printing

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle,
model variants, country
specifications, features/applications
that may not be available in your
region, or changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner’s manual.
Refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm the
features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:

Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA

Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.

Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.

Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
©

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Introduction

{ Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.

{ Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.

A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or “Do not let
this happen.”

Symbols

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.

The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.

9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System (12-Volt

M : Shown when the owner’s
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.

Vehicle Symbol Chart

manual has additional instructions
or information.

* : Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0 : Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”

Battery)

I : Cruise Control
` : Do Not Puncture
^ : Do Not Service
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
g : First Responder
_ : Flame/Fire Prohibited
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Introduction

_ : High Voltage
j : ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
O : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Seat Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak
a : Under Pressure
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6

Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 13
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . .
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . .
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . .
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . .
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . .
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic Parking
Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Universal Remote System . . . . .
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19
20
20
20
20
21
21
22
22
23
23
23
23
23
24
24
24
24
24
25

Hybrid Features
Hybrid Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

High Voltage Safety
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5
26
27
27
27

Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L
Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fuel (2.0L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 29
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
1. Air Vents 0 207.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0 161.
IntelliBeam System Button (If
Equipped). See Exterior Lamp
Controls 0 157.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base
Level) 0 114 or Instrument
Cluster (Uplevel) 0 116.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer
0 107.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0 160.
6. Infotainment 0 165.
7. Climate Control Systems
0 200.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203 (If Equipped).
8. Hazard Warning Flashers
0 160.

9. Power Outlets 0 110.
10. Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0 248 (If
Equipped).

Heated Steering Wheel 0 107
(If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 252 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0 260
(If Equipped).

11. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0 228.

19. Hood Release. See Hood
0 276.

12. Parking Brake 0 232.

20. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0 124.

13. USB Port 0 179.
14. ENGINE START/STOP Button.
See Ignition Positions 0 220.
15. Steering Wheel Controls 0 106.
Driver Information Center
Buttons.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133.
16. Horn 0 107.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment
0 106.
18. Cruise Control 0 237.
Adaptive Cruise Control 0 240
(If Equipped).

21. Exterior Lamp Controls 0 157.
22. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0 161.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Initial Drive
Information

Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System

This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner’s manual.

initiate vehicle locator. Press and
hold for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. Press again
to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys 0 31 and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 32.

Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.

Stop/Start System

Starting the Vehicle

The vehicle may have a fuel saving
Stop/Start system to shut off the
engine and help conserve fuel.
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When the
brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pushed, the
engine will restart. The engine may
restart even while the brake is
applied. See Starting the Engine
0 222.

7 : Press and release one time to

1. Press and release
RKE transmitter.
With Remote Start Shown

K : Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors, depending on the
vehicle personalization setting.

Q : Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.

X : Press twice quickly to open the
trunk.

Q on the

2. Immediately, press and hold /
for at least four seconds or until
the turn signal lamps flash.
3. Start the vehicle normally after
entering.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on.
For the hybrid vehicle, the engine
will only start if needed for warming
functions or high voltage battery
charging.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
Remote start can be extended.

Canceling a Remote Start

To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:

To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.

Press and hold / until the
parking lamps turn off.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

Turn the vehicle on and then off.

Press the touch pad on the rear
of the trunk after unlocking all
doors.

For Keyless Access, the RKE
transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft)
of the trunk. Press the touch pad on
the rear of the trunk and lift to open.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 32.
See Trunk 0 45.

Windows

See Remote Vehicle Start 0 38.

Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:

Press Q or K on the power door
lock switch.

Press Q or K on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32.

Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pulling the
handle again unlatches the door.

Use the key in the driver door.
The key lock cylinder has a
cover. See Door Locks 0 40.

See Power Door Locks 0 42.

Trunk Release
To open the trunk:
.

Press X twice on the RKE
transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

The power windows work when the
ignition is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 225.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.
See Power Windows 0 51.

To adjust a manual seat:

Power Seats

1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the
handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Manual Seat Height Adjuster

Seat Adjustment
Manual Front Seats

Move the lever on the outboard side
of the seat up or down to manually
raise or lower the seat.
See Seat Adjustment 0 57.

To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
. Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
. Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.
. Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment 0 58.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
Lumbar Adjustment

Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks

To return the seatback to the upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks

If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.
See Lumbar Adjustment 0 58.

To adjust a power seatback,
if available:
. Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

12
.

In Brief
Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

See Reclining Seatbacks 0 58.

Memory Features

Before storing, adjust all available
memory feature positions. Turn the
ignition on and then press and
release SET; a beep will sound.
Then immediately press and hold 1,
2, or B (Exit) on the driver door
until two beeps sound. To manually
recall these positions, press and
hold 1, 2, or B until the saved
position is reached.

See Rear Seats 0 64.

Heated and Ventilated
Seats

When Auto Memory Recall is
enabled in vehicle personalization,
positions previously stored to
memory buttons 1 and 2 are
recalled when the ignition is
changed from off to on or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
If equipped, memory seats allow two
drivers to store and recall their
unique seat positions for driving the
vehicle, and a shared exit position
for getting out of the vehicle. Other
feature positions may also be set,
such as power mirrors, if equipped.
Memory positions are linked to RKE
transmitter 1 or 2 for automatic
memory recalls.

When Easy Exit Options is enabled
in vehicle personalization, the
feature automatically recalls the
previously stored exit position when
exiting the vehicle. See Memory
Seats 0 60.

Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.

If available, the buttons are on the
climate control panel. To operate,
the engine must be running.
To heat the driver or passenger seat
cushion and seatback, press L or
M. Indicator lights on the button
show the current setting.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
To ventilate the driver or passenger
seat, press { or C. Indicator lights
on the button show the current
setting.

See Head Restraints 0 56 and Seat
Adjustment 0 57.

Passenger Sensing
System

Seat Belts

Press the heated or ventilated
button once for the highest setting.
With each press of the button, the
heated or ventilated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.

United States and Canada

See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 0 62.

Head Restraint
Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.

Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
seat belts properly:
. Seat Belts 0 66.
.

How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
0 68.

Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 69.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 0 92.

Mexico
The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag under certain conditions. No
other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System 0 79.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

The passenger airbag status
indicator will light on the overhead
console when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0 123.

Exterior Mirrors

Steering Wheel
Adjustment

Mirror Adjustment
Interior Mirror
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind your
vehicle.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, the mirror will
automatically reduce the glare of the
headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the
vehicle is started.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror 0 50.

To adjust a mirror:
1. Press } or | to choose the
driver or passenger mirror.
2. Press the arrows on the control
pad to move each mirror in the
desired direction.
See Power Mirrors 0 49.

To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps

and the indicator light will turn off.
The dome lamps will come on when
doors are opened.
Reading Lamps
There may be front and rear reading
lamps.

If equipped, the rear reading lamps
are in the headliner.
Press the button near each lamp to
turn reading lamps on or off.

The dome lamp controls are in the
overhead console.
To operate, press the following
buttons:
+ ON/OFF : Press to turn the dome
lamps on manually.

j OFF : Press to turn off the
dome lamps when a door is open.
An indicator light on the button will
turn on when the dome lamp
override is activated. Press j
OFF again to deactivate this feature

For more information on interior
lighting, see Instrument Panel
Illumination Control 0 161.
If equipped, the front reading lamps
are in the overhead console.
Press the lamp lenses to turn the
reading lamps on or off.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Exterior Lighting

5 : Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights.
See:
. Exterior Lamp Controls 0 157
. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
0 159

Windshield Wiper/Washer
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering column.

OFF : Use to turn the wipers off.

O : Turns the exterior lamps off and

1X : For a single wipe, briefly move
the lever down. For several wipes,
hold the lever down.

deactivates the AUTO mode. Turn
to O again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate when the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
AUTO : Turns the exterior lamps on
and off automatically depending on
outside lighting.

; : Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.

INT : Move the lever up to INT for
intermittent wipes, then adjust the
band to control the frequency of
wipes.

f : Pull the lever toward you to
With the ignition on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, move the lever to
select the wiper speed.
HI : Use for fast wipes.
LO : Use for slow wipes.

spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer
0 107.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Climate Controls
If equipped with one of these systems, it controls the heating, cooling, and
ventilation.

Climate Control System
1. Fan Control
2. MAX Defrost
3. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/
Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/
Start Only)
4. TEMP (Temperature Control)

5. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
6. Recirculation
7. Air Delivery Mode Controls
8. Rear Window Defogger

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Transmission
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode

Dual Automatic Climate Control System
1. Driver and Passenger
Ventilated Seats (If Equipped)
2. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
3. MAX Defrost
4. Air Delivery Mode Controls
5. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/
Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/
Start Only)
6. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
7. SYNC

8. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
9. Fan Controls
10. Power (On/Off)
11. Recirculation
12. Rear Window Defogger
See Climate Control Systems 0 200
or Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203 (If Equipped).

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 current
gear that has been selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
L (Manual Mode).
2. Press + (Plus) or − (Minus) on
the shift lever to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
See Manual Mode 0 230.

Hybrid Low Mode
When descending steep grades or
in stop-and-go traffic, L (Low)
provides the ability to slow the
vehicle with regenerative braking

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
when lifting off the accelerator
pedal. L2 provides moderate
braking and L1 provides maximum
braking below 80 km/h (50 mph).
When the battery reaches full
charge the engine may run to
maintain braking.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
The transmission will enter L2.
2. Press + (Plus) or − (Minus) on
the shift lever to shift between
L2 and L1.
See Manual Mode 0 230.

Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
Base radio information is included in
this manual. See the infotainment
manual for information on other
available infotainment systems.
Read the following pages to
become familiar with the features.

{ Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for
too long or too often while using
any infotainment feature can
cause a crash. You or others
could be injured or killed. Do not
give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving.
Limit your glances at the vehicle
displays and focus your attention
on driving. Use voice commands
whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid
distraction by disabling some

functions when driving. These
functions may gray out when they
are unavailable. Many infotainment
features are also available through
the instrument cluster and steering
wheel controls.
Before driving:
. Become familiar with the
operation, center stack controls,
and infotainment display
controls.
. Set up the audio by presetting
favorite stations, setting the
tone, and adjusting the
speakers.
. Set up phone numbers in
advance so they can be called
easily by pressing a single
control or by using a single voice
command if equipped with
Bluetooth phone capability.
See Defensive Driving 0 211.
To play the infotainment system with
the ignition off, see Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 225.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Radio(s)
Radio without Touchscreen

O : Press and hold to turn the
system on and off. Turn to increase
or decrease the volume.
RADIO : Press to choose between
AM or FM.
MENU : Turn to select radio
stations. Press to select a menu.

7 or 6 : Press to seek the
previous or next station or file.
See Overview 0 167.

Radio with Touchscreen

O : Press to turn the system on.
Press and hold to turn the system
off. Turn to increase or decrease the
volume.

g : Press and release to go to the
previous station, channel, or track.
Press and hold to fast seek the
previous track or strongest previous
station or channel.

d : Press and release to go to the
next station, channel, or track.
Press and hold to fast seek the next
track or strongest station or
channel.
Source : Touch to choose between
available sources.
Menu : Touch to choose between
available menus.

S or T : Touch to view saved

coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
SiriusXM service.
Refer to:
. www.siriusxm.com or call
1-888-601-6296 (U.S.).
. www.siriusxm.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
See Satellite Radio 0 176.

favorite stations or channels.

Portable Audio Devices

See Overview 0 167.

This vehicle has a USB port in the
center stack below the climate
controls. External devices such as
iPods, MP3 players, and USB
storage devices may be connected.

Satellite Radio
If equipped, a SiriusXM satellite
radio tuner and a valid SiriusXM
satellite radio subscription can
receive SiriusXM programming.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to

See USB Port 0 179.

Bluetooth
The Bluetooth system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle audio system
and controls.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.
See Bluetooth (Overview) 0 185 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio with Touchscreen) 0 190 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio without Touchscreen) 0 186.

Steering Wheel Controls

g : If equipped
with OnStar
®

or a
Bluetooth system, press to interact
with those systems.

See OnStar Overview 0 396,
Bluetooth (Overview) 0 185 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio with Touchscreen) 0 190 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio without Touchscreen) 0 186,
or “Bluetooth (Overview)” in the
infotainment manual.

c : Press to reject an incoming
call or end a current call. Press to
mute or unmute the infotainment
system when not on a call.

The favorite and volume switches
are on the back of the steering
wheel.

1. Favorite: When on a radio
source, press to select the next
or previous favorite. When on a
media source, press to select
the next or previous track.
2. Volume: Press to increase or
decrease the volume.
See Steering Wheel Controls 0 106.

Cruise Control

5 : Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off. A white indicator
comes on in the instrument cluster
when cruise is turned on.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

See Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
0 114 or Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) 0 116 and Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 136 or Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.

+RES : If there is a set speed in
memory, press to resume that
speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the
speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active,
use to decrease vehicle speed.
See Cruise Control 0 237 or
Adaptive Cruise Control 0 240 (If
Equipped).

Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC display is in the instrument
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems.

Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System

w or x : Press to move up or
down in a list, or on the main view
press to cycle through the different
Info app pages.
o or p : Press o to open
application menus on the left. Press

p to open interaction menus on the
right. Or on the base cluster, press
to move between the DIC menus.

V : Press to select a menu item.
Press and hold to reset values on
certain screens, or on the main view
reset info pages to the original
setting.

If equipped, FCA may help avoid or
reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. FCA provides a
green indicator, V, when a vehicle
is detected ahead. This indicator
displays amber if you follow a
vehicle much too closely. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 252.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision
Alert (FCA), it also has FAB, 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.
See Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB) 0 254.

Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the FPB system may
help avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in
a forward gear. FPB displays a
pedestrian ahead indicator when a
nearby pedestrian is detected
directly ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly,

FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps.
FPB can provide a boost to braking
or automatically brake the vehicle.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System 0 256.

Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal
in that direction. It may also provide
a Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
alert as the lane marking is crossed.
The system will not assist or alert if
it detects that you are actively
steering. Override LKA by turning
the steering wheel. LKA uses a
camera to detect lane markings
between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph).
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
0 260 and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
0 260.

Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding lane change
crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from
behind. The LCA warning display
will light up in the corresponding
outside mirror and will flash if the
turn signal is on. The Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system is
included as part of the LCA system.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0 258 and Lane Change Alert (LCA)
0 258.

Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC shows a view of
the area behind the vehicle on the
infotainment display when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse) to
aid with parking and low-speed
backing maneuvers.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0 248.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) System
If equipped, the RCTA system uses
a triangle with an arrow on the
infotainment display to warn of
traffic behind your vehicle that may
cross your vehicle's path while in
R (Reverse). In addition, beeps will
sound.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0 248.

Parking Assist
If equipped, Front and Rear Parking
Assist (FRPA) uses sensors on the
front and rear bumpers to assist
with parking and avoiding objects
during low-speed parking
maneuvers. It operates at speeds
less than 8 km/h (5 mph). The
system may show a warning triangle
on the infotainment display and a
graphic on the instrument cluster to

provide the object distance. In
addition, multiple beeps may occur
if very close to an object.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0 248.

Automatic Parking
Assist (APA)
If equipped, the APA system helps
to search for and maneuver the
vehicle into parallel or perpendicular
parking spots using automatic
steering, DIC displays, and beeps.
When the vehicle speed is below
30 km/h (18 mph), press O to
enable the system.

There are two accessory power
outlets:
. One on the center stack below
the climate control system.
. One on the rear of the center
console.
Open the protective cover to use the
accessory power outlet.
See Power Outlets 0 110.

Universal Remote System

See “Automatic Parking Assist
(APA)” under Assistance Systems
for Parking or Backing 0 248.

Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.

If equipped, this system provides a
way to replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
Power Sunshade

devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.

Press C (2) to express-open the
power sunshade. Press Q (2) to
express-close the power sunshade.
Press again at any time to stop
movement.

Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
Universal Remote system. Because
of the steps involved, it may be
helpful to have another person
available to assist with programming
the Universal Remote system.
See Universal Remote System
0 153.

Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be on
or in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
must be active to operate the
sunroof.
See Ignition Positions 0 220 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 225.

The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
See Sunroof 0 53.
1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch

Sunroof Express Operation
Press and release ~ (1) to vent.
Press and release again to
express-open. Press the switch at
any time to stop movement. Press
g (1) to express-close.
Sunroof Manual Operation
The sunroof can change to manual
mode by holding ~ (1) while
opening. The sunroof will now open
as long as the switch is held. Press
and release again to change back to
express operation.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Hybrid Features
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
The hybrid vehicle combines
gasoline and electric propulsion to
drive the vehicle. The gas engine
will automatically start to provide
power. It will shut off to save fuel.
The engine may remain
running when:
. There is aggressive acceleration
or climbing hills.
. Vehicle speed is greater than
88 km/h (55 mph).
. The high voltage battery is
charging.
. The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission work
together to provide the required
power at the highest efficiency. This
may result in higher engine speeds.
See Driving for Better Fuel
Economy 0 30.

High Voltage Safety
Information

{ Warning
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.
If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is

disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.

{ Warning
Damage to the high voltage
battery or high voltage system
can create a risk of electric shock,
overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood,
fire, or other event, the vehicle
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
Warning (Continued)
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
See Customer Assistance Offices
0 384.
See Battery - North America 0 297
for important safety information.
If an airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 0 78.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery
needs service.

Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only)
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored in
the high voltage battery system,

contributing to increased energy
efficiency. See Regenerative
Braking (Hybrid Only) 0 235.

Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery and a high voltage hybrid
battery. When a new standard
12-volt battery is needed, see your
dealer for one that has the
replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. Only a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the hybrid
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage hybrid battery needs
service. See Battery - North
America 0 297.

Service

{ Warning
Never try to do your own service
on hybrid components. You can
be seriously injured and the
vehicle can be damaged if you try
to do your own service work.
Service and repair of hybrid
components should only be
performed by a trained service
technician with the proper
knowledge and tools. See Doing
Your Own Service Work 0 276.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel spin. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is started and begins
to move.
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started and
begins to move.
. To turn off TCS, press and
release g on the center console.
i illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
. To turn TCS on again, press and
release g.

To turn off both TCS and
StabiliTrak, press and hold g on
the center console, until i and
g illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
Press and release g again to
turn on both systems.

See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.

Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216. The
warning light will remain on until the
tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and
the tires need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 323.

Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L
Engines)
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief
Regular Fuel

E85 or FlexFuel

Use only unleaded gasoline rated
87 octane or higher in your vehicle.
Do not use gasoline with an octane
rating lower as it may result in
vehicle damage and lower fuel
economy. See Fuel 0 262.

Fuel (2.0L Engine)

No E85 or FlexFuel
Gasoline-ethanol fuel blends greater
than E15 (15% ethanol by volume),
such as E85, cannot be used in this
vehicle.

Engine Oil Life System
Premium Recommended Fuel
Use premium 93 octane unleaded
gasoline in your vehicle. Unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating as
low as 87 may be used, but it will
reduce performance and fuel
economy. See Fuel 0 262.

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on the
right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE

on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133. When remaining
oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
will appear on the display.
2. Press V on the DIC controls
and hold down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off and the REMAINING
OIL LIFE 100% message is
displayed.
See Engine Oil Life System 0 286.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

In Brief

Driving for Better Fuel
Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.

Roadside Assistance
Program

Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.

U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
New Chevrolet owners are
automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance Program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
0 386.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys, Doors, and
Windows

Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Interior Mirrors
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 38
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 43
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . .
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . .

46
46
48
48

Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 50
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 50
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Keys and Locks
Keys

{ Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows
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.

Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.

Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.

If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0 386.

The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for all locks.

With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview 0 396.

Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.
If there is a decrease in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) operating
range:
. Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.

Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See
“Keyless Access Operation”
following.
The transmitter functions may work
up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the
vehicle.
Other conditions, such as those
previously stated, can impact the
performance of the transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

With Remote Start Shown

Q : Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the
second press to indicate locking.
See Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
If the driver door is open when Q is
pressed, all doors will lock and then
the driver door will immediately
unlock, if enabled through vehicle
personalization. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.
If the passenger door is open when
Q is pressed, all doors lock.

Pressing Q may also arm the alarm
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 46.

turn signals flash for about
30 seconds until 7 is pressed again
or the vehicle is started.

K : Press to unlock the driver door.
Press again within five seconds to
unlock all doors. The RKE
transmitter can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first button
press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 141.

/ : If equipped with this feature,
press Q and release and then press
and hold / for at least

The turn signal indicators may flash
to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.
Pressing K will disarm the alarm
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 46.

X : Press twice quickly to release
the trunk.
7 : Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. The exterior
lamps flash and the horn chirps
three times.
Press and hold 7 for at least
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the

four seconds to start the engine
from outside the vehicle using the
RKE transmitter. See Remote
Vehicle Start 0 38.

Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system lets
you lock and unlock the doors and
access the trunk without removing
the RKE transmitter from your
pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The
RKE transmitter should be within
1 m (3 ft) of the door or trunk/hatch
being opened. If equipped, there will
be buttons on the outside door
handles.
Keyless Access can be
programmed to unlock all doors on
the first unlock/lock button press
from the driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keyless Unlocking/Locking from
the Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft)
of the driver door handle, pressing
the lock/unlock button on the driver
door handle will unlock the driver
door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds,
all passenger doors will unlock. Pull
the door handle to unlatch the door.

Pressing the lock/unlock button will
cause all doors to lock if any of the
following occur:
. It has been more than
five seconds since the first lock/
unlock button press.
. Two lock/unlock button presses
were used to unlock all doors.
. Any vehicle door has opened
and all doors are now closed.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from
Passenger Doors
When the doors are locked and the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft)
of the door handle, pressing the
lock/unlock button on that door
handle will unlock all doors.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Front and Both Rear Similar

Pressing the lock/unlock button will
cause all doors to lock if any of the
following occur:
. The lock/unlock button was used
to unlock all doors.
. Any vehicle door has opened
and all doors are now closed.

Passive Locking
This feature will lock the vehicle
several seconds after all doors are
closed, if the vehicle is off and at
least one RKE transmitter has been
removed from the interior or none
remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere
with the RKE transmitter signal, the
vehicle may not detect the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the
doors may lock with the RKE
transmitter inside the vehicle. Do
not leave the RKE transmitter in an
unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to
automatically lock when exiting the
vehicle, see Vehicle Personalization
0 141.
Temporary Disable of the Passive
Locking Feature
Temporarily disable passive locking
by pressing and holding K on the
interior door switch with a door open
for at least four seconds, or until
three chimes are heard. Passive

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Keys, Doors, and Windows
locking will then remain disabled
until Q on 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 RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle, the horn will chirp three
times after all doors are closed. To
turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.
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 RKE
transmitter inside. If an RKE
transmitter is not detected, the DIC
will display NO REMOTE
DETECTED and the horn will chirp
three times.
This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

Keyless Trunk Opening
Press the touch pad on the rear of
the trunk to open it if the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the
trunk.

Key Access
To access a vehicle with a dead
transmitter battery, see Door Locks
0 40.

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to the vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
The vehicle can be reprogrammed
so that lost or stolen transmitters no
longer work. Any remaining
transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
matched to it.

Programming with Recognized
Transmitters
A new transmitter can be
programmed to the vehicle when
there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle
must be off and all of the
transmitters, both currently
recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the two recognized
transmitters in the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder
cap on the driver door handle.
See Door Locks 0 40. Insert
the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the
driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays READY FOR
REMOTE #2, 3, 4 or 5.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 3–5
for each new transmitter.

driver door and turn the key
counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.

When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
12 seconds to exit
programming mode.

The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays REMOTE
LEARN PENDING,
PLEASE WAIT.

6. Put the key back into the
transmitter.
3. Place the first new transmitter
into the transmitter pocket with
the buttons facing the rear of
the vehicle. The transmitter
pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP.
When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from
the transmitter pocket and
press K or Q.

Programming without Recognized
Transmitters
If two currently recognized
transmitters are not available, follow
this procedure to program up to
eight transmitters. 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
transmitters to be programmed must
be with you.
1. Remove the key lock cylinder
cap on the driver door handle.
See Door Locks 0 40. Insert
the vehicle key of the
transmitter into the key lock
cylinder on the outside of the

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 transmitters
will no longer work with the
vehicle. Remaining transmitters
can be relearned during the
next steps.
The DIC display should now
show READY FOR REMOTE
# 1.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows
When all additional transmitters
are programmed, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for
12 seconds to exit
programming mode.
7. Return the key back into the
transmitter.

Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery

4. Place the new transmitter into
the transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing toward the rear
of the vehicle. The transmitter
pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
5. Press ENGINE START/STOP.
When the transmitter is
learned, the DIC will show that
it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
6. Remove the transmitter from
the transmitter pocket and
press K or Q.
To program additional
transmitters, repeat Steps 4–6.

While trying to start the vehicle,
if the transmitter 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
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE. The
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE
KEY message may also be
displayed at this time.
To start the vehicle:
1. Open the center console and
place the transmitter in the
transmitter 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 0 222.
Replace the transmitter battery
as soon as possible.

Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.

Caution
When replacing the battery, do
not touch any of the circuitry on
the transmitter. Static from your
body could damage the
transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:

3. Remove the battery by pushing
on the battery and sliding it
toward the bottom of the
transmitter.
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. Snap the battery cover back on
to the transmitter.

1. Press the button on the side of
the transmitter near the bottom
and pull the key out.

2. Separate the two halves of the
transmitter using a flat tool
inserted into the area near the
key slot.

Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the
engine to be started from outside
the vehicle.
For the hybrid vehicle, the engine
will only start if needed for warming
functions or high voltage battery
charging.

/ : This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start.
The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear window
defogger may come on during a

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows
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 0 62.
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 transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System 0 32.
Do not use remote start if the
vehicle is low on fuel.
Starting the Engine Using Remote
Start
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Press and release

2. Immediately after completing
Step 1, press and hold / for at
least four seconds or until the
turn signal lamps flash. The
turn signal lamps flashing
confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been
received.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. After 30 seconds,
repeat the steps if a 10-minute
extension is desired. Remote start
can be extended only once.
Start the vehicle before driving.
Extending Engine Run Time
The engine run time can be
extended by another 10 minutes,
if during the first 10 minutes
Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while
the engine is still running. An
extension can be requested
30 seconds after starting. When the

remote start is extended, the
second 10-minute period is added
on to the first 10 minutes for a total
of 20 minutes.
The remote start can only be
extended once.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
is allowed between ignition cycles.
The vehicle's ignition must be
turned on and then back off before
the remote start procedure can be
used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold /
until the parking lamps turn off.
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Turn the vehicle on and then off.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
. A transmitter is in the vehicle.
.

The hood is not closed.

The hazard warning flashers
are on.

The malfunction indicator lamp
is on.

The engine coolant temperature
is too high.

The oil pressure is low.

Two remote vehicle starts, or a
single remote start with an
extension, have already
been used.

The vehicle is not in P (Park).

Door Locks

Warning (Continued)

{ Warning
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
. Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. The doors
can be unlocked and
opened while the vehicle is
moving. The chance of
being thrown 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
(Continued)

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:
.

Press Q or K on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32.

In the case of a dead battery,
use the key in the driver door.
The key lock cylinder is covered
with a cap.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows
To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
.

Press Q or K on the power door
lock switch.

Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pull the handle
again to unlatch it.

Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder
Access (In Case of Dead
Battery)

To replace the cap:
1. Pull the door handle (1) to the
open position and hold it open
until cap installation is
complete.

Keyless Access

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.
The RKE transmitter 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” in Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 32.

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.

2. Insert the two tabs (6) at the
back of the cap between the
seal (5) and the metal base (4).

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Keys, Doors, and Windows
5. Check that the cap is secure.

Power Door Locks

Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns
freely when either the wrong key is
used, or the correct key is not fully
inserted. The free-turning door lock
feature prevents the lock from being
forced open. To reset the lock, turn
it to the vertical position with the
correct key fully inserted. Remove
the key and insert it again. If this
does not reset the lock, turn the key
halfway around in the cylinder and
repeat the reset procedure.

Q : Press to lock the doors.
K : Press to unlock the doors.
The indicator light in the switch will
illuminate when the door is locked.
Locking or unlocking the doors will
also lock or unlock the trunk. See
Trunk 0 45.
3. Slide the cap forward and
press the forward edge to
install the cap in place.
4. Release the door handle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Delayed Locking
This feature delays the actual
locking of the doors until
five seconds after all doors are
closed.
Delayed locking can only be turned
on when the Unlocked Door
Anti-Lockout feature has been
turned off.
When Q is pressed on the power
door lock switch with the door open,
a chime will sound three times
indicating that delayed locking is
active.
The doors will then lock
automatically five seconds after all
doors are closed. If a door is
reopened before five seconds have
elapsed, the five-second timer will
reset once all the doors are closed
again.
Press Q on the door lock switch
again, or press Q on the RKE
transmitter, to override this feature
and lock the doors immediately.

Delayed locking can be
programmed. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically
when all doors are closed, the
ignition is on, and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked, and
then opened and closed, the doors
will lock either when your foot is
removed from the brake or the
vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.

Press K on the power door lock
switch.

Shift the transmission into
P (Park).

Automatic door locking cannot be
disabled. Automatic door unlocking
can be programmed. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

Lockout Protection
If the ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY and the power door
lock switch is pressed with the
driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will
unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is
requested while a door is open,
when all doors are closed the
vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE
transmitter is detected and the
number of RKE transmitters inside
has not reduced, the driver door will
unlock and the horn will chirp three
times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden with the driver door open
by pressing and holding Q on the
power door lock switch.
Unlocked Door Anti-Lockout
If Unlocked Door Anti-Lockout has
been turned on and the vehicle is
off, the driver door is open, and
locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

remain open. Press the button again
to lock the driver door. The
Unlocked Door Anti-Lockout feature
can be turned on or off. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear
doors from inside the vehicle.

Manual Safety Locks

1. Move the lever forward to the
lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other
rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety
lock is on:
1. Unlock the door by activating
the inside handle, by pressing
the power door lock switch,
or by using the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter.
2. Open the door from the
outside.

If equipped, the safety lock is on the
inside edge of the rear doors. To
use the safety lock:

When the safety lock is enabled,
adults and older children will not be
able to open the rear door from the
inside. Cancel the safety locks to
enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock:
1. Unlock the door and open it
from the outside.
2. Move the lever rearward to
unlock. Do the same for the
other door.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Doors

Warning (Continued)

Trunk

and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.

{ Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, hatch/trunk open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
. Close all of the windows.
.

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
(Continued)

If the vehicle is equipped
with a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust 0 227.

Trunk Release
To open the trunk the vehicle must
be off or the shift lever must be in
P (Park).
.

Press X twice quickly on the
RKE transmitter.

Press the touch pad on the rear
of the trunk after unlocking all
doors.

The trunk may be opened while the
vehicle is locked by pressing the
touch pad on the rear of the trunk
while the RKE transmitter is within
1 m (3 ft) of the rear of the vehicle.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 32.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Emergency Trunk Release
Handle

following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle to open the trunk
from the inside.

Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.

Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.

Caution
Do not use the emergency trunk
release handle as a tie-down or
anchor point when securing items
in the trunk as it could damage
the handle.
There is a glow-in-the-dark
emergency trunk release handle on
the trunk lid. This handle glows

After pulling the emergency trunk
release handle, push the handle
back into the bezel.

The indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, indicates the status of
the system:
Off : Alarm system is disarmed.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows
On Solid : Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the hood, or the trunk
is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is
armed.

Arming the Alarm System
1. Close the trunk and the hood.
Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of
three ways:
. Use the RKE transmitter.
.

Use the Keyless Access
system, if equipped.

With a door open, press the
inside Q.

3. After 30 seconds the alarm
system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the
alarm system is operating.
Pressing Q on the RKE
transmitter a second time will

bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and
the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing K on the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
If a door, the hood, or the trunk is
opened without first disarming the
system, the turn signals will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.

Disarming the Alarm System
Do one of the following to disarm
the alarm system or turn off the
alarm if it has been activated:

K on the RKE transmitter.

Press

Unlock the vehicle using the
Keyless Access system,
if equipped.

Start the vehicle.

To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
. Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have left the vehicle
and all doors are closed.
. Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter or use the
Keyless Access system,
if equipped.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the system or
turn off the alarm.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
If K is pressed on the RKE
transmitter and the horn chirps and
the lights flash three times, an alarm
occurred previously while the alarm
system was armed.

The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pushed in and a valid transmitter is
in the vehicle.

If the RKE transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter,
or place the transmitter in the
transmitter pocket. See “Starting the
Vehicle with a Low Transmitter
Battery” under Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 32.

If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).

Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.

Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the transmitter
leaves the vehicle.

If the vehicle does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
vehicle off and try again.

The security light on the instrument
cluster comes on when there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
transmitter will start the vehicle.
If the transmitter is ever damaged,
you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.

If the vehicle does not start with the
other transmitter or when the
transmitter is in the transmitter
pocket, the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer who can service
the theft-deterrent system and have
a new transmitter programmed to
the vehicle.
Do not leave the transmitter or
device that disarms or deactivates
the theft-deterrent system in the
vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Exterior Mirrors

Power Mirrors

Turn Signal Indicator

{ Warning

The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Lane Change Alert (LCA)
The vehicle may have LCA. See
Lane Change Alert (LCA) 0 258.

Convex Mirrors

A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you
cut too sharply into the right lane,
you could hit a vehicle on the
right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before
changing lanes.

The vehicle may have a turn signal
indicator on the mirror housings.
The indicator will flash when a turn
signal or the hazard warning
flashers are used.

Folding Mirrors
Manual Folding Mirrors
To adjust a mirror:
1. Press } or | to choose the
driver or passenger mirror.
2. Press the arrows on the control
pad to move each mirror in the
desired direction.
Memory Mirrors
The vehicle may have memory
mirrors. See Memory Seats 0 60.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
The vehicle may have SBZA. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) 0 258.

The mirrors can be folded inward
toward the vehicle to prevent
damage when going through an
automatic car wash. Push the mirror
outward to return it to the original
position.

Heated Mirrors
If equipped with heated mirrors:

K : The rear window defogger also
heats the outside mirrors.
See Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203.

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Keys, Doors, and Windows

Reverse Tilt Mirrors
If equipped with memory seats, the
passenger and/or driver mirror tilts
to a preselected position when the
vehicle is in R (Reverse). This
allows the curb to be seen when
parallel parking.
The mirror(s) return to the original
position when:
. The vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse), or remains in
R (Reverse) for about
30 seconds.
. The ignition is turned off.
.

The vehicle is driven in
R (Reverse) above a set speed.

To turn this feature on or off, see
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.

Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming
reduces the glare of headlamps
from behind. The dimming feature
comes on when the vehicle is
started.

Windows

{ Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless
adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Window Lockout

The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof, if equipped.

Power Windows

{ Warning
Children could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Never
leave the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter in a vehicle with
children. When there are children
in the rear seat, use the window
lockout switch to prevent
operation of the windows. See
Keys 0 31.

The power windows work when the
vehicle is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 225.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.

This feature stops the rear door
passenger window switches from
working.
Press 2 to engage the rear
window lockout feature. The
indicator light is on when engaged.
Press

2 again 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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

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
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
system override, make sure that
all people and obstructions are
clear of the window path.

4. Open the window and continue
to press the switch briefly after
the window has fully opened.

Sun Visors

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 ACC/
ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be
programmed. Then close it and
continue to pull the switch
briefly after the window has
fully closed.

Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod,
if available.
The vehicle may have mirror lamps.
The lamps turn on and off when the
cover is opened and closed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Roof
Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be on
or in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active to operate the sunroof.
See Ignition Positions 0 220 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 225.

Sunroof Express Operation

Automatic Reversal System

Press and release ~ (1) to vent.
Press and release again to
express-open. Press the switch at
any time to stop movement. Press
g (1) to express-close.

The sunroof has an automatic
reversal system that is only active
when the sunroof is operated in
express-close mode.

Sunroof Manual Operation
The sunroof can change to manual
mode by holding ~ (1) while
opening. The sunroof will now open
as long as the switch is held. Press
and release again to change back to
express operation.

If an object is in the path while
express closing, the reversal system
will detect an object, stop, and open
the sunroof again.
If frost or other conditions prevent
closing, override the feature by
closing the sunroof in manual
mode. To stop movement, release
the switch.

Power Sunshade
Press C (2) to express-open the
power sunshade. Press Q (2) to
express-close the power sunshade.
Press again at any time to stop
movement.

1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch

The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.

Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation or noise. It could also plug
the water drainage system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.
If water is seen dripping into the
water drainage system, this is
normal.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

Seats and
Restraints

Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Airbag System

Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . 58
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Belt Use During
Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

66
68
69
71
71
72
72

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . 75
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Passenger Sensing System . . . 79
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 84
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . 84
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Infants and Young Children . . . .
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . .
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . .
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) . . . .

85
87
89
91
92

Replacing LATCH System Parts
After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the
Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the
Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

{ Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull and push on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

Front Seat

Rear Seat

The vehicle's front seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.

The vehicle's rear seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.

To raise or lower the head restraint,
press the button located on the side
of the head restraint and pull up or
push the head restraint down and
release the button.

The height of the head restraint can
be adjusted. Pull the head restraint
up to raise it. Try to move the head
restraint to make sure that it is
locked in place.

The front seat outboard head
restraints are not removable.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
To lower the head restraint, press
the button, located on the top of the
seatback, and push the head
restraint down. Try to move the
head restraint after the button is
released to make sure that it is
locked in place.
Rear outboard head restraints are
not removable.

Front Seats
Seat Adjustment

{

Warning

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a driver
seat while the vehicle is moving.
Adjust the driver seat only when
the vehicle is not moving.

2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the
handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.

Manual Seat Height Adjuster

Move the lever on the outboard side
of the seat up or down to manually
adjust the seat height.
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

Power Seat Adjustment

Lumbar Adjustment

Warning (Continued)
The shoulder belt will not be
against your body. Instead, it will
be in front of you. In a crash, you
could go into it, receiving neck or
other injuries.
The lap belt could go up over
your abdomen. The belt forces
would be there, not at your pelvic
bones. This could cause serious
internal injuries.

To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
. Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
. Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
. Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.
To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining Seatbacks 0 58.

If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.

Reclining Seatbacks

{ Warning
Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the seat belts cannot do
their job.
(Continued)

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
seat belt properly.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

2. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.

Power Reclining Seatbacks

Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.

Manual Reclining Seatbacks

{ Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

To adjust a power seatback,
if available:
. Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.
. Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

Memory Seats

If equipped, memory seats allow two
drivers to store and recall their
unique seat positions for driving the
vehicle, and a shared exit position
for getting out of the vehicle. Other
feature positions may also be set,
such as power mirrors, if equipped.
Memory positions are linked to RKE
transmitter 1 or 2 for automatic
memory recalls.
Before storing, adjust all available
memory feature positions. Turn the
ignition on and then press and
release SET; a beep will sound.
Then immediately press and hold 1,

2, or B (Exit) on the driver door
until two beeps sound. To manually
recall these positions, press and
hold 1, 2, or B until the saved
position is reached.
The vehicle identifies the current
driver’s RKE transmitter number
(1–8). See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32. Only
RKE transmitters 1 and 2 can be
used for automatic memory recalls.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
welcome message indicating the
transmitter number may display for
the first few ignition cycles following
a transmitter change. For Auto
Memory Recall to work properly,
save the positions to the memory
button (1 or 2) matching the RKE
transmitter number displayed in the
DIC welcome message. Carry the
linked RKE transmitter when
entering the vehicle.
Vehicle Personalization Settings
. To have the Auto Memory Recall
movement begin when the
vehicle is started, select the
Settings menu, then Vehicle,

then Comfort and Convenience,
and then Auto Memory Recall.
Select On or Off. See “Auto
Memory Recall” later in this
section.
.

To begin Easy Exit Recall
movement when the ignition is
turned off and the driver door is
opened, or when the ignition is
turned off with the driver door
already opened, select the
Settings menu, then Vehicle,
then Comfort and Convenience,
and then Easy Exit Options.
Select On or Off. See “Easy Exit
Recall” later in this section.

See Vehicle Personalization
0 141 for additional setting
information.

Identifying Driver Number
To identify the driver number:
1. Start the vehicle with the other
key or RKE transmitter. The
DIC should display the driver
number; 1 or 2. Turn the
ignition off and remove the key
or RKE transmitter from the
vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

If too much time passes
between releasing SET and
pressing 1, the memory
position will not be saved and
two beeps will not sound.
Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

seat, SET, or power mirror control,
if memory equipped. The driver or
passenger side mirror must be
selected.

Read these instructions completely
before saving memory positions.

1 or 2 corresponds to the driver
number. See “Identifying Driver
Number” in this section.

To save preferred driving positions
1 and 2:

5. Repeat Steps 1–4 for a second
driver using 1 or 2.

The vehicle identifies the number of
the current driver’s RKE transmitter
(1–8). See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32. If the
RKE transmitter is 1 or 2, and Auto
Memory Recall is programmed on in
vehicle personalization, the
positions saved to the same
memory button number 1 or 2 are
automatically recalled when the
ignition is turned on, or turned from
off to ACC/ACCESSORY. RKE
transmitters 3–8 will not provide
automatic memory recalls.

2. Start the vehicle with the initial
key or RKE transmitter. The
DIC should display the other
driver number not shown in
step 1.
Saving Memory Positions

1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
A DIC welcome message may
be displayed indicating number
1 or 2 for memory recalls.

To save the position for B and
easy exit features, repeat Steps 1–4
using B. This stores the position
for getting out of the vehicle.

2. Adjust all available memory
features to the desired driving
position.

Save preferred memory feature
positions to both 1 and 2 if you are
the only driver.

3. Press and release SET; a beep
will sound.

Manually Recalling Memory
Positions

4. Immediately press and hold the
1 or 2 memory button matching
the above DIC welcome
message until two beeps
sound.

Press and hold 1, 2, or B to recall
the previously stored memory
positions.
To stop manual recall movement,
release 1, 2, or B. Recall can also
be stopped by pressing a power

Auto Memory Recall

To turn Auto Memory Recall on or
off, see "Vehicle Personalization
Settings" previously in this section
and Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
The transmission must be in
P (Park) to initiate Auto Memory
Recall. Auto Memory Recall will

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

complete if the vehicle is shifted out
of P (Park) prior to reaching the
stored memory position.

"Vehicle Personalization Settings"
previously in this section and
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

To stop Auto Memory Recall
movement, turn the ignition off or
press any of the following memory
controls:
. Power seat

If turned on, the position saved to
B is automatically recalled when
one of the following occurs:
. The vehicle is turned off and the
driver door is opened within a
short time.
. The vehicle is turned off with the
driver door open.

Memory SET, 1, 2, or

Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected

If the stored memory seat position
does not automatically recall or
recalls to the wrong positions, the
driver’s RKE transmitter number (1
or 2) may not match the memory
button number that positions were
saved to. Try storing the position to
the other memory button or try the
other RKE transmitter.
Easy Exit Recall
Easy Exit Recall is not linked to an
RKE transmitter. The position stored
to B is used for all drivers. To turn
Easy Exit Recall on or off, see

To stop Easy Exit Recall movement,
press any of the following memory
controls:
. Power seat

Memory SET, 1, 2, or

Power mirror, with the driver or
passenger side mirror selected

Obstructions
If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling a memory
position, the recall may stop.
Remove the obstruction and try the
recall again. If the memory position
still does not recall, see your dealer
for service.

Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats

{ Warning
If temperature change or pain to
the skin cannot be felt, the seat
heater may cause burns. To
reduce the risk of burns, use care
when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on
the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket, cushion,
cover, or similar item. This may
cause the seat heater to
overheat. An overheated seat
heater may cause a burn or may
damage the seat.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Press { or C to ventilate the driver
or passenger seat. Indicator lights
on the button show the current
setting.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the ventilated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
If available, the buttons are on the
climate control panel. To operate,
the engine must be running.
Press L or M to heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the
button show the current setting.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
The passenger seat may take
longer to heat up.

Auto Heated Seats
When the vehicle is on, this feature
will automatically activate the
heated seats at the level required by
the vehicle’s interior temperature.
The active high, medium, low, or off
heated seat level will be indicated
by the manual heated seat buttons
on the center stack. Use the manual
heated seat buttons on the center
stack to turn auto heated seats off.
If the passenger seat is unoccupied,
the auto heated seats feature will
not activate that seat. The auto
heated seats feature can be
programmed to always be enabled
when the vehicle is on.

See Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
Remote Start Auto Heated and
Ventilated Seats
During a remote start, the heated or
ventilated seats, if equipped, can be
turned on automatically. When it is
cold outside, the heated seats turn
on, and when it is hot outside the
ventilated seats turn on. The heated
or ventilated seats are canceled
when the ignition is turned on. Press
the button to use the heated or
ventilated seats after the vehicle is
started.
The heated or ventilated seat
indicator lights on the button do not
turn on during a remote start.
The heated seat temperature
performance of an unoccupied seat
may be reduced. This is normal.
The heated or ventilated seats will
not turn on during a remote start
unless they are enabled in the
vehicle personalization menu.
See Remote Vehicle Start 0 38 and
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

Rear Seats
Rear Seat Reminder
If equipped, the message REAR
SEAT REMINDER LOOK IN REAR
SEAT displays under certain
conditions indicating there may be
an item or passenger in the rear
seat. Check before exiting the
vehicle.
This feature will activate when a
second row door is opened while
the vehicle is on or up to 10 minutes
before the vehicle is turned on.
There will be an alert when the
vehicle is turned off. The alert does
not directly detect objects in the rear
seat; instead, under certain
conditions, it detects when a rear
door is opened and closed,
indicating that there may be
something in the rear seat.
The feature is active only once each
time the vehicle is turned on and off,
and will require reactivation by
opening and closing the second row
doors. There may be an alert even
when there is nothing in the rear
seat; for example, if a child entered

the vehicle through the rear door
and left the vehicle without the
vehicle being shut off.
The feature can be turned on or off.
See Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

2. Lift the rear seat armrest and
place it in the folded position,
if necessary. See Rear Seat
Armrest 0 66.

Folding the Seatback
Either side of the seatback can be
folded down for more cargo space.
Fold a seatback only when the
vehicle is not moving.

Caution
Folding a rear seat with the seat
belts still fastened may cause
damage to the seat or the seat
belts. Always unbuckle the seat
belts and return them to their
normal stowed position before
folding a rear seat.
The release levers for folding the
rear seatbacks are located in the
trunk. To fold the seatback down:
1. Lower the rear seat head
restraints completely. See
Head Restraints 0 56.

3. Disconnect the rear seat belt
mini-latch, using a key in the
slot on the mini-buckle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

{ Warning

Let the belt retract.

5. Fold the seatback forward.
Repeat the steps for the other
seatback, if desired.

Raising the Seatback

{ Warning

4. Open the trunk and pull the
seatback release lever to fold
the rear seat.

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

A seat belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the seat belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.
To raise a seatback:
1. Lift the seatback up and push it
rearward to lock it in place.
Make sure the seat belt is not
twisted or caught in the
seatback.
The center rear seat belt may
lock when you raise the
seatback. If this happens, let
the belt go back all the way
and start again.
2. Push and pull the top of the
seatback to be sure it is locked
into position.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

Rear Seat Armrest

Seat Belts
This section describes how to use
seat belts properly, and some things
not to do.

{ Warning

3. Reconnect the rear seat belt
mini-latch to the mini-buckle.
Do not let it twist.
4. Pull on the seat belt to be sure
the mini-latch is secure.
5. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the
other seatback, if necessary.
When the seat is not in use, it
should be kept in the upright, locked
position.

The rear seat has an armrest in the
center of the seatback. Lower the
armrest to access the two
cupholders.
To fold, lift the armrest up and push
it rearward until it is flush with the
seatback.

Do not let anyone ride where a
seat belt cannot be worn properly.
In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
seat belts, injuries can be much
worse than if you are wearing
seat belts. You can be seriously
injured or killed by hitting things
inside the vehicle harder or by
being ejected from the vehicle. In
addition, anyone who is not
buckled up can strike other
passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision,
passengers riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
passengers to ride in any area of
the vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and seat belts.
Always wear a seat belt, and
check that all passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the seat belts.
See Seat Belt Reminders 0 122.

Seat Belt Assurance System
This vehicle may have the Seat Belt
Assurance System, which prevents
the vehicle from shifting out of
P (Park). A message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
indicating the shift lever is locked
when the brake pedal is applied and
the seat belts for either the driver or
front outboard passenger are not
buckled. The vehicle will not shift
out of P (Park). Buckle the seat
belts to unlock the shift lever. If the

front passenger seat is unoccupied,
only the driver seat belt must be
buckled to unlock the shift lever.
This system may not allow the
vehicle to shift out of P (Park) if an
object — such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device — is on
the front outboard passenger seat.
If this happens, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
seat belt.

This system may not function
properly if the airbag readiness light
is on. See Airbag Readiness Light
0 122.

Why Seat Belts Work

If the driver or front outboard
passenger unbuckles their seat belt
while driving, the seat belt reminder
chime and light(s) will come on. See
Seat Belt Reminders 0 122.
The Seat Belt Assurance System
will time out 30 seconds after the
brake pedal is initially pressed.
A message displays in the DIC
indicating the shift lever is unlocked
allowing the vehicle to be shifted out
of P (Park). See “Seat Belts” and
“Child Restraints” in the Index for
information about the importance of
proper restraint use.

When riding in a vehicle, you travel
as fast as the vehicle does. If the
vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the seat belts!
When you wear a seat belt, you and
the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because
you stop over a longer distance and,

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Seats and Restraints

when worn properly, your strongest
bones take the forces from the seat
belts. That is why wearing seat belts
makes such good sense.

Questions and Answers About
Seat Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a
seat belt?
A: You could be — whether you are
wearing a seat belt or not. Your
chance of being conscious
during and after a crash, so you
can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why
should I have to wear seat
belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only. They work with
seat belts — not instead of them.
Whether or not an airbag is
provided, all occupants still have
to buckle up to get the most
protection.

Also, in nearly all states and in
all Canadian provinces, the law
requires wearing seat belts.

How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
There are special things to know
about seat belts and children, and
there are different rules for smaller
children and infants. If a child will be
riding in the vehicle, see Older
Children 0 85 or Infants and Young
Children 0 87. Follow those rules for
everyone's protection.
It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing seat belts.
There are important things to know
about wearing a seat belt properly.

Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front
of you.

Always use the correct buckle
for your seating position.

Wear the lap part of the belt low
and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash,
this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones and you would be
less likely to slide under the lap
belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.

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Seats and Restraints
.

Wear the shoulder belt over the
shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining
forces. The shoulder belt locks if
there is a sudden stop or crash.

{ Warning
You can be seriously injured,
or even killed, by not wearing
your seat belt properly.
.

Never allow the lap or
shoulder belt to become
loose or twisted.

Never wear the shoulder
belt under both arms or
behind your back.

Never route the lap or
shoulder belt over an
armrest.

If you are using a rear seating
position with a detachable seat belt
and the seat belt is not attached,
see Rear Seats 0 64 for instructions
on reconnecting the seat belt to the
mini-buckle.

The lap-shoulder belt may lock
if you pull the belt across you
very quickly. If this happens, let
the belt go back slightly to
unlock it. Then pull the belt
across you more slowly.

The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.

If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all
the way, the child restraint
locking feature may be
engaged. If this happens, let
the belt go back all the way
and start again.

1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is
adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see
“Seats” in the Index.

Engaging the child restraint
locking feature in the front
outboard seating position may
affect the passenger sensing
system. See Passenger
Sensing System 0 79.

Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.

2. Pick up the latch plate and pull
the belt across you. Do not let
it get twisted.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.
Always stow the seat belt slowly.
If the seat belt webbing returns
quickly to the stowed position, the
retractor may lock and cannot be
pulled out. If this happens, pull the
seat belt straight out firmly to unlock
the webbing, and then release it.
If the webbing is still locked in the
retractor, see your dealer.

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.
If the latch plate will not go fully
into the buckle, check if the
correct buckle is being used.
Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the
belt is not long enough, see
Seat Belt Extender 0 71.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the seat belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

4. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

Before a door is closed, be sure the
seat belt is out of the way. If a door
is slammed against a seat belt,
damage can occur to both the seat
belt and the vehicle.

Seat Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has seat belt
pretensioners for front outboard
occupants. Although the seat belt
pretensioners cannot be seen, they
are part of the seat belt assembly.
They can help tighten the seat belts
during the early stages of a
moderate to severe frontal, near
frontal, or rear crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner

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Seats and Restraints
activation are met. Seat belt
pretensioners can also help tighten
the seat belts in a side crash or a
rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
the pretensioners and probably
other parts of the vehicle's seat belt
system will need to be replaced.
See Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash 0 72.
Do not sit on the outboard seat belt
while entering or exiting the vehicle
or at any time while sitting in the
seat. Sitting on the seat belt can
damage the webbing and hardware.

Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides
Rear seat belt comfort guides may
provide added seat belt comfort for
older children who have outgrown
booster seats and for some adults.
When installed on a shoulder belt,
the comfort guide positions the
shoulder belt away from the neck
and head.

Comfort guides are available
through your dealer for the rear
outboard seating positions.
Instructions are included with the
guide.

Seat Belt Use During
Pregnancy
Seat belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear seat belts.

A pregnant woman should wear a
lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.
The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a seat
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making seat
belts effective is wearing them
properly.

Seat Belt Extender
If the vehicle's seat belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.
But if a seat belt is not long enough,
your dealer will order you an
extender. When you go in to order it,
take the heaviest coat you will wear,
so the extender will be long enough
for you. To help avoid personal
injury, do not let someone else use
it, and use it only for the seat it is
made to fit. The extender has been
designed for adults. Never use it for
securing child restraints. For more

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Seats and Restraints

information on the proper use and fit
of seat belt extenders see the
instruction sheet that comes with
the extender.

Safety System Check
Periodically check the seat belt
reminder, seat belts, buckles, latch
plates, retractors, shoulder belt
height adjusters (if equipped), and
seat belt anchorages to make sure
they are all in working order. Look
for any other loose or damaged seat
belt system parts that might keep a
seat belt system from performing
properly. See your dealer to have it
repaired. Torn or frayed seat belts
may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact
forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,
have it replaced immediately.
Make sure the seat belt reminder
light is working. See Seat Belt
Reminders 0 122.
Keep seat belts clean and dry. See
Seat Belt Care 0 72.

Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.

{ Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt
webbing. It may severely weaken
the webbing. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with
mild soap and lukewarm water.
Allow the webbing to dry.
Seat belts should be properly cared
for and maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept
dry and free of dust or debris. As
necessary exterior hard surfaces
and seat belt webbing may be lightly
cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust
or debris in the mechanism. If dust
or debris exists in the system please
see the dealer. Parts may need to
be replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.

Replacing Seat Belt
System Parts after a
Crash

{ Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt
system in the vehicle. A damaged
seat belt system may not properly
protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even
death in a crash. To help make
sure the seat belt systems are
working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any
necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of
seat belts may not be necessary.
But the seat belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the seat
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.

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Seats and Restraints
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the seat belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light 0 122.

Airbag System
The vehicle has the following
airbags:
. A frontal airbag for the driver
.

A frontal airbag for the front
outboard passenger

A knee airbag for the driver

A knee airbag for the front
outboard passenger

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver

A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the front outboard
passenger

Seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the second row
outboard passengers

A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver

A roof-rail airbag for the front
outboard passenger and the
passenger seated directly
behind the front outboard
passenger

All vehicle airbags have the word
AIRBAG on the trim or on a label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the center of the
steering wheel for the driver and on
the instrument panel for the front
outboard passenger.
For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG
is on the lower part of the
instrument panel.
For seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the
side of the seatback closest to
the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by seat
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

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{ Warning

Warning (Continued)

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your seat belt, even with
airbags. Airbags are designed to
work with seat belts, not replace
them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash.
In some crashes seat belts are
the only restraint. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 0 76.

Because airbags inflate with great
force and faster than the blink of
an eye, anyone who is up
against, or very close to, any
airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
sit unnecessarily close to any
airbag, as you would be if sitting
on the edge of the seat or leaning
forward. Seat belts help keep you
in position before and during a
crash. Always wear a seat belt,
even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle. The seat belts and
the front outboard passenger
airbags are most effective when
you are sitting well back and
upright in the seat with both feet
on the floor.
(Continued)

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

Wearing your seat belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the seat belts. Everyone in the
vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

{ Warning
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Always secure children
properly in the vehicle. To read
how, see Older Children 0 85 or
Infants and Young Children 0 87.

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Seats and Restraints

There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument cluster, which
shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0 122.

Where Are the Airbags?
The driver knee airbag is below the
steering column. The front outboard
passenger knee airbag is below the
glove box.

The driver frontal airbag is in the
center of the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is in the passenger
side instrument panel.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Side Similar
The seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and front
outboard passenger are in the side
of the seatbacks closest to the door.
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
front outboard passenger, and
second row outboard passengers
are in the ceiling above the side
windows.

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Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.

Rear Seat Driver Side Shown,
Passenger Side Similar
On vehicles with second row
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
they are in the sides of the rear
seatback closest to the door.

{ Warning
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an
(Continued)

Do not use seat accessories that
block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie‐down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.

When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with
airbags. See Airbag System 0 73.
Airbags are designed to inflate if the
impact exceeds the specific airbag

system's deployment threshold.
Deployment thresholds are used to
predict how severe a crash is likely
to be in time for the airbags to
inflate and help restrain the
occupants. The vehicle has
electronic sensors that help the
airbag system determine the
severity of the impact. Deployment
thresholds can vary with specific
vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head
and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an object
straight on or at an angle, and

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Seats and Restraints
whether the object is fixed or
moving, rigid or deformable, narrow
or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
advanced technology frontal
airbags. Advanced technology
frontal airbags adjust the restraint
according to crash severity.
Knee airbags are designed to inflate
in moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal impacts. Knee airbags
are not designed to inflate during
vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,
or in many side impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are designed to inflate in moderate
to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.

Roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, these
roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Roof-rail
airbags are not designed to inflate in
rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the
vehicle is struck or if the sensing
system predicts that the vehicle is
about to roll over on its side, or in a
severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or repair costs.

What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.

For airbag locations, see Where Are
the Airbags? 0 75.

How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by seat belts by
distributing the force of the impact
more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of
full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.

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Seats and Restraints

But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 0 76.

airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.

Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to seat belts.

{ Warning

What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After frontal, knee, and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize the airbags inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 0 75.
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated

When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the

fuel system after the airbags inflate.
The feature may also activate,
without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition
off and then on again, the fuel
system will return to normal
operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off,
and the hazard warning flashers can
be turned off using the controls for
those features. If any of these
systems are damaged in the crash
they may not operate as normal.

{ Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
(Continued)

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Seats and Restraints
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for the vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.

Warning (Continued)
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
Hybrid vehicles have a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery. If an airbag inflates or the
vehicle has been in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the front outboard
passenger airbag.
. Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the

The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash.
See Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy 0 394 and Event Data
Recorders 0 394.
Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.

Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front
outboard passenger position. The

passenger airbag status indicator
will light on the overhead console
when the vehicle is started.

United States and Canada

Mexico
The words ON and OFF, or the
symbol for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the
word ON or OFF, or the symbol for
on or off, will be visible. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
0 123.

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The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag under certain conditions. No
other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the front outboard passenger seat
and seat belt. The sensors are
designed to detect the presence of
a properly seated occupant and
determine if the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag should be allowed to inflate
or not.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in the correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
Whenever possible, children age
12 and under should be secured in
a rear seating position.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front. This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag inflates.

{ Warning

Warning (Continued)

A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the passenger frontal
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a
forward position.

the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure child restraints in the rear
seat. Consider using another
vehicle to transport the child
when a rear seat is not available.

Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger airbag(s), no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag(s) are off.
Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front seat, even if
the airbag is off. If securing a
forward-facing child restraint in
(Continued)

The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag if:
. The front outboard passenger
seat is unoccupied.
. The system determines that an
infant is present in a child
restraint.
. A front outboard passenger
takes his/her weight off of the
seat for a period of time.
. There is a critical problem with
the airbag system or the
passenger sensing system.

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When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag, the off indicator
will light and stay lit as a reminder
that the airbags are off. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
0 123.
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn on the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag anytime the system
senses that a person of adult size is
sitting properly in the front outboard
passenger seat. When the
passenger sensing system has
allowed the airbag(s) to be enabled,
the on indicator will light and stay lit
as a reminder that the airbag(s) are
active.
For some children, including
children in child restraints and for
very small adults, the passenger
sensing system may or may not turn
off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag,
depending upon the person's
seating posture and body build.
Everyone in the vehicle who has

outgrown child restraints should
wear a seat belt properly — whether
or not there is an airbag for that
person.

{ Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0 122 for more information,
including important safety
information.

If the On Indicator Is Lit for a
Child Restraint
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag if the system
determines that an infant is present
in a child restraint. If a child restraint
has been installed and the on
indicator is lit:

1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from
the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items
from the seat such as blankets,
cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint
following the directions
provided by the child restraint
manufacturer and refer to
Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)
0 100 or Securing Child
Restraints (With the Seat Belt
in the Rear Seat) 0 98.
Make sure the seat belt
retractor is locked by pulling
the shoulder belt all the way
out of the retractor when
installing the child restraint,
even if the child restraint is
equipped with a seat belt
lock-off. When the retractor
lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of
the retractor.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the
vehicle, the on indicator is still
lit, turn the vehicle off. Then
slightly recline the vehicle
seatback and adjust the seat
cushion, if adjustable, to make
sure that the vehicle seatback
is not pushing the child
restraint into the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child
restraint is not trapped under
the vehicle head restraint.
If this happens, adjust the head
restraint. See Head Restraints
0 56.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may
or may not turn off the airbags for a
child in a child restraint depending
upon the child’s size. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a rear
seat. Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front seat, even if the
on indicator is not lit.

If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an
Adult-Sized Occupant

2. Remove any additional material
from the seat, such as
blankets, cushions, seat
covers, seat heaters, or seat
massagers.
3. Place the seatback in the fully
upright position.
4. Have the person sit upright in
the seat, centered on the seat
cushion, with legs comfortably
extended.

If a person of adult size is sitting in
the front outboard passenger seat,
but the off indicator is lit, it could be
because that person is not sitting
properly in the seat or that the child
restraint locking feature is engaged.
Use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and
enable the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag:
1. Turn the vehicle off.

5. If the shoulder portion of the
belt is pulled out all the way,
the child restraint locking
feature will be engaged. This
may unintentionally cause the
passenger sensing system to
turn the airbag off for some
adult-sized occupants. If this
happens, unbuckle the belt, let
the belt go back all the way,
and then buckle the belt again
without pulling the belt out all
the way.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
6. Restart the vehicle and have
the person remain in this
position for two to
three minutes after the on
indicator is lit.

{ Warning
If the front outboard passenger
airbag is turned off for an
adult-sized occupant, the airbag
will not be able to inflate and help
protect that person in a crash,
resulting in an increased risk of
serious injury or even death. An
adult-sized occupant should not
ride in the front outboard
passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag off indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Seat belts help keep the passenger
in position on the seat during
vehicle maneuvers and braking,
which helps the passenger sensing
system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See “Seat Belts” and

“Child Restraints” in the Index for
additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as
seat covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that you
not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment except when
approved by GM for your specific
vehicle. See Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 84
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
Service Publications Ordering
Information 0 391.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

{ 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 any
parts of the front seats, seat belts,
airbag sensing and diagnostic

module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, inner door seals including the
speakers, any of the airbag
modules, ceiling or pillar garnish
trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring.

could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System
0 79.

Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.

If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels 0 331 for additional
important information.

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

If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
have questions about whether the
modifications will affect the vehicle's
airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag
system will be affected if the vehicle
is modified for any other reason, call
Customer Assistance. See
Customer Assistance Offices 0 384.

Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0 122.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag
may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the
airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 0 75. See your dealer
for service.

Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash

{ Warning
A crash can damage the airbag
systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death. To
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
help make sure the airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.

Child Restraints
Older Children

If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0 122.

Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle’s seat belts.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

The manufacturer instructions that
come with the booster seat state the
weight and height limitations for that
booster. Use a booster seat with a
lap-shoulder belt until the child
passes the fit test below:
. Sit all the way back on the seat.
Do the knees bend at the seat
edge? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.
. Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.
Does the shoulder belt rest on
the shoulder? If yes, continue.
If no, try using the rear seat belt
comfort guide, if available. See
“Rear Seat Belt Comfort Guides”
under Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 69.
If a comfort guide is not
available, or if the shoulder belt
still does not rest on the
shoulder, then return to the
booster seat.
. Does the lap belt fit low and
snug on the hips, touching the
thighs? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.

Can proper seat belt fit be
maintained for the length of the
trip? If yes, continue. If no,
return to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to
wear seat belts?
A: An older child should wear a
lap-shoulder belt and get the
additional restraint a shoulder
belt can provide. The shoulder
belt should not cross the face or
neck. The lap belt should fit
snugly below the hips, just
touching the top of the thighs.
This applies belt force to the
child's pelvic bones in a crash.
It should never be worn over the
abdomen, which could cause
severe or even fatal internal
injuries in a crash.
Also see “Rear Seat Belt Comfort
Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt
0 69.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
restrained in a rear seating position.

In a crash, children who are not
buckled up can strike other people
who are buckled up, or can be
thrown out of the vehicle. Older
children need to use seat belts
properly.

{ Warning
Never allow more than one child
to wear the same seat belt. The
seat belt cannot properly spread
the impact forces. In a crash, they
can be crushed together and
seriously injured. A seat belt must
be used by only one person at
a time.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

need, for everyone, to use safety
restraints. In fact, the law in every
state in the United States and in
every Canadian province says
children up to some age must be
restrained while in a vehicle.

{ Warning

{ Warning
Never allow a child to wear the
seat belt with the shoulder belt
behind their back. A child can be
seriously injured by not wearing
the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a
crash, the child would not be
restrained by the shoulder belt.
The child could move too far
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. The child
might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
(Continued)

Infants and Young
Children
Everyone in a vehicle needs
protection! This includes infants and
all other children. Neither the
distance traveled nor the age and
size of the traveler changes the

Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck. The
shoulder belt can tighten but
cannot be loosened if it is locked.
The shoulder belt locks when it is
pulled all the way out of the
retractor. It unlocks when the
shoulder belt is allowed to go all
the way back into the retractor,
but it cannot do this if it is
wrapped around a child’s neck.
If the shoulder belt is locked and
tightened around a child’s neck,
the only way to loosen the belt is
to cut it.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)

Never leave children unattended
in a vehicle and never allow
children to play with the seat
belts.

Warning (Continued)

infant will suddenly become a
110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's
arms. An infant or child should be
secured in an appropriate
restraint.

or killed. Never put a rear-facing
child restraint in the front
outboard seat. Secure a
rear-facing child restraint in a rear
seat. It is also better to secure a
forward-facing child restraint in a
rear seat. If you must secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the front outboard seat, always
move the front passenger seat as
far back as it will go.

Every time infants and young
children ride in vehicles, they should
have the protection provided by
appropriate child restraints. Neither
the vehicle's seat belt system nor its
airbag system is designed for them.
Children who are not restrained
properly can strike other people,
or can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ Warning
Never hold an infant or a child
while riding in a vehicle. Due to
crash forces, an infant or a child
will become so heavy it is not
possible to hold it during a crash.
For example, in a crash at only
40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
(Continued)

{ Warning
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Child restraints are devices used to
restrain, seat, or position children in
the vehicle and are sometimes
called child seats or car seats.
There are three basic types of
child restraints:
. Forward-facing child restraints
.

Rearward-facing child restraints

Belt-positioning booster seats

The proper child restraint for your
child depends on their size, weight,
and age, and also on whether the
child restraint is compatible with the
vehicle in which it will be used.
For each type of child restraint,
there are many different models
available. When purchasing a child
restraint, be sure it is designed to be
used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the
restraint will have a label saying that
it meets federal motor vehicle safety
standards. The restraint
manufacturer's instructions that
come with the restraint state the
weight and height limitations for a
particular child restraint. In addition,

there are many kinds of restraints
available for children with special
needs.

{ Warning
To reduce the risk of neck and
head injury in a crash, infants and
toddlers should be secured in a
rear-facing child restraint until age
two, or until they reach the
maximum height and weight limits
of their child restraint.

Warning (Continued)
injuries. To reduce the risk of
serious or fatal injuries during a
crash, young children should
always be secured in appropriate
child restraints.

Child Restraint Systems

{ Warning
A young child's hip bones are still
so small that the vehicle's regular
seat belt may not remain low on
the hip bones, as it should.
Instead, it may settle up around
the child's abdomen. In a crash,
the belt would apply force on a
body area that is unprotected by
any bony structure. This alone
could cause serious or fatal
(Continued)

Rear-Facing Infant Restraint
A rear-facing child restraint provides
restraint with the seating surface
against the back of the infant.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Securing an Add-On Child
Restraint in the Vehicle

The harness system holds the infant
in place and, in a crash, acts to
keep the infant positioned in the
restraint.

{ Warning

Booster Seats

Forward-Facing Child Restraint
A forward-facing child restraint
provides restraint for the child's
body with the harness.

A belt-positioning booster seat is
used for children who have
outgrown their forward-facing child
restraint. Boosters are designed to
improve the fit of the vehicle's seat
belt system until the child is large
enough for the vehicle seat belts to
fit properly without a booster seat.
See the seat belt fit test in Older
Children 0 85.

A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle’s seat belt or
LATCH system, following the
instructions that came with that
child restraint and the instructions
in this manual.
To help reduce the chance of injury,
the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraints must
be secured in vehicle seats by lap
belts or the lap belt portion of a
lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH
system. See Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) 0 92 for more information.
Children can be endangered in a
crash if the child restraint is not
properly secured in the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
When securing an add-on child
restraint, refer to the instructions
that come with the restraint which
may be on the restraint itself or in a
booklet, or both, and to this manual.
The child restraint instructions are
important, so if they are not
available, obtain a replacement
copy from the manufacturer.
Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in
the vehicle — even when no child is
in it.
In some areas of the United States
and Canada, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to correctly
use and install child restraints. In
the U.S., refer to the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) website to
locate the nearest child safety seat
inspection station. For CPST

availability in Canada, check with
Transport Canada or the Provincial
Ministry of Transportation office.

Securing the Child Within the
Child Restraint

{ Warning
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child is not
properly secured in the child
restraint. Secure the child
properly following the instructions
that came with that child restraint.

Where to Put the
Restraint
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in an appropriate
child restraint secured in a rear
seating position.
Whenever possible, children aged
12 and under should be secured in
a rear seating position.

Never put a rear-facing child
restraint in the front. This is because
the risk to the rear-facing child is so
great if the airbag deploys.

{ Warning
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the front passenger
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
front passenger airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)

Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag
is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the front seat, always move the
front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure
the child restraint in a rear seat.
See Passenger Sensing System
0 79 for additional information.
When securing a child restraint with
the seat belts in a rear seat position,
study the instructions that came with
the child restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.
Child restraints and booster seats
vary considerably in size, and some
may fit in certain seating positions
better than others.
Depending on where you place the
child restraint and the size of the
child restraint, you may not be able
to access adjacent seat belts or
LATCH anchors for additional

passengers or child restraints.
Adjacent seating positions should
not be used if the child restraint
prevents access to or interferes with
the routing of the seat belt.
Wherever a child restraint is
installed, be sure to follow the
instructions that came with the child
restraint system and secure the
child restraint system properly.
Keep in mind that an unsecured
child restraint can move around in a
collision or sudden stop and injure
people in the vehicle. Be sure to
properly secure any child restraint in
the vehicle — even when no child is
in it.

Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children
(LATCH System)
The LATCH system secures a child
restraint during driving or in a crash.
LATCH attachments on the child
restraint are used to attach the child
restraint to the anchors in the

vehicle. The LATCH system is
designed to make installation of a
child restraint easier.
In order to use the LATCH system in
your vehicle, you need a child
restraint that has LATCH
attachments. LATCH-compatible
rear-facing and forward-facing child
seats can be properly installed
using either the LATCH anchors or
the vehicle’s seat belts. Do not use
both the seat belts and the LATCH
anchorage system to secure a
rear-facing or forward-facing
child seat.
Booster seats use the vehicle’s seat
belts to secure the child and the
booster seat. If the manufacturer
recommends that the booster seat
be secured with the LATCH system,
this can be done as long as the
booster seat can be positioned
properly and there is no interference
with the proper positioning of the
lap-shoulder belt on the child.
Make sure to follow the instructions
that came with the child restraint,
and also the instructions in this
manual.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
When installing a child restraint with
a top tether, you must also use
either the lower anchors or the seat
belts to properly secure the child
restraint. A child restraint must
never be installed using only the top
tether and anchor.
The LATCH anchorage system can
be used until the combined weight
of the child plus the child restraint is
29.5 kg (65 lbs). Use the seat belt
alone instead of the LATCH
anchorage system once the
combined weight is more than
29.5 kg (65 lbs).

Not all vehicle seating positions
have lower anchors. In this case,
the seat belt must be used (with top
tether where available) to secure
the child restraint.
See Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)
0 100 or Securing Child Restraints
(With the Seat Belt in the Rear
Seat) 0 98.

The following explains how to attach
a child restraint with these
attachments in the vehicle.

seating position that will
accommodate a child restraint with
lower attachments (2).

Top Tether Anchor

Lower Anchors

See Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)
0 100 or Securing Child Restraints
(With the Seat Belt in the Rear
Seat) 0 98.
Child restraints built after March
2014 will be labeled with the
specific child weight up to which the
LATCH system can be used to
install the restraint.

Lower anchors (1) are metal bars
built into the vehicle. There are two
lower anchors for each LATCH

A top tether (3,4) is used to secure
the top of the child restraint to the
vehicle. A top tether anchor is built
into the vehicle. The top tether
attachment hook (2) on the child
restraint connects to the top tether
anchor in the vehicle in order to
reduce the forward movement and
rotation of the child restraint during
driving or in a crash.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints

The child restraint may have a
single tether (3) or a dual tether (4).
Either will have a single attachment
hook (2) to secure the top tether to
the anchor.
Some child restraints that have a
top tether are designed for use with
or without the top tether being
attached. Others require the top
tether always to be attached. In
Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the child
restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether
Anchor Locations

Rear Seat

I : Seating positions with top
tether anchors.

H : Seating positions with two
lower anchors.

To assist in locating the lower
anchors, each seating position with
lower anchors has two labels, near
the crease between the seatback
and the seat cushion.

To assist in locating the top tether
anchors, the top tether anchor
symbol is on the cover.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
The outboard lower anchors are
behind the vertical openings in the
seat trim.

the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top tether
must be attached.
According to accident statistics,
children and infants are safer when
properly restrained in a child
restraint system or infant restraint
system secured in a rear seating
position. See Where to Put the
Restraint 0 91 for additional
information.

Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH
System
The top tether anchors are under
the covers, behind the rear seat, on
the filler panel. Be sure to use an
anchor on the same side of the
vehicle as the seating position
where the child restraint will be
placed.
Do not secure a child restraint in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be attached, or if

{ Warning
If a LATCH-type child restraint is
not attached to anchors, the child
restraint will not be able to protect
the child correctly. In a crash, the
child could be seriously injured or
killed. Install a LATCH-type child
restraint properly using the
anchors, or use the vehicle's seat
belts to secure the restraint,
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
following the instructions that
came with the child restraint and
the instructions in this manual.

{ Warning
To reduce the risk of serious or
fatal injuries during a crash, do
not attach more than one child
restraint to a single anchor.
Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment
to come loose or even break
during a crash. A child or others
could be injured.

{ Warning
Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck. The
(Continued)

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Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)

Caution

shoulder belt can tighten but
cannot be loosened if it is locked.
The shoulder belt locks when it is
pulled all the way out of the
retractor. It unlocks when the
shoulder belt is allowed to go all
the way back into the retractor,
but it cannot do this if it is
wrapped around a child’s neck.
If the shoulder belt is locked and
tightened around a child’s neck,
the only way to loosen the belt is
to cut it.

Do not let the LATCH
attachments rub against the
vehicle’s seat belts. This may
damage these parts. If necessary,
move buckled seat belts to avoid
rubbing the LATCH attachments.

Buckle any unused seat belts
behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull
the shoulder belt all the way out
of the retractor to set the lock,
and tighten the belt behind the
child restraint after the child
restraint has been installed.

Do not fold the rear seatback
when the seat is occupied. Do not
fold the empty rear seat with a
seat belt buckled. This could
damage the seat belt or the seat.
Unbuckle and return the seat belt
to its stowed position, before
folding the seat.
If you need to secure more than one
child restraint in the rear seat, see
Where to Put the Restraint 0 91.
This system is designed to make
installation of child restraints easier.
When using lower anchors, do not
use the vehicle's seat belts. Instead
use the vehicle's anchors and child
restraint attachments to secure the

restraints. Some restraints also use
another vehicle anchor to secure a
top tether.
1. Attach and tighten the lower
attachments to the lower
anchors. If the child restraint
does not have lower
attachments or the desired
seating position does not have
lower anchors, secure the child
restraint with the top tether and
the seat belts. Refer to the
child restraint manufacturer
instructions and the
instructions in this manual.
1.1. Find the lower anchors
for the desired seating
position.
1.2. Put the child restraint on
the seat.
1.3. Attach and tighten the
lower attachments on the
child restraint to the lower
anchors.
2. If the child restraint
manufacturer recommends that
the top tether be attached,
attach and tighten the top

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Seats and Restraints
tether to the top tether anchor,
if equipped. Refer to the child
restraint instructions and the
following steps:

and you are using a
single tether, route the
tether over the seatback.

2.1. Find the top tether
anchor.
Open the cover to expose
the anchor.
2.2. Route, attach, and tighten
the top tether according
to the child restraint
instructions and the
following instructions:

If the position you are
using does not have a
headrest or head restraint

If the position you are
using has an adjustable
headrest or head restraint
and you are using a
single tether, route the
tether under the headrest
or head restraint and in
between the headrest or
head restraint posts.

If the position you are
using does not have a
headrest or head restraint
and you are using a dual
tether, route the tether
over the seatback.
If the position you are
using has an adjustable
headrest or head restraint
and you are using a dual
tether route the tether
around the headrest or
head restraint.
3. Before placing a child in the
child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To

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Seats and Restraints
check, grasp the child restraint
at the LATCH path and attempt
to move it side to side and
back and forth. There should
be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in)
of movement for proper
installation.

Replacing LATCH System
Parts After a Crash

{ Warning
A crash can damage the LATCH
system in the vehicle. A damaged
LATCH system may not properly
secure the child restraint,
resulting in serious injury or even
death in a crash. To help make
sure the LATCH system is
working properly after a crash,
see your dealer to have the
system inspected and any
necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system
and it was being used during a
crash, new LATCH system parts
may be needed.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the LATCH
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Securing Child Restraints
(With the Seat Belt in the
Rear Seat)
When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the
instructions that came with the child
restraint to make sure it is
compatible with this vehicle.
If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) 0 92 for how and where to
install the child restraint using
LATCH. If a child restraint is
secured in the vehicle using a seat
belt and it uses a top tether, see
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 0 92 for
top tether anchor locations.

Do not secure a child seat in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored.
If the child restraint or vehicle seat
position does not have the LATCH
system, you will be using the seat
belt to secure the child restraint. Be
sure to follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint.
If more than one child restraint
needs to be installed in the rear
seat, be sure to read Where to Put
the Restraint 0 91.
1. Put the child restraint on
the seat.
2. Pick up the latch plate, and run
the lap and shoulder portions
of the vehicle's seat belt
through or around the restraint.
The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

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Seats and Restraints

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks. If the latch
plate will not go fully into the
buckle, check if the correct
buckle is being used.
Position the release button on
the buckle, away from the child
restraint system, so that the
seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the
way out of the retractor to set
the lock. When the retractor
lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of
the retractor.

5. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the
belt, and feed the shoulder belt
back into the retractor. When
installing a forward-facing child
restraint, it may be helpful to
use your knee to push down on
the child restraint as you
tighten the belt.
Try to pull the belt out of the
retractor to make sure the
retractor is locked. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 4 and 5.

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Seats and Restraints

6. If the child restraint has a top
tether, follow the child restraint
manufacturer's instructions
regarding the use of the top
tether. See Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) 0 92.
7. Before placing a child in the
child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To
check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and
attempt to move it side to side
and back and forth. When the
child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no
more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of
movement.
To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle seat belt and
let it return to the stowed position.
If the top tether is attached to a top
tether anchor, disconnect it.

Securing Child Restraints
(With the Seat Belt in the
Front Seat)
This vehicle has airbags. A rear
seat is a safer place to secure a
forward-facing child restraint. See
Where to Put the Restraint 0 91.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system which is
designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag under certain
conditions.
See Passenger Sensing System
0 79 and Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0 123 for more information,
including important safety
information.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front. This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great if the
airbag deploys.

{ Warning
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would
be very close to the inflating
airbag. A child in a forward-facing
child restraint can be seriously
injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
inflates and the passenger seat is
in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger airbag(s), no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag(s) are off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the
airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
(Continued)

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Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
forward-facing child restraint in
the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
See Passenger Sensing System
0 79 for additional information.
If the child restraint uses a top
tether, see Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) 0 92 for top tether anchor
locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if
the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached.

When using the lap-shoulder belt to
secure the child restraint in this
position, follow the instructions that
came with the child restraint and the
following instructions:

101

through or around the restraint.
The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

1. Move the seat as far back as it
will go before securing the
forward-facing child restraint.
Move the seat upward or the
seatback to an upright position,
if needed, to get a tight
installation of the child
restraint.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag, the off
indicator on the passenger
airbag status indicator should
light and stay lit when you start
the vehicle. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0 123.
2. Put the child restraint on
the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run
the lap and shoulder portions
of the vehicle's seat belt

4. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks.
Position the release button on
the buckle, away from the child
restraint system, so that the
seat belt could be quickly
unbuckled if necessary.

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Seats and Restraints
7. Before placing a child in the
child restraint, make sure it is
securely held in place. To
check, grasp the child restraint
at the seat belt path and
attempt to move it side to side
and back and forth. When the
child restraint is properly
installed, there should be no
more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of
movement.

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the
way out of the retractor to set
the lock. When the retractor
lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of
the retractor.

6. To tighten the belt, push down
on the child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the
belt, and feed the shoulder belt
back into the retractor. When
installing a forward-facing child
restraint, it may be helpful to
use your knee to push down on
the child restraint as you
tighten the belt.
Try to pull the belt out of the
retractor to make sure the
retractor is locked. If the
retractor is not locked, repeat
Steps 5 and 6.

If the airbags are off, the off
indicator in the passenger airbag
status indicator will come on and
stay on when the vehicle is started.
If a child restraint has been installed
and the on indicator is lit, see “If the
On Indicator Is Lit for a Child
Restraint” under Passenger Sensing
System 0 79.
To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle seat belt and
let it return to the stowed position.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Storage

Storage
Compartments

Storage Compartments
Storage Compartments . . . . . . .
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage . . . . . .
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . .

103
103
103
104
104

Additional Storage Features
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

103

Cupholders
Rear Seat

{ Warning
Do not store heavy or sharp
objects in storage compartments.
In a crash, these objects may
cause the cover to open and
could result in injury.

Glove Box
Pull the handle up to open.
Lower the armrest to access the
cupholders.

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104

Storage

Center Console Storage

Umbrella Storage

Additional Storage
Features
Cargo Tie-Downs
There are cargo tie‐downs in the
trunk. The cargo tie‐downs can be
used to secure small loads or the
convenience net. See Convenience
Net 0 104.

Convenience Net
The center console has storage
under the armrest. Pull up the latch
and lift to open.

Slide an umbrella into the opening
on the driver or passenger door.

For vehicles with a convenience net,
it is in the trunk and used to store
small loads. The net should not be
used to store heavy loads. Attach
the loops on each side of the net to
the cargo tie-downs in the trunk.
See Cargo Tie-Downs 0 104.

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Instruments and Controls

Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 106
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 106
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 107
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 107
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Instrument Cluster (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Tachometer (Non-Hybrid) . . . . . 119
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Power Indicator Gauge
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 122
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 122
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 124
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 124
Brake System Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 128
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 128
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 129
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 130

105

Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Ready Light
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . .
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . .

130
131
131
131
131
132
132
132

Information Displays
Power Flows (Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . 133
Energy Information
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 140
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 140

Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 141

Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . 153

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106

Instruments and Controls

Universal Remote System
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Universal Remote System
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Controls

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.

Steering Wheel
Adjustment

Steering Wheel Controls

To adjust the steering wheel:

g : If equipped with OnStar® or a

1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.

Bluetooth® system, press to interact
with those systems. See OnStar
Overview 0 396, Bluetooth
(Overview) 0 185 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls Radio with
Touchscreen) 0 190 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls Radio without
Touchscreen) 0 186, or “Bluetooth
(Overview)” in the infotainment
manual.

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Instruments and Controls

c : Press to reject an incoming
call or end a current call. Press to
mute or unmute the infotainment
system when not on a call.

The favorite and volume switches
are on the back of the steering
wheel.
1. Favorite: When on a radio
source, press to select the next
or previous favorite. When on a
media source, press to select
the next or previous track.
2. Volume: Press to increase or
decrease the volume.

Heated Steering Wheel

( : If equipped with a heated
steering wheel, press to turn on or
off. A light on the button displays
when the feature is turned on.
The steering wheel takes about
three minutes to start heating.

Horn
Press a on the steering wheel pad
to sound the horn.

107

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The windshield wiper/washer lever
is on the side of the steering
column. With the ignition on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY, move the
windshield wiper lever to select the
wiper speed.
HI : Use for fast wipes.

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Instruments and Controls

LO : Use for slow wipes.

Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. If the wiper motor
overheats, the windshield wipers will
stop until the motor cools and the
wiper control is turned off. See
Electrical System Overload 0 306.
Wiper Parking
If the ignition is turned off while the
wipers are on LO, HI, or INT, they
will immediately stop.

INT : Move the lever up to INT for
intermittent wipes, then turn the
band up for more frequent wipes or
down for less frequent wipes.
OFF : Use to turn the wipers off.
1X : For a single wipe, briefly move
the lever down. For several wipes,
hold the lever down.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and windshield before using
them. If frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them.
Damaged blades should be
replaced. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0 299.

If the windshield wiper lever is then
moved to OFF before the driver
door is opened or within 10 minutes,
the wipers will restart and move to
the base of the windshield.
If the ignition is turned off while the
wipers are performing wipes due to
windshield washing, the wipers
continue to run until they reach the
base of the windshield.

f : Pull the windshield wiper
lever toward you to spray windshield
washer fluid and activate the wipers.
The wipers will continue until the
lever is released or the maximum
wash time is reached. When the
lever is released, additional wipes
may occur depending on how long

the windshield washer had been
activated. See Washer Fluid 0 294
for information on filling the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.

{ Warning
In freezing weather, do not use
the washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.

Compass
The vehicle may have a compass
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). The compass receives
its heading and other information
from the Global Positioning
System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak,
and vehicle speed information.
The compass system is designed to
operate for a certain number of
miles or degrees of turn before
needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass
display shows CAL, drive the
vehicle for a short distance in an

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Instruments and Controls
open area where it can receive a
GPS signal. The compass system
will automatically determine when a
GPS signal is restored and provide
a heading again.

Clock
Radio without Touchscreen
The infotainment system controls
are used to access the time and
date settings through the menu
system. See Operation 0 170 on
how to use the menu system.

Setting the Time and Date
1. Press MENU, then select
Settings.
2. Select Time and Date.
3. Select Set Time or Set Date.
4. Turn MENU to change the
value.
5. Press MENU to select the next
value.
6. Turn MENU to change the
value.

7. To exit without saving, press
BACK at any time; or to save
and return to the Time and
Date menu, press MENU
multiple times.

Auto Set
When Auto Set is enabled, the time
cannot be manually set.
From the Set Time or Set
Date menu:
1. Press the preset button under
Auto Set.
2. Turn MENU to select Off
(Manual) or On-Cell Network,
then press MENU to select it
and return to the Time and
Date menu.
3. To exit without saving, press
BACK at any time.

Setting the 12/24 Hour Format
From the Set Time menu:
1. Press the preset button under
12-24 HR to change between
12 hour and 24 hour modes.

109

2. To return to the Time and Date
menu, press BACK at any time.

Radio with Touchscreen
The infotainment system controls
are used to access the time and
date settings through the menu
system. See Operation 0 170 on
how to use the menu system.

Setting the Time and Date
When Auto Set is enabled the time
cannot be manually set.
1. Press

{, then touch Settings.

2. Touch Time and Date, then Set
Time or Set Date.
3. Touch + or − to adjust the
value.
4. Touch R or Q to adjust AM or
PM for 12 hour format.
5. Touch 0 to return to the
Time and Date menu.

Auto Set
1. Press

{, then touch Settings.

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Instruments and Controls

2. Touch Time and Date, then
Auto Set.

4. Touch 0 to return to the
Time and Date menu.

3. Select from the available
selections.

Power Outlets

4. Touch 0 to return to the
Time and Date menu.

Power Outlet 12-Volt Direct
Current

Setting the 12/24 Hour Format
1. Press

{, then touch Settings.

2. Touch Time and Date, then
select 12h or 24h format.
3. Touch 0 to return to the
Time and Date menu.

Setting the Month and Day
Format
1. Press

{, then touch Settings.

2. Touch Time and Date, then Set
Date Format.
3. Select DD/MM/YYYY (day/
month/year), MM/DD/YYYY
(month/day/year), or YYYY/
MM/DD (year/month/day)
format.

The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two accessory power
outlets:
. One on the center stack below
the climate control system.
. One on the rear of the center
console.
The outlet is powered when the
ignition is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or until the driver
door is opened within 10 minutes of
turning off the vehicle. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 225.
Open the protective cover to use the
accessory power outlet.
Certain electrical accessories may
not be compatible with the
accessory power outlets and could

overload vehicle or adapter fuses.
If there is a problem, see your
dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the installation
instructions included with the
equipment. See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0 272.

Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in
equipment that exceeds the
maximum 20 amps rating.

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Instruments and Controls
Power Outlet 110/120-Volt
Alternating Current
If equipped with this power outlet it
can be used to plug in electrical
equipment that uses a maximum
limit of 150 watts.

The power outlet is on the rear of
the center console.
An indicator light on the outlet turns
on to show it is in use. The light
comes on when the ignition is in
ON/RUN and equipment requiring
less than 150 watts is plugged into
the outlet, and no system fault is
detected.

The indicator light does not come on
if the ignition is off, if no equipment
is plugged into the outlet, or if the
equipment is plugged in, but not
fully seated in the outlet.
If equipment is connected using
more than 150 watts or a system
fault is detected, the equipment may
operate briefly then turn off.
A protection circuit shuts off the
power supply and the indicator light
turns off. To reset the circuit, unplug
the item and plug it back in or turn
the Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) off and then back on. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 225. The power restarts when
equipment using 150 watts or less is
plugged into the outlet and a system
fault is not detected.
The power outlet is not designed for
the following, and may not work
properly if they are plugged in:
. Equipment with high initial peak
wattage, such as
compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools

111

Other equipment requiring an
extremely stable power supply,
such as
microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets and touch
sensor lamps

Medical equipment

See High Voltage Devices and
Wiring 0 306.

Wireless Charging
The vehicle may have a wireless
charging pocket outside the armrest
of the center console. The system
operates at 145 kHz and wirelessly
charges one PMA or Qi compatible
mobile device. The power output of
the system is capable of charging at
a rate up to 1 amp (5W), as
requested by the compatible mobile
device. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0 392.
To check for phone or other device
compatibility:
. In the U.S., see
my.chevrolet.com/learn.

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Instruments and Controls

In Canada, see
gmtotalconnect.ca.

Or, see your dealer for details.

{ Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted
pacemaker or other medical
devices. If you have one, it is
recommended to consult with
your doctor before using the
wireless charging system.
The vehicle must be on, in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. The wireless charging
feature may not correctly indicate
charging when the vehicle is in RAP.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0 225.
The operating temperature is −20 °C
(−4 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F) for the
charging system and 0 °C (32 °F) to
35 °C (95 °F) for the mobile device.

{ Warning
Remove all objects from the
charging pocket before charging
your mobile phone. Objects, such
as coins, keys, rings, paper clips,
or cards, between the mobile
phone and the charger will
become very hot. On the rare
occasion that the charging system
does not detect an object, and the
object gets wedged between the
mobile phone and the charger,
remove the mobile phone and
allow the object to cool before
removing it from the charging
pocket, to prevent burns.

To charge a mobile device:
1. Remove all objects from the
charging pocket. The system
may not charge if there are any
objects in between the mobile
device and charging pocket.
2. With the mobile device screen
facing the rear of the vehicle,
slowly insert the device into the
charging pocket until }
appears on the V on the
infotainment display. This
indicates that the mobile device
is properly positioned and
charging. If a mobile device is
inserted into the pocket and }

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Instruments and Controls
does not display, remove the
mobile device from the pocket,
turn it 180 degrees, and wait
three seconds before inserting
the mobile device into the
pocket again.

Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly
when the engine is started to
indicate they are working. When
one of the warning lights comes on
and stays on while driving, or when
one of the gauges shows there may
be a problem, check the section that
explains what to do. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even
dangerous.

113

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Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster (Base Level)

English Shown, Metric Similar

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Instruments and Controls

English Hybrid Shown, Metric Similar

115

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Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster (Uplevel)

English Shown, Metric Similar

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Instruments and Controls

English Hybrid Shown, Metric Similar

117

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Instruments and Controls

Cluster Menu

Info app. This is where you can
view the selected Driver
Information Center (DIC)
displays.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133.

Audio

Phone

Press V to select the Phone app,
then press p to enter the Phone
menu. In the Phone menu, if there is
no active phone call, view recent
calls, scroll through contacts,
or select from the favorites. If there
is an active call, mute or unmute the
phone or switch to handset or
handsfree operation.

Navigation

Options

Press V to select the Navigation
app, then press p to enter the
Navigation menu. If there is no
active route, you can resume the
last route and turn the voice
prompts on/off. If there is an active
route, press V to cancel route
guidance or turn the voice prompts
on/off.

There is an interactive display area
in the center of the instrument
cluster.

Audio

Use the right steering wheel control
to open and scroll through the
different items and displays.
Press o to access the cluster
applications. Use w or x to scroll
through the list of available
applications. Not all applications will
be available on all vehicles.

Phone

In the main view of the Audio app,
press w or x to scroll through
radio stations or move to the next/
previous track of a CD/USB/
Bluetooth device that is connected
to the vehicle. Press V to select the
Audio app, then press p to enter
the Audio menu. In the Audio menu
browse for music, select from the
favorites, or change the audio
source.

Options
Press V to select the Options app.
Use w or x to scroll through the
items in the Options menu.

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Instruments and Controls
Units : Press p while Units is
displayed to enter the Units menu.
Choose U.S. or metric units by
pressing V while the desired item is
highlighted.
Info Pages : Press p while Info
Pages is displayed to enter the Info
Pages menu and select the items to
be displayed in the Info app.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.
Speed Warning : The Speed
Warning display allows the driver to
set a speed that they do not want to
exceed. To set the Speed Warning,
press p when Speed Warning is
displayed. Press w or x to adjust
the value. Press V to set the speed.
Once the speed is set, this feature
can be turned off by pressing V
while viewing this page. If the
selected speed limit is exceeded, a
pop-up warning is displayed with a
chime.

Speedometer
The speedometer shows the
vehicle's speed in either kilometers
per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph).

Odometer
The odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven, in either
kilometers or miles.

Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far
the vehicle has been driven since
the trip odometer was last reset.
The trip odometer is accessed and
reset through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.

Tachometer (Non-Hybrid)
The tachometer displays the engine
speed in revolutions per
minute (rpm).

119

For vehicles with the Stop/Start
system, when the ignition is on, the
tachometer indicates the vehicle
status. When pointing to AUTO
STOP, the engine is off but the
vehicle is on and can move. The
engine could auto start at any time.
When the indicator points to OFF,
the vehicle is off.
When the engine is on, the
tachometer will indicate the engine’s
revolutions per minute (rpm). The
tachometer may vary by several
hundred rpm’s, during Auto Stop
mode, when the engine is shutting
off and restarting.
A slight bump may be felt when the
transmission is determining the
most fuel efficient operating range.

Caution
If the engine is operated with the
rpm’s in the warning area at the
high end of the tachometer, the
vehicle could be damaged, and
the damage would not be covered
(Continued)

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Instruments and Controls
Caution (Continued)

by the vehicle warranty. Do not
operate the engine with the rpm’s
in the warning area.

Fuel Gauge

English Uplevel
When the ignition is on, the fuel
gauge indicates about how much
fuel is left in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates the side of the vehicle the
fuel door is on.
Metric Uplevel

When the indicator nears empty, the
low fuel light comes on. There is a
small amount of fuel left, but the fuel
tank should be filled soon.

Here are four things that some
owners ask about. None of these
show a problem with the fuel gauge:
. At the service station, the fuel
pump shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
. It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge
indicated. For example, the
gauge indicated the tank was
half full, but it actually took a
little more or less than half the
tank's capacity to fill the tank.
. The gauge moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up.
. The gauge takes a few seconds
to stabilize after the ignition is
turned on, and goes back to
empty when the ignition is
turned off.

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Instruments and Controls

Power Indicator Gauge
(Hybrid)

121

Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge

English Uplevel
Metric Uplevel
The power gauge indicates the
vehicle's power usage in propelling
or slowing the vehicle. The green
area indicates regenerative braking.
The white area indicates power
provided by the engine and/or
battery. The yellow area shows high
power usage. Operating the vehicle
closer to the zero power position
both during acceleration and braking
will result in higher efficiency.

This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward the
warning area at the high end of the
gauge, the engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the same
thing as the warning light. It means
that the engine coolant has
overheated. If the vehicle has been
operating under normal driving
conditions, pull off the road, stop the
vehicle, and turn off the engine as
soon as possible. See Engine
Overheating 0 293.

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Instruments and Controls

Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.

Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light
There is a passenger seat belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System 0 79.

such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other
electronic device. To turn off the
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the seat belt.

Airbag Readiness Light

When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.

When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their seat belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.

If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.

If the passenger seat belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt
reminder light and chime may turn
on if an object is put on the seat

This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners,
the airbag modules, the wiring, and
the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the
airbag system, see Airbag System
0 73.

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Instruments and Controls

outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag are allowed to
inflate.

The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.

{ Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.

Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
Sensing System 0 79 for important
safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag
status indicator.

123

United States and Canada

Mexico
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF, or the symbol
for on and off, for several seconds
as a system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status
indicator will light either ON or OFF,
or either the on or off symbol, to let
you know the status of the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the front

If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.

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Instruments and Controls

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the ignition is in
Service Mode. See Ignition
Positions 0 220.

If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a
message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.

Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.

Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
(Continued)

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Instruments and Controls
Caution (Continued)
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 275.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled as
soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.

If the light is on steady : A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless fuel
funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “Filling
the Tank with a Portable Gas
Can” under Filling the Tank
0 264. The diagnostic system
can detect if the adapter has
been left installed in the vehicle,
allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter removed
may turn off the light.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See Fuel
0 262.

125

If the light remains on, see your
dealer.

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).

The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0 272. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.

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Instruments and Controls

The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the ignition is in
Service Mode.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.

Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.

{ Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.

Electric Parking Brake
Light
Metric

English

This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on,
there is a brake problem.

Metric

English

This light comes on when the
parking brake is applied. If the light
continues flashing after the parking
brake is released, or while driving,
there is a problem with the Electric

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Instruments and Controls
Parking Brake system. A message
may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on,
or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Service Electric Parking
Brake Light

Parking Brake 0 232. A message
may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).

Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light

127

If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but
the antilock brakes are not
functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake
system warning light are on, the
vehicle's antilock brakes are not
functioning and there is a problem
with the regular brakes. See your
dealer for service.
See Brake System Warning Light
0 126.

This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
For vehicles with the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB), the service
electric parking brake light should
come on briefly when the vehicle is
on. If it does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If this light stays on, there is a
problem with a system on the
vehicle that is causing the parking
brake system to work at a reduced
level. The vehicle can still be driven,
but should be taken to a dealer as
soon as possible. See Electric

Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light

If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the
system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may
also sound when the light comes on
steady.

If available, this light comes on
briefly while starting the vehicle.
If it does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced.

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Instruments and Controls

This light is green if LKA is available
to assist.
LKA may assist by gently turning
the steering wheel if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking
without using the turn signal in that
direction. The LKA light will turn
amber.

See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 252.

Pedestrian Ahead
Indicator

This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.

This light is amber and flashes as a
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
alert, to indicate that the lane
marking has been crossed.
See Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0 260.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

If equipped, one of these indicators
will display when a nearby
pedestrian is detected directly in
front of the vehicle.
If equipped, this indicator will
display green when a vehicle is
detected ahead and amber when
you are following a vehicle ahead
much too closely.

Traction Off Light

See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System 0 256.

The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak
button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF
light come on when StabiliTrak is
turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.

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Instruments and Controls

StabiliTrak OFF Light

Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light

129

See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.

Tire Pressure Light

This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off.
If StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the
system does not assist in controlling
the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and
the StabiliTrak systems, and the
warning light turns off.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.

This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.
If the light is on and flashing, the
TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system
is actively working.

For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. Stop as soon as possible,
and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0 321.

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Instruments and Controls

When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0 324.

Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check
the oil level as soon as possible.
Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.

This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.

This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.

Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel)

It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.

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Instruments and Controls

Low Fuel Warning Light
(Base Level)

Security Light

The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
Metric Shown
This light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition is turned
on as a check to indicate it is
working. If it does not come on,
have it fixed.
The low fuel warning light comes on
and a chime sounds when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The light turns
off when fuel is added to the
fuel tank.

If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See Immobilizer Operation
0 48.

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Vehicle Ready Light
(Hybrid)

The vehicle ready light comes on
whenever the vehicle is ready to be
driven.

High-Beam On Light

This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer 0 159.

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Instruments and Controls

IntelliBeam Light

Cruise Control Light

Door Ajar Light (Uplevel)

This light comes on when the
IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is
enabled. See Exterior Lamp
Controls 0 157.

The cruise control light is white
when the cruise control is on and
ready, and turns green when the
cruise control is set and active. See
Cruise Control 0 237.

This light comes on when a door is
open or not securely latched. Before
driving, check that all doors are
properly closed.

Lamps On Reminder

This light comes on when the
exterior lamps are in use. See
Exterior Lamp Controls 0 157.

Adaptive Cruise Control Light

This light comes on when Adaptive
Cruise Control (if equipped) is
active. See Adaptive Cruise Control
0 240.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Instruments and Controls

Information Displays
Power Flows (Hybrid)
To view the Power Flow screens in
the infotainment display, touch [
on the Home Page or on the
Application Tray on the top of the
infotainment display. Then touch
FLOW at the bottom of the display.

The Power Flow screens indicate
the current operating condition. The
screens show energy flow between
the engine, generator, and high
voltage battery. These components
will be highlighted when they are
active.

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Energy Information
(Hybrid)

Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level)

To view the Consumption History
screen on the infotainment display,
touch [ on the Home Page or on
the Application Tray on the top of
the infotainment display. Then touch
INFO at the bottom of the display.

The DIC displays are shown in the
center of the instrument cluster.
See Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
0 114 or Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) 0 116. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems.

Consumption History

The consumption history graph
shows the average fuel economy
over the last 50 km or 50 mi. The
Present bar provides the average
fuel economy for the present 5 km
or mi.
Touch Reset to clear the
history data.

w or x : Press to move up or
down in a list.
o or p : Press to move between
the DIC menus.

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Instruments and Controls

V : Press to open a menu or select
a menu item. Press and hold to
reset values on certain screens.
Trip/Fuel Menu (TRIP) Items
Use w or x to scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle. The
following is a list of all possible
menu items:
Digital Speed : Displays how fast
the vehicle is moving in either
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles
per hour (mph). The speedometer
cannot be reset.
Trip 1 or Trip 2, Average Fuel
Economy : Displays the current
distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), from
the last reset for the trip odometer.
The trip odometer can be reset to
zero by pressing and holding V
while the trip odometer display is
showing.
Also displays the approximate
average liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per gallon
(mpg). This number is based on the

number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded
since the last time this menu item
was reset. This number reflects only
the approximate average fuel
economy that the vehicle has right
now, and will change as driving
conditions change. Reset the
average consumption by pressing V
when it is displayed.
Fuel Range : Displays the
approximate distance the vehicle
can be driven without refueling. The
fuel range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank. Fuel range cannot be
reset.
Average Vehicle Speed : Displays
the average vehicle speed of the
vehicle in kilometers per hour (km/h)
or miles per hour (mph). This
average is based on the various
vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed
by pressing V when it is displayed.

Timer : To start the timer, press V
while Timer is displayed. The
display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was
last reset, not including time the
ignition is off. Time will continue to
be counted as long as the ignition is
on, even if another display is being
shown on the DIC. The timer will
record up to 99 hours, 59 minutes,
and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after
which the display will return to zero.
To stop the timer, press V briefly
while Timer is displayed. To reset
the timer to zero, press and hold V.
Navigation : Used for the OnStar
Turn-by-Turn guidance. See OnStar
Overview 0 396.

Vehicle Information Menu
(VEHICLE) Items
Use w or x to scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle. The
following is a list of all possible
menu items:

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Instruments and Controls
Remaining Oil Life : Displays an
estimate of the oil's remaining useful
life. If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
The oil should be changed as soon
as possible. See Engine Oil 0 283.
In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended. See Maintenance
Schedule 0 367.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. Do not reset
the Oil Life display accidentally at
any time other than when the oil has
just been changed. It cannot be
reset accurately until the next oil
change. To reset the engine oil life
system, see Engine Oil Life System
0 286.
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).

Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or Driver Information Center
(DIC) message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure : Displays a vehicle
with the approximate pressures of
all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 323 and Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0 324.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0 124. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.

135

Coolant Temperature : Shows the
engine coolant temperature in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Speed Warning : This display is
used to set the vehicle speed at
which the speed warning chime
sounds and the alert is displayed.
The speed can be set by pressing
V while the speed warning display
is showing.
Units : Move w or x to change
between Metric or US when the Unit
display is active. Press V to confirm
the setting. This will change the
displays on the DIC to the type of
measurements you select.

ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO)
Items
Use w or x to scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle. The
following is a list of all possible
menu items:
Best Average Fuel Economy : The
bottom displays the best average
fuel economy (AFE) that is achieved

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Instruments and Controls

for a selected distance. The top
displays a running average of fuel
economy for the most recently
traveled selected distance. The
center bar graph displays the
instantaneous fuel economy.
Quickly press V to change the
settings for the distance options.
When viewing best AFE, a several
second press and hold of V will
reset the best value. The best value
will show “- - -“until the selected
distance has been traveled.
The display provides feedback on
how current driving behavior in the
bar graph affects the running
average in the top display and how
well recent driving compares to the
best that has been achieved.
Drive Cycle Info (Hybrid) : This
screen displays the distance
traveled and average fuel economy
for the current trip. The screen will
also be shown when the vehicle is
turned off displaying the previous
trip’s information.

Efficiency Gauge (Hybrid) : This
gauge is a guide to driving in an
efficient manner by keeping the
indicator in the center of the gauge.
. Accel: If the indicator moves to
the right of the gauge,
acceleration is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.
. Brake: If the indicator moves to
the left side of the gauge,
braking is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.

Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel)
The DIC displays are shown in the
center of the instrument cluster in
the Info app.
See Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
0 114 or Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) 0 116. The displays show
the status of many vehicle systems.

w or x : Press to move up or
down in a list, or on the main view
press to cycle through the different
Info app pages.
o or p : Press o to open
application menus on the left. Press

p to open interaction menus on the
right.

V : Press to select a menu item.
Press and hold to reset values on
certain screens, or on the main view
reset info pages to the original
setting.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Instruments and Controls
DIC Info Page Options
The info pages on the DIC can be
turned on or off through the
Settings menu.
1. Press o to access the cluster
applications.
2. Press w or x to scroll to the
Settings application.
3. Press V to enter the
Settings menu.
4. Scroll to Info Pages and
press p.
5. Press w or x to move
through the list of possible
information displays.
6. Press V while an item is
highlighted to select or
deselect that item. When an
item is selected, a checkmark
will appear next to it.

DIC Info Pages
The following is the list of all
possible DIC info page displays.
Some may not be available for your

particular vehicle. Some items may
not be turned on by default but can
be turned on through the Settings
app. See “DIC Info Page Options”
earlier in this section.
Speed : Shows the vehicle speed in
either kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph).
Trip A or Trip B : Shows the
current distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the trip odometer was last reset.
This also shows the approximate
average liters per 100 kilometers (L/
100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg).
This number is calculated based on
the number of L/100 km (mpg)
recorded since the last time this
menu item was reset. This number
reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now, and will
change as driving conditions
change.

137

Press and hold V while this display
is active to reset the trip odometer
and the average fuel economy. Trip
A and Trip B can also be reset by
pressing p and choosing reset.
Fuel Range : Shows the
approximate distance the vehicle
can be driven without refueling.
LOW will be displayed when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The fuel
range estimate is based on an
average of the vehicle's fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy :
Displays the current fuel economy in
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)
or miles per gallon (mpg). This
number reflects only the
approximate fuel economy that the
vehicle has right now and changes
frequently as driving conditions
change. This display cannot be
reset.

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Instruments and Controls

Oil Life : Shows an estimate of the
oil's remaining useful life.
If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the display.
The oil should be changed as soon
as possible. See Engine Oil 0 283.
In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. See Maintenance
Schedule 0 367.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not
reset itself. Do not to reset the Oil
Life display at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, press and
hold V for several seconds while
the Oil Life display is active. See
Engine Oil Life System 0 286.

Tire Pressure : Shows the
approximate pressures of all four
tires. Tire pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds
per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is
shown in amber.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 323 and Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0 324.
Average Vehicle Speed : Displays
the average vehicle speed of the
vehicle in kilometers per hour (km/h)
or miles per hour (mph). This
average is based on the various
vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed
by pressing V when it is displayed.
Fuel Economy : The center
displays the approximate
instantaneous fuel economy as a
number and bar graph. Displayed
above the bar graph is a running
average of fuel economy for the
most recently traveled selected
distance. Displayed below the bar
graph is the best average fuel
economy that has been achieved for

the selected distance. The selected
distance is displayed at the top of
the page as “last xxx mi/km.”
Press p to select the distance or
reset best value. Use w and x to
choose the distance and press V.
Press w and x to select “Reset
Best Score.” Press V to reset the
best average fuel economy. After
reset, the best value displays “-,-”
until the selected distance has been
traveled.
The display provides information on
how current driving behavior affects
the running average and how well
recent driving compares to the best
that has been achieved for the
selected distance.
Timer : This display can be used as
a timer. To start the timer, press V
while this display is active. The
display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was
last reset. To stop the timer, press V
briefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset

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Instruments and Controls
the timer to zero, press and hold V
while this display is active, or press
p and select reset.

Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).

Speed Limit : Shows sign
information, which comes from a
roadway database in the onboard
navigation, if equipped.

Follow Distance : When Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) is not
engaged, the current follow time to
the vehicle ahead is displayed as a
time value on this page. When ACC
has been engaged, the display
switches to the gap setting page.
This page shows the current gap
setting along with the vehicle ahead
indicator.
Battery Voltage : Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. See Charging System
Light 0 124. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature : Shows the
engine coolant temperature in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).

139

Accel: If the indicator moves to
the right of the gauge,
acceleration is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.

Brake: If the indicator moves to
the left side of the gauge,
braking is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.

Total Power Display (Hybrid) :
Provides a numeric display of the
total power being used to propel or
stop the vehicle. The display shows
the power being provided by the
battery or charging the battery as
well as the power provided by the
engine.

Drive Cycle Info (Hybrid) : This
screen displays the distance
traveled and average fuel economy
for the current trip. The screen will
also be shown when the vehicle is
turned off displaying the previous
trip’s information.

EV Operation (Hybrid) : The bar
moves from left to right as the driver
requests more power from the
propulsion system. While in EV
mode, maintaining the bar in the
green zone will allow the driver to
maximize EV operation.

Efficiency Gauge (Hybrid) : This
gauge is a guide to driving in an
efficient manner by keeping the
indicator in the center of the gauge.

Blank Page : Shows no
information.

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Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.

Brakes

Ride Control Systems

Driver Assistance Systems

Cruise Control

Lighting and Bulb Replacement

Wiper/Washer Systems

Doors and Windows

Seat Belts

Vehicle Speed Messages

Airbag Systems

Engine and Transmission

SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX KM/H (MPH)

Tire Pressure

Battery

All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.

Engine Power Messages

If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.

ENGINE/PROPULSION POWER
IS REDUCED

Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages

This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. Reduced propulsion power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may

Fluid Levels

Vehicle Security

be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.

This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Instruments and Controls

Vehicle
Personalization
Personalization Menu (Radio
without Touchscreen)
The audio system controls are used
to access the personalization
menus for customizing vehicle
features.
The following are all possible
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.
MENU : Turn to scroll through the
menus or setup items. Press to
enter the menus and select the
menu items.
BACK : Press to exit or return to
the previous screen or menu.
To access a menu:
1. Press MENU.
2. Turn MENU to the
desired menu.
3. Press MENU to select.

Menus and functions may vary
depending on vehicle options.
Entering the Personalization
Menus
Select Settings from the
Home Page.
The following menus may be
available:
. Phone Connection (MTP Only)

141

Charging Only
This feature will charge a Media
Transfer Protocol (MTP) device
when connected to the USB port.
Bluetooth audio will be unavailable.
Turn MENU to highlight, then press
to select.
Scan Music Folder Only
This feature will scan and index
music folders on an MTP device
when connected to the USB port.

Time and Date

Tone Settings

Auto Volume Control

Turn MENU to highlight, then press
to select.

Maximum Startup Volume

Scan All Folders

Vehicle Settings

This feature will scan and index all
folders on an MTP device when
connected to the USB port.

Phone Connection (MTP Only)
Select and the following may
display:
. Charging Only
.

Scan Music Folder Only

Scan All Folders

Turn MENU to highlight, then press
to select.

Time and Date
Select Time and Date to adjust the
clock. See Clock 0 109.

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Instruments and Controls

Tone Settings

Power Door Locks

Auto Rear Defog

Select to set the radio tone. See
“Tone Settings” under “Radio
Controls without Touchscreen” in
Operation 0 170.

Remote Lock, Unlock, Start

Return to Factory Settings

Software Information

Valet Mode

This allows the rear window
defogger to turn on automatically
when the interior temperature is cold
and the outside temperature is
about 7 °C (44 °F) and below. See
“Rear Window Defogger” in Dual
Automatic Climate Control System
0 203.

Auto Volume Control
This feature automatically adjusts
the radio volume based on the
speed of the vehicle.

Climate and Air Quality

Select the desired value.

Select and the following may
display:
. Auto Fan Speed

Maximum Startup Volume

Auto Defog

When the vehicle is started and the
radio volume is greater than this set
level, the volume is adjusted to this
level.

Auto Rear Defog

Select the desired value.

Vehicle Settings
Select and the following may
display:
. Climate and Air Quality
.

Comfort and Convenience

Languages

Lighting

Auto Fan Speed

Select Off or On.

Comfort and Convenience
Select and the following may
display:
. Auto Memory Recall

This adjusts the blower level during
automatic operation.

Easy Exit Options

Chime Volume

Select Low, Medium, or High.

Reverse Tilt Mirror

Auto Defog

Extended Hill Start Assist

This allows the climate control
system to prevent fog on the inside
of the windows. See “Auto Defog” in
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203.

Auto Memory Recall

Select Off or On.

This feature automatically recalls
the current driver’s previously stored
1 or 2 button positions when the
ignition is changed from off to on or
ACC/ACCESSORY. See Memory
Seats 0 60.

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Instruments and Controls
Select Off or On.

Extended Hill Start Assist

Easy Exit Options

This allows the duration of the Hill
Start Assist to be changed.

Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out

This feature automatically recalls
the previously stored Exit button
position when exiting the vehicle.
See Memory Seats 0 60.
Select Off or On.
Chime Volume
Select to set the chime volume
level.
Reverse Tilt Mirror
When on, both the driver and
passenger, driver, or passenger
mirrors will tilt downward when the
vehicle is shifted to R (Reverse) to
improve visibility of the ground near
the rear wheels. They will return to
their previous driving position when
the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse) or the ignition is turned
to off.
Select Off, On - Driver and
Passenger, On - Driver, or On Passenger.

Select Extended Hold or
Standard Hold.

Languages
Select, then select from the
available language(s).

Lighting
Select the Lighting menu and the
following may be displayed:
. Exit Lighting

143

Delayed Door Lock

When on, this feature will keep the
driver door from locking when the
door is open. If this feature is turned
on, the Delayed Door Lock menu
will not be available.
Select Off or On.
Auto Door Unlock
This allows selection of which of the
doors will automatically unlock when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
Select Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.

Exit Lighting

Delayed Door Lock

Select to set how long the exterior
lamps stay on when leaving the
vehicle and it is dark outside. See
Exit Lighting 0 163.

When on, this feature will delay the
locking of the doors. To override the
delay, press the power door lock
switch on the door.

Select the desired time.

Select Off or On.

Power Door Locks

Remote Lock, Unlock, Start

Select and the following may
display:
. Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out

Select and the following may
display:
. Remote Unlock Light Feedback

Auto Door Unlock

Remote Lock Feedback

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Instruments and Controls

Remote Door Unlock

Remote Start Auto Cool Seats

Remote Start Auto Heat Seats

Passive Door Unlock

Select to set which doors will unlock
when pressing K on the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 32.

Passive Door Lock

Select Driver Door or All Doors.

Passive Door Lock

Remote Left in Vehicle Reminder

Remote Start Auto Cool Seats

This allows passive locking to be
turned on or off and selects
feedback. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 32.

Remote Unlock Light Feedback
When on, the exterior lamps will
flash when unlocking the vehicle
with the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 32.
Select Off or Flash Lights.
Remote Lock Feedback
Select to set which type of feedback
is given when pressing Q on the
RKE transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 32.
Select Off, Lights and Horn, Lights
Only, or Horn Only.

If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn the ventilated seats
on when using remote start on
warm days.
Select Off, On-Driver and
Passenger, or On-Driver.
Remote Start Auto Heat Seats
Select to enable or disable which
seat will come on when remote start
is used. See Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 0 62.
Select Off, On-Driver and
Passenger, or On-Driver.
Passive Door Unlock
Select to set which doors will unlock
when the RKE transmitter is within
range and the button on the outside
driver door handle is being used to

unlock the vehicle. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 32.
Select Driver Door Only or All
Doors.

Select Off, On, or On With Horn
Chirp.
Remote Left in Vehicle Reminder
This feature sounds an alert when
the RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle. This menu also enables the
Remote No Longer Left in Vehicle
alert.
Select Off or On.

Return to Factory Settings
Select to return all vehicle
personalizations to the default
settings.
Select Yes or No.

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Instruments and Controls
Software Information
Select to view the radio software
information.

Valet Mode (If Equipped)
This will lock the infotainment
system and steering wheel controls.
It may also limit access to vehicle
storage locations, if equipped.
To enable valet mode:
1. Enter a four-digit code on the
keypad.
2. Select Enter to go to the
confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Select Lock or Unlock to lock or
unlock the system. Select BACK to
go back to the previous menu.

Personalization Menu (Radio
with Touchscreen)
Settings can be made with the
ignition on and the vehicle not
moving.

The following are all possible
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.

Teen Driver

Radio

Vehicle

{ : Press to access the Home
Page Menu.

Bluetooth

Apple CarPlay

Q or R : Touch to scroll through the

Android Auto

USB Auto Launch

previous screen or menu.

Voice

To access the menu:

Display

Rear Camera

Return to Factory Settings

Software Information

Wi-Fi

menus or setup items.

0 : Touch to exit or return to the

1. Press

2. Touch Settings.
Touch the menu item to select it.
Each of the menus is detailed in the
following information.
Settings menus and functions may
vary depending on vehicle options.
The following list of menu items may
be available:
. Time and Date

145

Time and Date
Select Time and Date to adjust the
clock. See Clock 0 109.

Rear Seat Reminder

Language

This allows for a chime and a
message when the rear door has
been opened before or during
operation of the vehicle.

Valet Mode

Select Off or On.

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Instruments and Controls

Language

Number of Favorites Shown

Audible Touch Feedback

Select, then select from the
available language(s).

Audible Touch Feedback

Text Scroll

This allows Audible Touch
Feedback to be turned on or off.

Valet Mode

Tone Settings

Select Off or On.

This will lock the infotainment
system and steering wheel controls.
It may also limit access to vehicle
storage locations, if equipped.

Auto Volume

Text Scroll

Maximum Startup Volume

Audio Cue

Select to see text scroll on the
screen.

To enable valet mode:

Manage Favorites

1. Enter a four-digit code on the
keypad.
2. Touch Enter to go to the
confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or
unlock the system. Touch Back to
go back to the previous menu.

Teen Driver
See “Teen Driver” under “Settings”
in the infotainment manual.

Radio
Select and the following may
display:
. Manage Favorites

This allows favorites to be edited.
See “Manage Favorites” in “Radio
Setup” under Home Page (Radio
with Touchscreen) 0 169 or
“Manage Favorites” in “Settings”
under “Radio” in the infotainment
manual.
Number of Favorites Shown
Select to set the number of favorites
to display.
Select the desired number or select
Auto and the infotainment system
will automatically adjust the number
of favorites shown.

Select Off or On.
Tone Settings
Select to adjust the radio tone. See
Operation 0 170.
Auto Volume
This feature adjusts the volume
based on vehicle speed and
ambient noise.
Select Off, Low, Medium-Low,
Medium, Medium-High, or High.
Maximum Startup Volume
This feature sets the maximum
startup volume. If the vehicle is
started and the volume is greater
than this level, the volume is

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147

adjusted to this level. To set the
maximum startup volume, touch +
or − to increase or decrease.

Auto Fan Speed

Front Pedestrian Detection

This feature will set the auto fan
speed.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Audio Cue

Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier

Select Low, Medium, or High.

If equipped, this feature adjusts the
startup and shutdown sounds. To
adjust the volume, touch + or − to
increase or decrease.

Lane Change Alert

Auto Defog

Forward Collision System

This allows the climate control
system to prevent fog on the inside
of the windows. See “Auto Defog” in
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203.

This feature will turn on or off the
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB).
The Off setting disables all FCA and
FAB functions. With the Alert and
Brake setting, both FCA and FAB
are available. The Alert setting
disables FAB. See Forward
Automatic Braking (FAB) 0 254.

Vehicle
Select and the following may
display:
. Climate and Air Quality
.

Collision/Detection Systems

Comfort and Convenience

Lighting

Power Door Locks

Remote Lock, Unlock, Start

Climate and Air Quality
Select and the following may
display:
. Auto Fan Speed
.

Auto Defog

Auto Rear Defog

Select Off or On.
Auto Rear Defog
This allows the rear window
defogger to turn on automatically
when the interior temperature is cold
and the outside temperature is
about 7 °C (44 °F) and below. See
“Rear Window Defogger” in Dual
Automatic Climate Control System
0 203.
Select Off or On.

Collision/Detection Systems
Select and the following may
display:
. Forward Collision System

Select Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Front Pedestrian Detection
This feature may help avoid or
reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes with nearby
pedestrians.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System 0 256.
Select Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.

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Instruments and Controls

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Chime Volume

Reverse Tilt Mirror

This allows the feature to be turned
on or off. See Assistance Systems
for Parking or Backing 0 248.

Reverse Tilt Mirror

Extended Hill Start Assist

Select Off or On.

Auto Memory Recall

When on, driver, passenger, or both
driver and passenger outside
mirrors will tilt downward when the
vehicle is shifted to R (Reverse) to
improve visibility of the ground near
the rear wheels. They will return to
their previous driving position when
the vehicle is shifted out of
R (Reverse) or the engine is turned
off. See Reverse Tilt Mirrors 0 50.

Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
This feature will give a reminder that
Adaptive Cruise Control provides
when it has brought the vehicle to a
complete stop behind another
stopping vehicle, and then that
vehicle drives on. See Adaptive
Cruise Control 0 240.
Select Off or On.
Lane Change Alert
This allows the feature to be turned
on or off. See Lane Change Alert
(LCA) 0 258.

This feature automatically recalls
the current driver’s previously stored
1 or 2 button positions when the
ignition is changed from off to on or
ACC/ACCESSORY. See Memory
Seats 0 60.
Select Off or On.
Easy Exit Options
This feature automatically recalls
the previously stored Exit button
position when exiting the vehicle.
See Memory Seats 0 60.

Extended Hill Start Assist

Select Off or On.

Select Extended Hold or
Standard Hold.

Select Off or On.

Chime Volume

Comfort and Convenience

This allows the selection of the
chime volume level.

Select and the following may
display:
. Auto Memory Recall
.

Easy Exit Options

Select Off, On - Driver and
Passenger, On - Driver, or On Passenger.

Touch + or − to adjust the volume.

This allows the duration of the Hill
Start Assist to be changed.

Lighting
Select and the following may
display:
. Vehicle Locator Lights
.

Exit Lighting

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Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Locator Lights
This feature will flash the exterior
lamps and allows the headlamps,
parking lamps, taillamps, and most
of the interior lamps to turn on
briefly when K on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
pressed to locate the vehicle.
Select Off or On.
Exit Lighting
This allows the selection of how
long the exterior lamps stay on
when leaving the vehicle when it is
dark outside.
Select Off, 30 Seconds, 60
Seconds, or 120 Seconds.

Power Door Locks
Select and the following may
display:
. Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out
.

Auto Door Unlock

Delayed Door Lock

149

Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out

Remote Start Auto Cool Seats

When on, this feature will keep the
driver door from locking when the
door is open. If this feature is turned
on, the Delayed Door Lock menu
will not be available.

Remote Start Auto Heat Seats

Passive Door Unlock

Passive Door Lock

Remote Left in Vehicle Alert

Select Off or On.

Remote Unlock Light Feedback

Auto Door Unlock

When on, the exterior lamps will
flash when unlocking the vehicle
with the RKE transmitter.

This allows selection of which of the
doors will automatically unlock when
the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).

Select Off or Flash Lights.

Select Off, All Doors, or Driver Door.

Remote Lock Feedback

Delayed Door Lock

This allows selection of what type of
feedback is given when locking the
vehicle with the RKE transmitter.

When on, this feature will delay the
locking of the doors. To override the
delay, press the power door lock
switch on the door.

Select Off, Lights and Horn, Lights
Only, or Horn Only.

Select Off or On.

Remote Door Unlock

Remote Lock, Unlock, Start

This allows selection of which doors
will unlock when pressing K on the
RKE transmitter.

Select and the following may
display:
. Remote Unlock Light Feedback
.

Remote Lock Feedback

Remote Door Unlock

Select All Doors or Driver Door.

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Instruments and Controls
Passive Door Lock

Voice Mail Numbers

If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn the ventilated seats
on when using remote start on
warm days.

This allows passive locking to be
turned on or off and selects
feedback. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 32.

Text Message Alerts

Select Off, On-Driver and
Passenger, or On-Driver.

Select Off, On with Horn
Chirp, or On.

Remote Start Auto Heat Seats

Remote Left in Vehicle Alert

If equipped and turned on, this
feature will turn the heated seats on
when using remote start on
cold days.

This feature sounds an alert when
the RKE transmitter is left in the
vehicle. This menu also enables the
Remote No Longer Left in Vehicle
alert.

Remote Start Auto Cool Seats

Select Off, On-Driver and
Passenger, or On-Driver.

Select Off or On.

Passive Door Unlock

Bluetooth

Select to set which doors will unlock
when the RKE transmitter is within
range and the button on the outside
driver door handle is being used to
unlock the vehicle. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 32.

Select and the following may
display:
. Pair New Device

Select All Doors or Driver Door.

Pair New Device
Select to pair a new device. See
“Pairing” in “Infotainment Controls”
under “Bluetooth” in the infotainment
manual.
Discoverable
This allows the system to find a
device.
Select Off or On.
Device Information
See information about the device
name, address, and PIN code.
Device Management

Discoverable

Select to connect to a different
phone source, disconnect a phone,
or delete a phone.

Device Information

Change Pairing PIN

Device Management

Change Pairing PIN

Select to change the PIN of a
device.

Ringtones

Sort Order

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151

Ringtones

Apple CarPlay

USB Auto Launch

Select to change the ring tone for
the specific phone. The phone does
not need to be connected to change
the ring tones.

This feature allows Apple devices to
be connected to the infotainment
system through a USB port.

This allows Android and Apple
CarPlay devices to automatically
connect when plugged into the
USB port.

Sort Order

Manage Apple CarPlay Devices

Select to change the order of the
contacts list.
Select First/Last or Last/First.

Select to manage Apple devices.
Apple CarPlay must be on for this
feature to be accessed.

Voice Mail Numbers

Android Auto

This feature displays the voice mail
number for all connected phones.
To change the voice mail number,
select 8 or EDIT. Type a new
number, then select SAVE.

Select and the following may
display:
. Android Auto

Text Message Alerts

Android Auto

This allows the feature to be turned
on or off.

This feature allows Android devices
to be connected to the infotainment
system through a USB port.

Select Off or On.

Apple CarPlay
Select and the following may
display:
. Apple CarPlay
.

Manage Apple CarPlay Devices

Select Off or On.

Manage Android Auto Devices

Select Off or On.

Voice
Select and the following may
display:
. Confidence Threshold
.

Prompt Length

Audio Feedback Speed

Display “What Can I Say?” Tips

Confidence Threshold
This feature allows the adjustment
of the sensitivity of the speech
recognition system.

Select Off or On.

Select Confirm More or
Confirm Less.

Manage Android Auto Devices

Prompt Length

Select to manage Android devices.
Android Auto must be on for this
feature to be accessed.

This feature adjusts the voice
prompt length.
Select Short or Long.

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Instruments and Controls

Audio Feedback Speed

Rear Camera

Restore Vehicle Settings

This feature adjusts the audio
feedback speed.

This allows vehicle settings to be
restored.

Select Slow, Medium, or Fast.

Select and the following may
display:
. Guidance Lines

Display “What Can I Say?” Tips

Clear All Private Data

This feature gives tips on what to
say when using voice recognition.

Guidance Lines

Select Off or On.

Display
Select and the following may
display:
. Calibrate Touchscreen
.

Turn Display Off

Calibrate Touchscreen
Select to calibrate the touchscreen,
then follow the prompts.
Turn Display Off
Select to turn the display off. Touch
anywhere on the infotainment
display or press any infotainment
controls on the center stack to turn
the display on.

Rear Park Assist Symbols

Select to turn Off or On. See
Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing 0 248.
Rear Park Assist Symbols
Select to turn Off or On. See
Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing 0 248.

Return to Factory Settings
Select and the following may
display:
. Restore Vehicle Settings
.

Clear All Private Data

Restore Radio Settings

Select Restore or Cancel.
This allows all private information to
be deleted from the vehicle.
Select Delete or Cancel.
Restore Radio Settings
This allows radio settings to be
restored.
Select Restore or Cancel.

Software Information
Select to view the infotainment
system current software information.

Wi-Fi
Select and the following may
display:
. Wi-Fi
.

Manage Wi-Fi Networks

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Instruments and Controls
Wi-Fi
This feature allows Wi-Fi networks
to be turned off or on.
Select Off or On.

Universal Remote
System

instructions refer to a garage door
opener, but can be used for other
devices.

See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.

Do not use the Universal Remote
system with any garage door opener
that does not have the stop and
reverse feature. This includes any
garage door opener model
manufactured before April 1, 1982.

Manage Wi-Fi Networks
Select to manage Wi-Fi networks.
Wi-Fi must be on for this feature to
be accessed.

153

Universal Remote System
Programming

Read these instructions completely
before programming the Universal
Remote system. It may help to have
another person assist with the
programming process.

If equipped, these buttons are in the
overhead console.
This system can replace up to three
remote control transmitters used to
activate devices such as garage
door openers, security systems, and
home automation devices. These

Keep the original hand-held
transmitter for use in other vehicles
as well as for future programming.
Erase the programming when
vehicle ownership is terminated.
See “Erasing Universal Remote
System Buttons” later in this
section.
To program a garage door opener,
park outside directly in line with and
facing the garage door opener
receiver. Clear all people and
objects near the garage door.

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Instruments and Controls

Make sure the hand-held transmitter
has a new battery for quick and
accurate transmission of the
radio-frequency signal.

Programming the Universal
Remote System
For questions or programming help,
see www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515. For calls placed
outside the U.S., Canada, or Puerto
Rico, international rates will apply
and may differ based on landline or
mobile phone.
Programming involves
time-sensitive actions, and may time
out causing the procedure to be
repeated.
To program up to three devices:
1. Hold the end of the hand-held
transmitter about 3 to 8 cm (1
to 3 in) away from the
Universal Remote system
buttons with the indicator light
in view. The hand-held
transmitter was supplied by the
manufacturer of the garage
door opener receiver.

2. At the same time, press and
hold both the hand-held
transmitter button and one of
the three Universal Remote
system buttons to be used to
operate the garage door. Do
not release either button until
the indicator light changes from
a slow to a rapid flash. Then
release both buttons.
Some garage door openers
may require substitution of
Step 2 with the procedure
under “Radio Signals for Some
Gate Operators” later in this
section.
3. Press and hold the newly
programmed Universal Remote
system button for five seconds
while watching the indicator
light and garage door
activation.
. If the indicator light stays on
continuously or the garage
door moves when the
button is pressed, then
programming is complete.
There is no need to
complete Steps 4–6.

If the indicator light does
not come on or the garage
door does not move, a
second button press may
be required. For a second
time, press and hold the
newly programmed button
for five seconds. If the light
stays on or the garage door
moves, programming is
complete.

If the indicator light blinks
rapidly for two seconds,
then changes to a solid light
and the garage door does
not move, continue with
programming Steps 4–6.

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Instruments and Controls
press and hold the same
button a second time for
two seconds, then release it.
Again, if the door does not
move or the garage door lamp
does not flash, press and hold
the same button a third time for
two seconds, then release it.
Learn or Smart Button
4. After completing Steps 1–3,
locate the Learn or Smart
button inside garage on the
garage door opener receiver.
The name and color of the
button may vary by
manufacturer.
5. Press and release the Learn or
Smart button. Step 6 must be
completed within 30 seconds of
pressing this button.
6. Inside the vehicle, press and
hold the newly programmed
Universal Remote system
button for two seconds and
then release it. If the garage
door does not move or the
lamp on the garage door
opener receiver does not flash,

The Universal Remote system
should now activate the
garage door.
Repeat the process for
programming the two remaining
buttons.

Radio Signals for Some Gate
Operators
For questions or programming help,
see www.homelink.com/gm or call
1-800-355-3515. For calls placed
outside the U.S., Canada, or Puerto
Rico, international rates will apply
and may differ based on landline or
mobile phone.
Some gate operators and
radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to time out or quit
after several seconds of
transmission. This may not be long

155

enough for the Universal Remote
system to pick up the signal during
programming.
If the programming did not work,
replace Step 2 under “Programming
the Universal Remote System” with
the following:
Press and hold the Universal
Remote system button while
pressing and releasing the
hand-held transmitter button every
two seconds until the signal has
been successfully accepted by the
Universal Remote system. The
Universal Remote system indicator
light will flash slowly at first and then
rapidly. Proceed with Step 3 under
“Programming the Universal Remote
System” to complete.

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Instruments and Controls

Universal Remote System
Operation
Using the Universal Remote
System
Press and hold the appropriate
Universal Remote system button for
at least one-half second. The
indicator light will come on while the
signal is being transmitted.

Erasing Universal Remote
System Buttons
Erase all programmed buttons when
vehicle ownership is terminated.
To erase:
1. Press and hold the two outside
buttons until the indicator light
begins to flash. This should
take about 10 seconds.
2. Release both buttons.

Reprogramming a Single
Universal Remote System
Button
To reprogram any of the system
buttons:
1. Press and hold any one of the
buttons. Do not release the
button.
2. The indicator light will begin to
flash after 20 seconds. Without
releasing the button, proceed
with Step 1 under
“Programming the Universal
Remote System.”

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Lighting

Lighting Features

Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . 157
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Automatic Headlamp
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 160
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

161
162
162
162

Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery Load Management . . .
Battery Power Protection . . . . .
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

163
163
163
164

157

Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls

164

The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering column.

O : Turns the exterior lamps off and
deactivates the AUTO mode. Turn
to O again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate when the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
AUTO : Turns the exterior lamps on
and off automatically depending on
outside lighting.

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Lighting

; : Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.

Turning On and Enabling
IntelliBeam

5 : Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights.

IntelliBeam® System
If equipped, this system turns the
vehicle's high-beam headlamps on
and off according to surrounding
traffic conditions.
The system turns the high-beam
headlamps on when it is dark
enough and there is no other traffic
present.
This light b comes on in the
instrument cluster when the
IntelliBeam system is enabled.

To enable the IntelliBeam system,
press b on the turn signal lever
when the exterior lamp control is in
the AUTO or 5 position. The blue
high-beam on light appears on the
instrument cluster when the high
beams are on.
Driving with IntelliBeam
The system only activates the high
beams when driving over 40 km/h
(25 mph).
There is a sensor near the top
center of the windshield that
automatically controls the system.

Keep this area of the windshield
clear of debris to allow for best
system performance.
The high-beam headlamps remain
on, under the automatic control,
until one of the following situations
occurs:
. The system detects an
approaching vehicle's
headlamps.
. The system detects a preceding
vehicle's taillamps.
. The outside light is bright
enough that high-beam
headlamps are not required.
. The vehicle's speed drops below
20 km/h (12 mph).
. The IntelliBeam system is
disabled by the button on the
turn signal lever. If this happens,
press b on the turn signal
lever when the exterior lamp
control is in the AUTO or 5
position. The instrument cluster
light will come on to indicate the
IntelliBeam system is
reactivated.

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Lighting
The high beams may not turn off
automatically if the system cannot
detect another vehicle's lamps
because of any of the following:
. The other vehicle's lamps are
missing, damaged, obstructed
from view, or otherwise
undetected.
. The other vehicle's lamps are
covered with dirt, snow, and/or
road spray.
. The other vehicle's lamps cannot
be detected due to dense
exhaust, smoke, fog, snow, road
spray, mist, or other airborne
obstructions.
. The vehicle's windshield is dirty,
cracked, or obstructed by
something that blocks the view
of the light sensor.
. The vehicle is loaded such that
the front end points upward,
causing the light sensor to aim
high and not detect headlamps
and taillamps.
. Driving on winding or hilly roads.

The IntelliBeam system may need to
be disabled if any of the above
conditions exist.

Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder
A warning chime sounds if the driver
door is opened while the ignition is
off and the exterior lamps are on.

Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer
3 : Push the turn signal lever away
from you and release, to turn the
high beams on. To return to low
beams, push the lever again or pull
it toward you and release.

This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the
high-beam headlamps are on.

159

Flash-to-Pass
To flash the high beams, pull the
turn signal lever toward you, and
release.

Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to
see the front of your vehicle during
the day. Fully functional DRL are
required on all vehicles first sold in
Canada.
The DRL system comes on in
daylight when the following
conditions are met:
. The ignition is on.
.

The exterior lamp control is in
AUTO, if equipped.

The light sensor determines it is
daytime.

The vehicle is not in P (Park).

When the DRL are on, the taillamps,
sidemarker lamps, instrument panel
lights, and other lamps will not
be on.

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Lighting

The DRL turn off when the
headlamps are turned to O or (,
or when the ignition is off. For
vehicles first sold in Canada, the
DRL can only be turned off when
the vehicle is parked.

Automatic Headlamp
System
The headlamps come on
automatically when the exterior
lamp control is set to AUTO and it is
dark enough outside.

There is a light sensor on top of the
instrument panel. Do not cover the
sensor, otherwise the headlamps
will come on when they are not
needed.
The system may also turn on the
headlamps when driving through a
parking garage or tunnel.

not operating, these lamps turn off.
Move the exterior lamp control to O
or ; to disable this feature.

Hazard Warning Flashers

When it is bright enough outside,
the headlamps will turn off or may
change to Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL).
The automatic headlamp system
turns off when the exterior lamp
control is turned to O or the ignition
is off.

Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are
activated in daylight with the engine
on, and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO, the headlamps, parking
lamps, and other exterior lamps
come on. The transition time for the
lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are

| : Press this button to make the
front and rear turn signal lamps
flash on and off. Press again to turn
the flashers off.
The hazard warning flashers turn on
automatically if the airbags deploy.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Lighting

Turn and Lane-Change
Signals

The turn and lane-change signal
can be turned off manually by
moving the lever back to its original
position.
If after signaling a turn or lane
change, the arrow flashes rapidly or
does not come on, a signal bulb
may be burned out.

161

Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control

Replace any burned out bulbs. If a
bulb is not burned out, check the
fuse. See Fuses and Circuit
Breakers 0 306.
Move the lever all the way up or
down to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster
flashes in the direction of the turn or
lane change.
Raise or lower the lever until the
arrow starts to flash to signal a lane
change. Hold it there until the lane
change is completed. If the lever is
briefly pressed and released, the
turn signal flashes three times.

The brightness of the instrument
cluster display, infotainment display
and controls, steering wheel
controls, and all other illuminated
controls, as well as feature status
indicators, can be adjusted.
The knob for this feature is on the
instrument panel beside the steering
column.
Push the knob in all the way until it
extends out and then turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lights. Push the
knob back in when finished.

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Lighting

Courtesy Lamps
The courtesy lamps come on when
any door is opened unless the dome
lamp override is activated. To
deactivate the dome lamp override,
press j OFF and the indicator
light on the button will turn off.

Dome Lamps

To operate, press the following
buttons:
+ ON/OFF : Press to turn the dome
lamps on manually.

j OFF : Press to turn off the
dome lamps when a door is open.
An indicator light on the button will
turn on when the dome lamp
override is activated. Press j
OFF again to deactivate this feature
and the indicator light will turn off.
The dome lamps will come on when
doors are opened.
Reading Lamps
There may be front and rear reading
lamps.

The dome lamp controls are in the
overhead console.

If equipped, the front reading lamps
are in the overhead console.
Press the lamp lenses to turn the
reading lamps on or off.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Lighting

Lighting Features
Entry Lighting

If equipped, the rear reading lamps
are in the headliner.
Press the button near each lamp to
turn reading lamps on or off.

Some exterior lamps and most of
the interior lamps turn on briefly at
night or in areas with limited lighting
when the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter K button is
pressed. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32. After
about 30 seconds the exterior lamps
turn off, then the dome lamps and
remaining interior lamps dim to off.
Entry lighting can be disabled
manually by turning the ignition on
or to ACC/ACCESSORY, or by
pressing Q on the RKE transmitter.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

Exit Lighting
Some exterior lamps and interior
lights come on at night, or in areas
with limited lighting, when the driver
door is opened after the ignition is
turned off. The dome lamp comes
on after the ignition is turned off.

163

The exterior lamps and dome lamp
remain on for a set amount of time,
then automatically turn off.
The exterior lamps turn off
immediately by turning the exterior
lamp control off.
This feature can be changed. See
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the

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Lighting

voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all of the
power needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, rear
window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, trailer loads, and loads
plugged into accessory power
outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.

Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a DIC message might
be displayed and it is recommended
that the driver reduce the electrical
loads as much as possible.

Battery Power Protection
The battery saver feature is
designed to protect the vehicle's
battery.
If some interior lamps are left on
and the ignition is turned off, the
battery rundown protection system
automatically turns the lamp off after
some time.

Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about
10 minutes after the ignition is
turned off, if the parking lamps or
headlamps have been manually left
on. This protects against draining
the battery. To restart the 10-minute

timer, turn the exterior lamp control
to the off position and then back to
the parking lamp or headlamp
position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on
or in ACC/ACCESSORY.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System

Infotainment
System

Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls Radio with
Touchscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Introduction
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . 166
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Home Page (Radio with
Touchscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . .

173
176
177
178
179

Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Phone
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . 185
Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls Radio without
Touchscreen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Trademarks and License
Agreements
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198

165

Introduction
Infotainment
Base radio information is included in
this manual. See the infotainment
manual for information on other
available infotainment systems.
Read the following pages to
become familiar with the features.

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Infotainment System

Theft-Deterrent Feature
The infotainment system has an
electronic security system installed
to prevent theft.
The infotainment system only works
in the vehicle in which it was first
installed, and cannot be used in
another vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System
.

Overview
Radio without Touchscreen
5.

O
.

Press and hold to turn the
system on and off.

3. MEDIA
. Press to select a different
audio source.

Press to mute the system.

Turn to adjust the volume.

Turn to cancel mute when
the audio system is muted.

2. RADIO
. Press to select AM or FM.

7
.

Radio: Press and release to
go to the previous station.
Press and hold to fast seek
the previous strongest
station.

167

USB/Bluetooth Music:
Press and release to go to
the previous file. Press and
hold to fast rewind the file.

6
.

Radio: Press and release to
go to the next station. Press
and hold to fast seek the
next strongest station.

USB/Bluetooth Music:
Press and release to go to
the next file. Press and hold
to fast forward the file.

6. PHONE
. Press to activate Bluetooth
or OnStar, if equipped.
7.

BACK
. Press to go to the previous
screen.
. Press to cancel entered
content.

8. MENU
. Press to open menus and
select menu items.

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Infotainment System
.

Turn to highlight menu
items or to set values while
in a menu.

Turn to manually select
radio stations.

9. Preset Buttons 1−4
. Press and hold to store a
station.
. Press to go to a preset
favorite station.
10. FAV
. Press to go to a
favorite page.

Radio with Touchscreen

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System
1.

{
.

Radio: Press and release to
go to the previous station or
channel. Press and hold to
fast seek the previous
strongest station or
channel.
USB/Bluetooth Music/
Pictures: Press and release
to go to the previous track.
Press and hold to fast
rewind.

d
.

Press to go to the Home
Page. See Home Page
(Radio with Touchscreen)
0 169.

g
.

Radio: Press and release to
go to the next station or
channel. Press and hold to
fast seek the next strongest
station or channel.

169

button may gray out. When a
function is selected, the button may
highlight.

Home Page Features

USB/Bluetooth Music/
Pictures: Press and release
to go to the next track.
Press and hold to fast
forward.

5
.

Press and release to
access the phone screen,
answer an incoming call,
or access the device home
screen.

Press to turn the power on.

Home Page (Radio with
Touchscreen)

Press and hold to turn the
power off.

Touchscreen Buttons

Press to mute the system
when on.

Turn to decrease or
increase the volume.

If equipped, touchscreen buttons
show on the screen when available.
When a function is unavailable, the

Press

{ to go to the Home Page.

Audio : Touch to select AM, FM,
or USB/iPod/Bluetooth Audio.
Gallery : Touch to view a picture.
Phone : Touch to activate the
phone features, if equipped.
See Bluetooth (Overview) 0 185 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio with Touchscreen) 0 190 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio without Touchscreen) 0 186.

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Infotainment System

Projection : Touch to access
supported devices when connected.
See Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto 0 195.

Operation

Menu System

Radio Controls without
Touchscreen

Controls

Settings : Touch to access the
Personalization menu. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

The infotainment system is operated
by using the pushbuttons,
multifunction knobs, and menus
shown on the display.

Climate : If equipped, touch to
access the Climate menu.
See Climate Control Systems 0 200
or Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203.
OnStar : If equipped, touch to
access the OnStar menu. See
OnStar Overview 0 396.
Energy : If equipped, touch to
access the Energy menu.
Drive Mode : If equipped, touch to
access the Drive Mode menu.

Turning the System On or Off

O : Press and hold to turn the
system on and off.
Automatic Switch-Off
If the infotainment system has been
turned on after the ignition is turned
off, the system will turn off
automatically after 10 minutes.

Volume Control

The MENU knob and BACK button
are used to navigate the menu
system.
MENU Knob:
Turn to:
. Highlight a menu option.
. Select a value.
.

Manually select radio stations.

Press to:
. Enter the menu system.
. Select or activate the highlighted
menu option.
. Confirm a set value.

O : Turn to adjust the volume or to

cancel mute when the audio system
is muted.

BACK:

PHONE : Press to activate OnStar.
See OnStar Overview 0 396.
Press to mute the audio system.
Press again to cancel mute.

Turn a system setting on or off.

Press to:
. Exit a menu.
. Go back to the previous menu
screen.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System
.

Delete the last character in a
sequence.

Press and hold to delete the entire
character sequence.
Submenus
A bar on the right-hand edge of the
menu indicates that it has a
submenu with other options.

8. Turn MENU to adjust the
desired tone.
9. Press MENU to save the
setting.
10. Press BACK to go back to the
Tone Settings menu.
Adjusting the EQ (Equalizer)
1. Press MENU.

171

System Settings
Configuring the Number of
Favorite Pages
Up to six favorite pages can be
saved, and each page can store up
to four radio stations.
To configure the number of available
favorite pages:

Tone Settings

2. Turn MENU to Settings.

1. Press MENU.

The tone settings can be set for
each radio band and each audio
player source.

3. Press MENU.

2. Turn MENU to Set Number of
Favorites Pages.

Adjusting the Bass, Midrange,
Treble, Fader, and Balance

4. Turn MENU to Tone Settings.
5. Press MENU.
6. Turn MENU to EQ.

1. Press MENU.

7. Press MENU.

2. Turn MENU to Settings.

8. Turn MENU to the desired
setting, then press MENU to
select it.

3. Press MENU.
4. Turn MENU to Tone Settings.
5. Press MENU.
6. Turn MENU to the
desired tone.
7. Press MENU to select the
desired tone.

9. Continue pressing BACK to go
back to the Tone
Settings menu.

3. Press MENU.
4. Turn MENU to the desired
number of pages.
5. Press MENU to select the
desired number of pages.
6. Press BACK to exit.
Auto Volume Control
This feature automatically adjusts
the radio volume to compensate for
road and wind noise.

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Infotainment System

The level of volume compensation
can be selected, or the feature can
be turned off.

Automatic Switch-Off

Tone Settings
The tone settings can be set for
each radio band and each audio
player source.

2. Turn MENU to Settings.

If the infotainment system has been
turned on after the ignition is turned
off, the system will turn off
automatically after 10 minutes.

3. Press MENU.

Volume Control

4. Turn MENU to Auto Volume
Control.

O : Turn to increase or decrease.
O : Press when the system is on to

5. Press MENU.

mute and unmute the system.

6. Select the desired setting.

System Settings

7. Press BACK to exit.

Auto Volume

1. Press MENU.

Radio Controls with
Touchscreen
The infotainment system is operated
by using the pushbuttons, menus
shown on the display, and steering
wheel controls.
Turning the System On or Off

O : Press to turn the radio on.
Press and hold to turn the radio off.

This feature automatically adjusts
the radio volume to compensate for
road and wind noise.
The level of volume compensation
can be selected, or the feature can
be turned off.
1. Touch MENU from a source
screen.
2. Select Auto Volume.
3. Select the desired setting.
4. Touch 3 to go back to the
source screen.

Preset Tone Settings
1. Touch MENU.
2. Touch Tone Settings.
3. Select a preset tone setting.
Custom Tone Settings
1. Touch MENU.
2. Touch Tone Settings.
3. Touch Custom.
. Bass, Midrange, or Treble:
Touch − or +.
. Fader or Balance: Adjust
the front/rear or left/right
speakers by dragging the
dot in the vehicle image on
the screen.
4. Touch 3 to go back to the
source screen.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System

Software Updates
Over-the-Air Software Updates
If equipped, the infotainment system
can download and install select
software updates over a wireless
connection. The system will prompt
for certain updates to be
downloaded and installed. There is
also an option to check for updates
manually.
To manually check for updates,
touch SETTINGS on the Home
Page, followed by Software
Information, and then System
Update. Follow the on-screen
prompts. Steps for downloading and
installing updates may vary by
vehicle.
Downloading Over-the-Air vehicle
software updates requires Internet
connectivity, which can be accessed
through the vehicle’s built-in OnStar
4G LTE connection, if equipped and
active. If required, data plans are
provided by a third party. Optionally,
a secure Wi-Fi hotspot such as a
compatible mobile device hotspot,

home hotspot or public hotspot can
be used. Applicable data rates may
apply.
To connect the infotainment system
to a secured mobile device hotspot,
home hotspot, or a public hotspot,
touch SETTINGS on the Home
Page, followed by Wi-Fi, and then
Manage Wi-Fi Networks. Select the
appropriate Wi-Fi network, and
follow the on-screen prompts.
Download speeds may vary.
On most compatible mobile devices,
activation of the Wi-Fi hotspot is in
the Settings menu under Mobile
Network Sharing, Personal Hotspot,
Mobile Hotspot or similar.
Availability of Over-the-Air vehicle
software updates varies by vehicle
and country. For more information
on this feature, see
my.chevrolet.com/learn.

173

Radio
AM-FM Radio
Playing the Radio without
Touchscreen
Audio Source Menu

O : Press and hold to turn the
system on and off. Turn to increase
or decrease the volume or to cancel
mute when the audio system is
muted.
MENU : Turn to change the radio
station.
RADIO : Press to select AM
and FM.

7 or 6 : Press to seek the
previous or next station.
Press and hold to quick seek a
station.
FAV : Press to open the favorites
list and select a favorite page or
view the radio station and current
song playing information.
Preset Buttons 1–4 : Press to
select preset stations.

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Infotainment System

Radio Data System (RDS)

Favorites List

RDS is a service by FM stations
that makes it easier to find radio
stations with fault-free reception.

There are two ways to select a
station from the Favorites List:
. Press FAV repeatedly, until the
desired FAV page is displayed,
then press the preset button of
the desired FAV station.
. Press FAV, turn MENU until the
desired FAV station is
highlighted, then press MENU to
select the desired FAV station.

RDS stations are indicated by the
program service name with
broadcasting frequency.

Selecting a Band
Press RADIO to choose AM or FM.
The last station that was playing
starts playing again.

Selecting an Auxiliary Device
Press MEDIA to select a connected
auxiliary device.

Selecting a Station
Seek Tuning
If the radio station is not known:
Press 7 or 6 to automatically
search for available radio stations.
Press and hold 7 or 6 to change
the radio stations as desired, then
release to stop at the next available
station.

Stations List
1. From AM or FM, turn MENU to
select Stations List, then press
to select.
2. Turn MENU to move to the
desired station from the
Stations List, then press to
receive the station.
Category List
Most stations that broadcast an
RDS program type code specify the
type of programming transmitted.
Some stations change the program
type code depending on the

content. The system stores the RDS
stations sorted by program type in
the FM category list.
To search for a programming type
determined by station:
1. From the FM menu, turn MENU
to select FM Category List,
then press MENU.
2. Turn MENU to move to the
desired station, then press
MENU to receive the selected
broadcasting channel.
Update Stations List
From AM or FM, press MENU, turn
MENU to Update Stations List, then
press MENU.
During the AM or FM broadcasting
list update, press the preset button
under Cancel or BACK to stop the
updates.

Storing a Station as a Favorite
Stations from all bands can be
stored in any order in the favorite
pages.
Up to four stations can be stored in
each favorite page.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System
Storing Stations

Selecting an Auxiliary Device

Press FAV to select the desired
page of saved favorites.

Connect the auxiliary device to the
AUX input terminal. Play will begin
when the system has finished
reading the information on the
device.

To store the station to a position in
the list, press and hold the
corresponding preset button 1−4
until a beep is heard.

Playing the Radio with
Touchscreen

If the auxiliary device is already
connected:
1. Press

Audio Source Menu

2. Touch AUDIO.

{ : Press to go to the Home Page.
O : Press to turn on, mute,

3. Touch Source.

or unmute the system. Press and
hold to turn off the system.

Selecting a Band
1. Press

2. Touch AUDIO.
3. Touch Source.
4. Select AM, FM, or SXM,
if equipped.
The last station that was playing
starts playing again.

4. Select the device.

175

Favorite
1. Touch S or T to scroll through
the favorite pages.
2. Touch the station to select it.
Station List
1. From the AM or FM menu,
touch Menu.
2. Select Station List.
3. Touch Q or R to scroll through
the list. Touch the station to
select it.

Direct Tune

Update Station List
. From the AM or FM menu, touch
Menu, then touch Update Station
List. The broadcasting list
updating will begin.
. During the AM or FM
broadcasting list update, touch
Cancel to stop the updates.

From the AM or FM menu:

Selecting a Station
Seek Tuning
If the radio station is not known:
Press g or d to automatically
search for available radio stations.

1. Touch Tune.
2. Enter the station number.
3. Touch Go.

Touch to choose between available
menus for the current source.

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176

Infotainment System

Storing a Station as a Favorite

Satellite Radio

Stations from all bands can be
stored in any order in the favorite
pages.

If equipped, vehicles with a
SiriusXM Satellite Radio tuner and a
valid SiriusXM Satellite Radio
subscription can receive SiriusXM
programming.

Up to 25 stations can be stored.
Storing Stations
To store the station to a position in
the list, touch the corresponding
button 1−5 until a beep is heard.
1. Select the desired station.
2. Touch S or T to select the
desired page of saved
favorites.
3. Touch and hold any of the
preset buttons to save the
current radio station to that
button of the selected
favorites page.
To change a preset button, tune to
the new desired radio station and
touch and hold the preset button.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
During your trial or when you
subscribe, you will get unlimited
access to SiriusXM Radio Online for
when you are not in the vehicle.
A service fee is required to receive
the SiriusXM service. If SiriusXM
service needs to be reactivated, the
radio will display "No Subscription
Please Renew" on channel SXM1.
For more information, contact
SiriusXM at www.siriusxm.com or

1-888-601-6296 (U.S.), and
www.siriusxm.ca or 1-877-438-9677
(Canada).

Listening to SiriusXM Radio
1. Press

2. Touch AUDIO.
3. Touch Source.
4. Touch SXM and the most
recent listened to SiriusXM
channel will display.

Selecting a Category
From Menu, touch Categories, then
touch the desired category or from
Categories, touch Q or R to find the
desired channel. Touch the channel
to select it.

Selecting a Channel
Press g or d to seek the previous
or next channel.

Using the Presets
Up to five favorites pages can be
saved, and each page can store up
to five channels.

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Infotainment System
To change a preset, tune to the new
desired channel then touch and hold
the preset.
Listening to Preset Channels

2. Touch Q or R to find the
desired channel. Touch the
channel to select it.
Tone Settings

1. Touch S or T repeatedly to
select the desired
favorites page.

1. Touch Tone Settings. See
“Tone Settings” under
Operation 0 170.

2. Touch the preset to listen to the
channel.

2. Touch Back on the infotainment
display.

Using the SiriusXM Menu
Operation
1. Touch MENU on the SXM radio
screen.
2. Touch the menu to select the
desired item or to display the
detail menu item.
3. Touch Back on the infotainment
display to return to the
previous menu.
Channel List
1. Touch Channel List from the
SXM menu. The channel list is
displayed.

Auto Volume
1. Touch Auto Volume. See “Auto
Volume” under Operation
0 170.
2. Touch Back on the infotainment
display.
Categories
1. Touch Categories.
2. Touch Q or R to find the
desired category. Touch the
category to select it.

177

Explicit Content Filter
When on, only a filtered list of
channels will be received. When off,
all regular SXM programming
subscribed to will be received.
1. Touch SXM Explicit Filter.
2. Select to enable or disable.

Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power
outlet.

FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although the
radio has a built-in electronic circuit
that automatically works to reduce
interference, some static can occur,

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Infotainment System

especially around tall buildings or
hills, causing the sound to fade in
and out.

AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. Static can occur when
things like storms and power lines
interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble
on the radio.

SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite
Radio Service provides digital radio
reception. Tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and
out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or tunnels may cause loss
of the SiriusXM signal for a period
of time.

Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage, such as making
or receiving phone calls, charging,
or just having the phone on may
cause static interference with the
radio. Unplug the phone or turn it off
if this happens.

Backglass Antenna
The AM-FM antenna is integrated
with the rear window defogger,
located in the rear window. Make
sure that the inside surface of the
rear window is not scratched and
that the lines on the glass are not
damaged. If the inside surface is
damaged, it could interfere with
radio reception. For proper radio
reception, the antenna connector
needs to be properly attached to the
post on the glass.
If a cellular telephone antenna
needs to be attached to the glass,
make sure that the grid lines for the
AM-FM antenna are not damaged.
There is enough space between the

grid lines to attach a cellular
telephone antenna without
interfering with radio reception.

Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window antenna and/or the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.

Caution
Do not apply aftermarket glass
tinting with metallic film. The
metallic film in some tinting
materials will interfere with or
distort the incoming radio
reception. Any damage caused to
the backglass antenna due to
metallic tinting materials will not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

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Multi-Band Antenna
The multi-band antenna is on the
roof of the vehicle. The antenna is
used for OnStar, the SiriusXM
Satellite Radio Service System, and
GPS (Global Positioning System),
if the vehicle has these features.
Keep the antenna clear of
obstructions for clear reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, and it is
open, reception can also be
affected.

179

Audio Players

USB Supported Devices
. USB Flash Drives

Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices

iPods/iPhones

Portable USB Hard Drives

When using media devices such as
CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, SD
cards, USB devices, and mobile
devices, consider the source.
Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system
operation or performance. Avoid use
if the content or origin cannot be
trusted.

Not all iPods and USB drives are
compatible with the USB port.

USB Port
Using the USB Port
The infotainment system can play
music by connecting an auxiliary
device to the USB port.
USB Support
The USB port is in the center stack
and use the USB 2.0 standard.
If equipped, there is a USB charge
port in the rear of the center
console.

Make sure the iPod has the latest
firmware from Apple for proper
operation. iPod firmware can be
updated using the latest iTunes
application. See www.apple.com/
itunes.
For help with identifying your iPod,
go to www.apple.com/support.
The USB port can play both lower
and upper case .mp3, .wma, .ogg,
and .wav files stored on a USB
storage device.
Supported Apple Devices
To view supported devices in the
U.S., see www.my.chevrolet.com/
learn.
To view supported devices in
Canada, see
www.chevroletowner.ca.

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To view supported devices in
Mexico, see your dealer.
USB Supported File and Folder
Structure
The infotainment system supports:
. FAT16
.

FAT32

exFAT

Connecting a USB Storage
Device or iPod/iPhone
To connect a USB storage device,
connect the device to the USB port.
To connect an iPod/iPhone, connect
one end of the device’s cable to the
iPod/iPhone and the other end to
the USB port.
The iPod/iPhone charges while it is
connected to the vehicle if the
vehicle is on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY. See Ignition
Positions 0 220. When the vehicle is
turned off, the iPod/iPhone
automatically powers off and will not
charge or draw power from the
vehicle's battery.

For more information on USB
usage, see “Audio System
Information” following.

Audio System Information
The infotainment system can play
the music files contained in the USB
storage device or iPod/iPhone
products.
Using MP3/WMA/OGG/WAV Files
. Music files with .mp3, .wma,
.ogg, and .wav file name
extensions can be played.
. MP3 files that can be played: Bit
rate: 8 kbps to 320 kbps.
Sampling frequency: 48 kHz,
44.1 kHz, 32 kHz, 24 kHz, 22.05
kHz, and 16 kHz.
. Files with a bit rate above
128 kbps will result in higher
quality sound.
. ID3 Tag information for MP3
files, such as the album name
and the artist, can be played.

To display album title, track title,
and artist information, the file
should be compatible with the
ID3 Tag V1 and V2 formats.

Using USB Storage Devices or
iPod/iPhone
. Use a USB or flash memory type
storage device. Do not connect
using a USB adaptor.
. Do not connect and reconnect
the USB device repeatedly in a
short time, as this may cause
static electricity and problems
using the device.
. Use a USB device with a metal
connecting terminal.
. Connection with i-Stick Type
USB storage devices may be
faulty due to vehicle vibration.
. Do not touch the USB
connecting terminal.
. Only USB storage devices
formatted in FAT16/32 or exFAT
file systems are recognized.
NTFS and other file systems are
not recognized.

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The time it takes to process files
will depend on the USB storage
device type and capacity, and
the type of files stored.

USB storage devices can only
be connected for playing music,
viewing photo files,
or upgrading.

Some iPod/iPhone product
models may not support the
connectivity or functionality of
this product.

Some USB storage device files
may not be compatible.

Up to two USB devices and one
iPod can be played through a
USB hub. All devices may not be
supported, depending on the
performance of the USB hub.
If there is not enough power
supply, it may not operate
normally.

Do not use the USB terminal to
charge USB accessory
equipment. The heat generated
may cause performance issues
or damage.

Only connect the iPod/iPhone
with connection cables
supported by iPod/iPhone
products. Other connection
cables cannot be used.

Music files to which Digital Right
Management (DRM) is applied
cannot be played.

USB storage device that has a
capacity limit of no more than
5,000 files, such as music,
photo, video, 15 levels of folder
structure. Normal usage cannot
be guaranteed for a storage
device that exceeds this limit.
The iPod/iPhone can play all
music files that are supported.
The music file lists will only
display up to 5,000 files on the
screen. These files are sorted in
alphabetical order.

The iPod/iPhone may be
damaged if it is connected to the
vehicle with the ignition on.
When not in use, disconnect the
iPod/iPhone.

When the iPod/iPhone is
connected to the USB port by
using the iPod/iPhone cable, the
Bluetooth music is not
supported.

The iPod/iPhone playback
functions and the information
displayed may be different when
played on the infotainment
system.

Do not disconnect the USB
storage device while it is playing.
This may cause damage to the
product or affect the
performance of the USB device.

Disconnect the USB storage
device when the ignition is
turned off. If the ignition is turned
on while the USB device is
connected, the USB device may
be damaged or may not operate
normally.

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Infotainment System
Changing to Next/Previous Files

Refer to the table for the
classification items related to the
search function provided by the
iPod/iPhone.

If the USB device is already
connected:
1. Press

Touch l to change to the
next file.

Touch g within five seconds of
the playback time to play the
previous file.

Returning to the Beginning of the
Current File
Touch g after five seconds of the
playback time.

USB Player

2. Touch AUDIO.

Scanning Forward or Backward

Playing Music from a USB Device
. Connect the USB device to the
USB port.
. Play will start automatically after
the system has finished reading
the USB device.
. If a non-readable USB device is
connected, an error message
displays and the system will
switch to the previous audio
function.

3. Touch Source.

Touch and hold g or l during
playback to rewind or fast forward.
Release to resume playback at
normal speed.

4. Touch USB.
To stop the USB device and select
another media source, touch
Source, then select the other
source.
To remove the USB device, select
another function, then remove the
USB device.
Pause
.
.

j to pause.
Touch r to resume.

Touch

Playing Files Randomly
Touch

Z during playback.

ON: Plays all files randomly.

OFF: Returns to normal
playback.

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Using the USB Music Menu

Auto Volume

Touch Auto Volume. The Auto
Volume menu is displayed. See
“Auto Volume” under “Radio
Controls” in Operation 0 170.

Play will start from the previously
played point after the system
has finished reading the USB
device.

If a non-readable USB device is
connected, an error message
displays and the system will
switch to the previous audio
function.

Traffic Program (If Equipped)
Touch On or Off.

Touch Menu during playback.

Touch the desired menu.

Applicable audio extensions are
asx, m3u, .pls, .wpl, b4s,
and .xspf.

Browse Music

183

MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
. Connect an MTP supported
device.
. Play will start automatically after
the system has finished reading
the MTP device.
. If a non-readable MTP device is
connected, an error message
displays and the system will
switch to the previous audio
function.

If the iPod/iPhone is already
connected:
1. Press

2. Touch AUDIO.
3. Touch Source.
4. Touch iPod.

Tone Settings

iPod/iPhone Player

To stop the device and select
another media source, touch
Source, then select the other
source.

Touch Tone Settings. The Tone
Settings menu is displayed. See
“Tone Settings” under “Radio
Controls” in Operation 0 170. To
stop the device and select another
media source, touch Source, then
select the other source.

This feature is limited to models
supporting the iPod/iPhone
connection.

To remove the device, select
another function, then remove the
device.

Playing Music Files
. Connect the iPod/iPhone to the
USB port.

Pause

1. Touch Browse Music.
2. Touch the desired music.

Touch

j to pause.

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.

Infotainment System

Touch

r to resume.

Changing to Next/Previous Song
.

Touch l to change to the
next song.

Touch g within two seconds of
the playback time to play the
previous file.

Returning to the Beginning of the
Current File
Touch g after two seconds of the
playback time.
Scanning Forward or Backward
Touch and hold g or l during
playback to rewind or fast forward.
Release to resume playback at
normal speed.
Playing Files Randomly
Touch

Z during playback.

ON: Plays all files randomly.

OFF: Returns to normal
playback.

Using the iPod Menu
. Touch Menu during playback.

Touch the appropriate
play mode.

Browse Music
1. Touch Browse Music.
2. Touch the desired music.
Tone Settings
Touch Tone Settings. The Tone
Settings menu is displayed. See
“Tone Settings” under “Radio
Controls” in Operation 0 170.
Auto Volume
Touch Auto Volume. The Auto
Volume menu is displayed. See
“Auto Volume” under “Radio
Controls” in Operation 0 170.

Picture System Information
The infotainment system can view
picture files stored on a USB
storage device and devices that
support Media Transfer
Protocol (MTP).
. Supported file extensions: .jpg,
.bmp, .png, .gif.
. Animated GIF files are not
supported.

Some files may not operate due
to a different recording format or
the condition of the file.

Viewing Pictures
1. Connect the USB device to the
USB port.
2. Touch the screen to open to full
screen. Touch the screen again
to return to the previous
screen.
If the USB device is already
connected:
1. Press

2. Touch GALLERY.
Some features are disabled while
the vehicle is in motion.
Viewing a Slide Show
1. Touch z from the picture
screen.
2. Touch the screen to cancel the
slide show during the slide
show playback.

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Viewing a Previous or Next
Picture

Phone

Touch S or
screen.

Bluetooth (Overview)

T from the picture

Rotating a Picture
Touch

w from the picture screen.

Enlarging a Picture
Touch

x from the picture screen.

Using the USB Picture Menu
1. Touch MENU from the picture
screen.
2. Touch the appropriate menu:
. Slide Show Time: Allows
selection of the slide show
interval.
. Clock, Temp. Display:
Allows selection of On or
Off to show the clock and
temperature on the full
screen.
. Display Settings: Adjusts
for Brightness and Contrast.
3. Touch Back on the infotainment
display to exit.

If equipped with Bluetooth®
capability, the system can interact
with many Bluetooth phones, PDAs,
or other devices to:
. Place and receive hands-free
calls.
. Transmit hands-free data.
.

Play audio streaming files.

Placing outgoing calls by voice
recognition.

The device must be paired first. See
“Pairing” under Bluetooth
(Overview) 0 185 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls Radio with
Touchscreen) 0 190 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls Radio without
Touchscreen) 0 186.
To minimize driver distraction,
before driving, and with the vehicle
parked:
. Become familiar with the
features of the cell phone.
Organize the phone book and

185

contact lists clearly and delete
duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial
or other shortcuts.
.

Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
system.

Pair cell phone(s) to the vehicle.
The system may not work with
all cell phones. See “Pairing”
under Bluetooth (Overview)
0 185 or Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls Radio with
Touchscreen) 0 190 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls Radio
without Touchscreen) 0 186.

See “Deleting a Bluetooth
Device” under Bluetooth
(Overview) 0 185 or Bluetooth
(Infotainment Controls Radio
with Touchscreen) 0 190 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio without Touchscreen)
0 186.

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{ Warning

The Bluetooth system range can be
up to 9.1 m (30 ft).

When using a cell phone, it can
be distracting to look too long or
too often at the screen of the
phone or the infotainment system.
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

There may be restrictions on using
Bluetooth wireless technology in
some locations.

Vehicles with a Bluetooth system
can use a Bluetooth-capable cell
phone with a Hands-Free Profile to
make and receive phone calls. The
infotainment system is used to
control the system. The system can
be used while the ignition is on or in
ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0 225. Not all phones
support all functions and not all
phones work with the Bluetooth
system. See www.gm.com/bluetooth
for more information about
compatible phones in the U.S. and
Canada only.

Due to the variety of Bluetooth
devices and their firmware versions,
the device may respond differently
when performing over Bluetooth.
On a current phone call, an image
of the current contact from the
phone's contact list may be
displayed. Not all phones are
compatible with this feature.
Refer to the cell phone
manufacturer’s user guide for
questions about the phone's
Bluetooth functionality.

Bluetooth Controls
If equipped with Bluetooth capability,
use the buttons on the infotainment
system and the steering wheel to
operate the system.
Steering Wheel Controls
See Steering Wheel Controls 0 106.

Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls Radio without
Touchscreen)
To use infotainment controls to
access the menu system, see
Overview 0 167.

Pairing
A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired to the Bluetooth
system and then connected to the
vehicle before it can be used. See
your cell phone manufacturer's user
guide for Bluetooth functions before
pairing the cell phone. If a Bluetooth
phone is not connected, calls will be
made using OnStar Hands-Free
Calling, if available. See OnStar
Overview 0 396.
Pairing Information
. A Bluetooth phone with MP3
capability cannot be paired to
the vehicle as a phone and an
MP3 player at the same time.
. Up to five cell phones can be
paired to the Bluetooth system.

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Infotainment System
.

The pairing process is disabled
when the vehicle is moving.

Pairing a Phone – SSP and No
Paired Device

3. Turn MENU to the desired
device to pair.

Pairing only needs to be
completed once, unless the
pairing information on the cell
phone changes or the cell phone
is deleted from the system.

When there is no paired device on
the infotainment system and Simple
Secure Pairing (SSP) is supported:

4. Press MENU to select the
desired device to pair.

Only one paired cell phone can
be connected to the Bluetooth
system at a time.
If multiple paired cell phones are
within range of the system, the
system connects to the first
available paired cell phone in the
order that they were first paired.

5. When the Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the phone
screen is displayed on the
infotainment system. If no
desired device is available go
to Step 6.

1. Press PHONE or press g on
the steering wheel without
OnStar.
2. Press Pair to search for
Bluetooth Devices.
3. When the Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the phone
screen is displayed on the
infotainment system.
Pairing a Phone – SSP and Paired
Device
When a paired device is on the
infotainment system and SSP is
supported:
1. Press PHONE or press g on
the steering wheel without
OnStar.
2. Press MENU, then select
Bluetooth Devices.

187

6. Press Add to search for the
desired device.
.

The connected phone is
highlighted by 5.

Z / 5 indicates the hands-free
and phone music functions are
enabled.

5 indicates only the hands-free
function is enabled.

Z indicates only Bluetooth
music is enabled.

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Pairing a Phone – No SSP and No
Paired Device
When there is no paired device on
the infotainment system and SSP is
not supported:
1. Press PHONE or press g on
the steering wheel without
OnStar.
2. Press Pair to search for
Bluetooth Devices.
3. Input the Personal
Identification Number (PIN)
code (default: 1234) to the
Bluetooth device. When the
Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the
PHONE screen is displayed on
the infotainment system.
When the connection fails, a failure
message is displayed on the
infotainment system.
If a Bluetooth device was previously
connected, the infotainment system
executes the auto connection.
However, if the Bluetooth setting on

the Bluetooth device is turned off, a
failure message is displayed on the
infotainment system.

displayed on the pair device
screen. If no desired device is
available go to Step 6.
6. Press Add to search for the
desired device.

Pairing a Phone – No SSP and
Paired Device
When a paired device is on the
infotainment system and SSP is not
supported:
1. Press PHONE or press g on
the steering wheel without
OnStar.

The connected phone is
highlighted by 5.

Z / 5 indicates the hands-free
and phone music functions are
enabled.

5 indicates only the hands-free
function is enabled.

3. Turn MENU to the desired
device to pair.

Z indicates only Bluetooth
music is enabled.

4. Press MENU to select the
desired device to pair.

Checking the Bluetooth
Connection

2. Press MENU, then select
Bluetooth Devices.

5. Input the Personal
Identification Number (PIN)
code (default: 1234) to the
Bluetooth device. When the
Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, Z / 5 is

1. Press PHONE.
2. Turn MENU to highlight
Bluetooth Devices.
3. Press MENU to select
Bluetooth Devices.
4. The paired device will show.

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Infotainment System
versions over 1.2 must be
registered and connected to the
product.

Disconnecting a Bluetooth Device
1. Press PHONE.
2. Turn MENU to highlight
Bluetooth Devices.

From the cell phone or Bluetooth
device, find the Bluetooth device
type to set/connect the item as a
stereo headset.

e will appear on the screen if
the stereo headset is
successfully connected.

The sound played by the
Bluetooth device is delivered
through the infotainment system.

Bluetooth music can be played
only when a Bluetooth device
has been connected. To play
Bluetooth music, connect the
Bluetooth phone to the
infotainment system.

If the Bluetooth device is
disconnected while playing
phone music, the music is
discontinued. The audio
streaming function may not be
supported in some Bluetooth
phones. Only one function can
be used at a time between the
Bluetooth hands-free or Phone

3. Press MENU to select
Bluetooth Devices.
4. Turn MENU to highlight the
desired Bluetooth device.
5. Press Disconnect.
Deleting a Bluetooth Device
1. Press PHONE.
2. Turn MENU to highlight
Bluetooth Devices.
3. Press MENU to select
Bluetooth Devices.
4. Turn MENU to highlight the
desired Bluetooth device.
5. Press Delete.
Bluetooth Music
Before playing Bluetooth music,
read the following information.
. A cell phone or Bluetooth device
that supports Advanced Audio
Distribution Profile (A2DP)

189

music function. For example,
if you convert to Bluetooth
hands-free while playing Phone
music, the music is
discontinued. Playing music from
the car is not possible when
there are no music files stored in
the cell phone.
.

For Bluetooth music to play, the
music must be played at least
once from the music player
mode of the cell phone or
Bluetooth device after
connecting as a stereo headset.
After being played at least once,
the music player will
automatically play upon entering
play mode, and it will
automatically stop when the
music player mode ends. If the
cell phone or Bluetooth device is
not in the waiting screen mode,
some devices may not
automatically play in Bluetooth
music play mode.

Playing Bluetooth Music
Press MEDIA repeatedly, until
Bluetooth Audio is selected.

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Pause

Playing Music Randomly

Turn MENU to highlight j, then
press MENU to pause.

Turn MENU to highlight Z, then
press MENU during playback. Press
MENU again to return to
normal play.

Turn MENU to highlight r, then
press MENU to resume.
Playing the Next Song
Turn MENU to highlight
press MENU to pause.

l, then

Playing the Previous Song
Turn MENU to highlight g, then
press MENU within two seconds of
playback time to play the
previous song.
Returning to the Beginning of the
Current Song
Turn MENU to highlight g, then
press MENU after two seconds of
playback time.
Search
Turn MENU to highlight g or l,
then press and hold MENU to
rewind or fast forward.

This function may not be supported
depending on the cell phone.
Do not change the track too quickly
when playing Bluetooth music.
Conditions that may occur when
playing Bluetooth music:
. It takes time to transmit data
from the cell phone to the
infotainment system.
. If the cell phone or Bluetooth
device is not in the waiting
screen mode, it may not
automatically play.
. The infotainment system
transmits the order to play from
the cell phone in the Bluetooth
music play mode. If this is done
in a different mode, then the
device transmits the order to
stop. Depending on the cell

phone’s options, this order to
play/stop may take time to
activate.
.

If the Bluetooth music playback
is not functioning, then check to
see if the cell phone is in the
waiting screen mode.

Sounds may be cut off during
the Bluetooth music playback.

The infotainment system outputs
the audio from the cell phone or
Bluetooth device as it is
transmitted.

Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls Radio with
Touchscreen)
To use infotainment controls to
access the menu system, see
Overview 0 167.

Pairing
A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired to the Bluetooth
system and then connected to the
vehicle before it can be used. See
your cell phone manufacturer's user

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Infotainment System
guide for Bluetooth functions before
pairing the cell phone. If a Bluetooth
phone is not connected, calls will be
made using OnStar Hands-Free
Calling, if available. See OnStar
Overview 0 396.
Pairing Information
. A Bluetooth phone with MP3
capability cannot be paired to
the vehicle as a phone and an
MP3 player at the same time.
. Up to 10 cell phones can be
paired to the Bluetooth system.
. The pairing process is disabled
when the vehicle is moving.
. Pairing only needs to be
completed once, unless the
pairing information on the cell
phone changes or the cell phone
is deleted from the system.
. Only one paired cell phone can
be connected to the Bluetooth
system at a time.

If multiple paired cell phones are
within range of the system, the
system connects to the first
available paired cell phone in the
order that they were first paired.

When the Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the phone book
is downloaded automatically. This is
dependent on the type of phone
paired. If the automatic download
does not occur, proceed with the
phone book download on the
phone.
Pairing a Phone – SSP and No
Paired Device
When there is no paired device on
the infotainment system and Simple
Secure Pairing (SSP) is supported:
1. Press

2. Touch Phone, press 5 on the
center stack, or press b / g on
the steering wheel without
OnStar.
3. Touch Search Device.

191

4. Touch the desired device to
pair on the searched list
screen.
5. Touch Yes on the pop-up
screen of the Bluetooth device
and infotainment system.
6. When the Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the phone
screen is displayed on the
infotainment system.
Pairing a Phone – SSP and Paired
Device
When a paired device is on the
infotainment system and SSP is
supported:
1. Press

2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch Bluetooth, then Device
Management.
4. Touch the desired device to
pair. When the Bluetooth
device and infotainment system
are successfully paired, Z / 5

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192

Infotainment System
is displayed on the pair device
screen. If no desired device is
available go to Step 5.

5. Touch Search Device to search
for the desired device.
6. Touch the desired device to
pair on the searched list
screen.
7. Touch Yes on the pop-up
screen of the Bluetooth device
and infotainment system.
. The connected phone is
highlighted by 5.
.

Z / 5 indicates the hands-free
and phone music functions are
enabled.

5 indicates only the hands-free
function is enabled.

Z indicates only Bluetooth
music is enabled.

Pairing a Phone – No SSP and No
Paired Device
When there is no paired device on
the infotainment system and SSP is
not supported:
1. Press

2. Touch Phone, press 5 on the
center stack, or press b / g on
the steering wheel without
OnStar.
3. Touch Search Device.
4. Touch the desired device to
pair on the searched list
screen.
5. Input the Personal
Identification Number (PIN)
code (default: 1234) to the
Bluetooth device. When the
Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the
PHONE screen is displayed on
the infotainment system.
When the connection fails, a failure
message is displayed on the
infotainment system.

If a Bluetooth device was previously
connected, the infotainment system
executes the auto connection.
However, if the Bluetooth setting on
the Bluetooth device is turned off, a
failure message is displayed on the
infotainment system.
Pairing a Phone – No SSP and
Paired Device
When a paired device is on the
infotainment system and SSP is not
supported:
1. Press

2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch Bluetooth, then Device
Management.
4. Touch the desired device to
pair. When the Bluetooth
device and infotainment system
are successfully paired, Z / 5
is displayed on the pair device
screen. If no desired device is
available go to Step 5.
5. Touch Search Device to search
for the desired device.

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Infotainment System
6. Touch the desired device to
pair on the searched list
screen.
7. Input the Personal
Identification Number (PIN)
code (default: 1234) to the
Bluetooth device. When the
Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, Z / 5 is
displayed on the pair device
screen.
. The connected phone is
highlighted by 5.
.

.
.

3. Touch Bluetooth, then Device
Management.

4. Touch the device to be
connected.

4. Touch the device to delete.

Checking the Bluetooth
Connection
1. Press

2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch Bluetooth, then Device
Management.
4. The paired device will show.
Disconnecting a Bluetooth Device

Z / 5 indicates the hands-free

1. Press

and phone music functions are
enabled.

2. Touch Settings.

5 indicates only the hands-free

3. Touch Bluetooth, then Device
Management.

function is enabled.

Z indicates only Bluetooth

4. Touch the name of the device
to be disconnected.

music is enabled.

5. Touch Disconnect.

Connecting a Paired Bluetooth
Device
1. Press

2. Touch Settings.

193

Deleting a Bluetooth Device
1. Press

2. Touch Settings.

5. Touch Y.
6. Touch Delete.
Bluetooth Music
Before playing Bluetooth music,
read the following information:
. A cell phone or Bluetooth device
that supports Advanced Audio
Distribution Profile (A2DP)
versions over 1.2 must be
registered and connected to the
product.
. From the cell phone or Bluetooth
device, find the Bluetooth device
type to set/connect the item as a
stereo headset.
.

e will appear on the screen if
the stereo headset is
successfully connected.

The sound played by the
Bluetooth device is delivered
through the infotainment system.

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.

Infotainment System

Bluetooth music can be played
only when a Bluetooth device
has been connected. To play
Bluetooth music, connect the
Bluetooth phone to the
infotainment system.
If the Bluetooth device is
disconnected while playing
phone music, the music is
discontinued. The audio
streaming function may not be
supported in some Bluetooth
phones. Only one function can
be used at a time between the
Bluetooth hands-free or Phone
music function. For example,
if you convert to Bluetooth
hands-free while playing Phone
music, the music is
discontinued. Playing music from
the car is not possible when
there are no music files stored in
the cell phone.

Playing Bluetooth Music
1. Press

2. Touch Audio.
3. Touch Source.

4. Touch Bluetooth.
Pause

j to pause.
Touch r to resume.

Touch

Playing the Next Song
Touch

Playing the Previous Song
Touch g within two seconds of
playback time to play the
previous song.
Returning to the Beginning of the
Current Song
Touch g after two seconds of
playback time.
Search
Touch and hold
or fast forward.

g or l to rewind

Playing Music Randomly
Touch Z during playback. Touch
again to return to normal play.

This function may not be supported
depending on the Bluetooth device.
Do not change the track too quickly
when playing Bluetooth music.
Conditions that may occur when
playing Bluetooth music:
. It takes time to transmit data
from the Bluetooth device to the
infotainment system.
. If the cell phone or Bluetooth
device is not in the waiting
screen mode, it may not
automatically play.
. The infotainment system
transmits the order to play from
the Bluetooth device in the
Bluetooth music play mode.
If this is done in a different
mode, then the device transmits
the order to stop. Depending on
the Bluetooth device options,
this order to play/stop may take
time to activate.
. If the Bluetooth music playback
is not functioning, then check to
see if the Bluetooth device is in
the waiting screen mode.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System
.

Sounds may be cut off during
the Bluetooth music playback.

The infotainment system outputs
the audio from the cell phone or
Bluetooth device as it is
transmitted.

Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto
If equipped, Android Auto and/or
Apple CarPlay capability may be
available through a compatible
smartphone. If available,
PROJECTION will appear on the
Home Page of the infotainment
display.
To use Android Auto or Apple
CarPlay:
1. Download the Android Auto
app to your phone from the
Google Play store. No app is
required for Apple CarPlay.
2. Connect an Android phone or
iPhone by using the compatible
phone USB cable and plugging
into a USB data port. For best
performance, use the device’s

factory-provided USB cable.
Aftermarket or third-party
cables may not work.
3. When the phone is first
connected to activate Apple
CarPlay or Android Auto, the
message “Device Projection
Privacy Consent” will appear.
. Select Continue to launch
Apple CarPlay or
Android Auto.
. Select Disable to remove
Apple CarPlay and Android
Auto capability from the
vehicle Settings menu.
Other functions may
still work.
PROJECTION on the Home Page
will change to Android Auto or Apple
CarPlay depending on the phone.
Android Auto and/or Apple CarPlay
may automatically launch upon USB
connection. If not, touch the
ANDROID AUTO and/or APPLE
CARPLAY icon on the Home Page
to launch.
Press { on the center stack to
return to the Home Page.

195

For further information on how to set
up Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
in the vehicle, see my.chevrolet.com
or see Customer Assistance Offices
0 384.
Android Auto is provided by Google
and is subject to Google’s terms
and privacy policy. Apple CarPlay is
provided by Apple and is subject to
Apple’s terms and privacy policy.
Data plan rates apply. For Android
Auto support see https://
support.google.com/androidauto.
For Apple CarPlay support see
www.apple.com/ios/carplay/. Apple
or Google may change or suspend
availability at any time. Android
Auto, Android, Google, Google Play,
and other marks are trademarks of
Google Inc.; Apple CarPlay is a
trademark of Apple Inc.

Hands-Free Phone
General Information without
Touchscreen
If equipped, press g, select OnStar
Hands-Free Calling, then say the
desired number.

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196

Infotainment System

General Information with
Touchscreen

If equipped, vehicles with a
Hands-Free Phone system can use
a Bluetooth-capable cell phone with
a hands-free profile to make and
receive phone calls. The
infotainment system and voice
control are used to operate the
system. Not all phones support all
functions and not all phones work
with the Hands-Free Phone system.

g : Press to answer incoming calls.
c : Press to end a call, decline a

Touch
or off.

call, or cancel an operation.

Calling by Redial

Making a Call by Entering a Phone
Number

To call by using redial:

Make outgoing calls using the
call list.

5 on the center stack.
Press {, then touch PHONE on

Press

the screen.

Hands-Free Phone Controls

Use the buttons on the infotainment
system and the steering wheel to
operate the Hands-Free Phone
system.

If a wrong number is entered, touch
} to delete the number one digit at
a time, or touch and hold } to
delete all digits of the number.

Steering Wheel Controls
Steering wheel controls can be
used to:
. Answer incoming calls.
.

Confirm system information.

End a call.

Decline a call.

Cancel an operation.

Press

g on the steering wheel.

Switching a Call to the Cell Phone
(Private Mode)
To switch the call from the cell
phone to hands-free:

0.
Touch 0 again to switch back

1. Touch
2.

to hands-free.

Turning the Microphone On
and Off

3 to turn the microphone on

Press g on the steering wheel
controls to display the redial
guidance screen.

Touch

5 on the phone screen.

Redialing is not possible when there
is no call history.
Taking Calls
When a phone call comes through
the connected Bluetooth cell phone,
the audio system will be muted or
paused and the phone will ring with
the relevant information displayed.
To accept the call, press g on the
steering wheel controls, touch 5 on
the screen, or press 5 on the center
stack.

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Infotainment System
To decline the call, press c on the
steering wheel controls or touch
Reject on the screen.
Using the Contacts Menu

5. If there is more than one
number associated with the
name, touch the number
to dial.

2. Touch (jkl) three times to select
the second character.
3. Touch (def) two times to select
the third character.

3. Touch the phone book entry
to call.

When the Bluetooth device and
infotainment system are
successfully paired, the phone book
may download. Some phones may
not download automatically. If this
happens, connect it again or
proceed with the phone book
download on the phone.

4. Touch the number to dial.

Searching for a Name

Select characters by using the
keypad on the phone book screen.
As characters are selected, the
names that include those characters
will display on the phone book
screen. As more characters of the
name are entered, the list of
possible names is shortened.

1. Touch Contacts on the phone
screen.
2. Touch Q or
the list.

R to scroll through

Searching for Contacts Entries
1. Touch Contacts on the phone
screen.
2. Touch 9 on the contacts
screen.
3. Use the keypad to input the
name to search. See
“Searching for a Name”
following.
4. Touch the phone book entry
to call.

To search for the name Alex:
1. Touch (abc) to select the first
character.

197

4. Touch (wxy) two times to select
the fourth character.
Making a Call from Call History
1. Touch Call History on the
phone screen.
2. Touch one of the following for:

.
.

W All calls history.
[ Dialed calls.
Y Missed calls.
X Received calls.

3. Select the contact entry to call.
Making a Call with Speed Dial
Numbers
Touch and hold the speed dial
number using the keypad on the
phone screen.

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198

Infotainment System

Only speed dial numbers already
stored on the cell phone can be
used for speed dial calls. Up to
two-digit speed dial numbers are
supported.

Trademarks and
License Agreements

For two-digit speed dial numbers,
touch and hold the second digit to
make a call to the speed dial
number.

See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.

iPod and iPhone are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.

FCC Information

Bluetooth
The Bluetooth word mark and logos
are owned by the Bluetooth SIG,
Inc. and any use of such marks by
General Motors is under license.
Other trademarks and trade names
are those of their respective owners.

“Made for iPod” and “Made for
iPhone” mean that an electronic
accessory has been designed to
connect specifically to iPod or
iPhone and has been certified by
the developer to meet Apple
performance standards.

Fees and Taxes: Subscription fee,
taxes, one time activation fee, and
other fees may apply. Subscription
fee is consumer only. All fees and
programming subject to change.
Subscriptions subject to Customer
Agreement available at
www.siriusxm.com or
www.siriusxm.ca. SiriusXM service
only available in the 48 contiguous
United States and Canada.
In Canada: Some deterioration of
service may occur in extreme
northern latitudes. This is beyond
the control of SiriusXM Satellite
Radio.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Infotainment System
It is prohibited to copy, decompile,
disassemble, reverse engineer,
hack, manipulate, or otherwise
make available any technology or
software incorporated in receivers
compatible with the SiriusXM
Satellite Radio System or that
support the SiriusXM website, the
Online Service or any of its content.
Furthermore, the AMBER voice
compression software included in
this product is protected by
intellectual property rights including
patent rights, copyrights, and trade
secrets of Digital Voice
Systems, Inc.
General Requirements:
1. A License Agreement from
SiriusXM is required for any
product that incorporates
SiriusXM Technology and/or for
use of any of the SiriusXM
marks to be manufactured,
distributed, or marketed in the
SiriusXM Service Area.
2. For products to be distributed,
marketed, and/or sold in
Canada, a separate agreement

is required with Canadian
Satellite Radio Inc. (operating
as SiriusXM Canada).
FreeType 2
Portions of this software are
copyright 2007-2012 The FreeType
Project (www.freetype.org). All rights
reserved.
Libjpeg
The navigation software is based in
part on the work of the independent
JPEG Group.

199

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200

Climate Controls

Climate Control Systems

The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.

Climate Control Systems . . . . . 200
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

1. Fan Control
2. MAX Defrost

7. Air Delivery Mode Controls
8. Rear Window Defogger

3. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/
Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/
Start Only)

TEMP : Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the temperature setting.

4. TEMP (Temperature Control)

^ : Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed or turn the
fan off.

5. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
6. Recirculation

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Climate Controls
Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press the air delivery mode buttons
to change the direction of the
airflow. The indicator light in the
selected button will turn on. The
current mode appears in the display
screen.
To change the current mode, select
one or more of the following modes:

0 : Clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield.

{ : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
z : Air is directed to the floor
outlets.
0 MAX : Air is directed to the
windshield and the fan runs at a
higher speed. This mode overrides
the previous mode selected and
clears fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly. When the
button is pressed again, the system
returns to the previous mode setting
and fan speed.

For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. If the
fan control is turned off or the
outside temperature falls below
freezing, the air conditioner will
not run.
A/C (Max/Eco A/C For Stop/Start
Vehicles) : Press to cycle between
the max, eco, and off air
conditioning modes. The indicator
will be lit in max and eco modes and
turns off when there is no A/C
function. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run and the
indicator light will turn off.
For max a/c, press A/C. The
indicator will turn amber. Auto stops
will occur less frequently, be shorter,
and will not occur in extremely warm
weather.
For eco a/c, press A/C again. The
indicator will turn green. This setting
balances fuel economy and air
conditioning comfort. In warm
weather conditions, auto stops may

201

occur more frequently, last longer,
and the vehicle interior may be
warmer during auto stops as
compared to the max a/c setting.
This setting allows higher humidity
inside the vehicle and window
fogging may occur before the
engine restarts.

@ : Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle or to reduce the
entry of outside air and odors.
Auto Defog : The climate control
system may have a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to
outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, see
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

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Climate Controls

Rear Window Defogger

K : Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. The
defogger turns off when the ignition
is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The upper lines on the rear window
are antenna grids and are not
intended to defrost the glass.
The rear window defogger can be
set to automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
When Auto Rear Defog is selected,
the rear window defogger turns on
automatically when the interior
temperature is cold and the outside
temperature is about 7 °C (44 °F)
and below. The auto rear defogger
turns off automatically.

If the vehicle is equipped with
heated outside mirrors, they turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirror.
See Heated Mirrors 0 49.

Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

L or M : If equipped, press L or M
to heat the driver or passenger seat.
See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 0 62.

Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with remote
start, the climate control system
may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The system uses the
driver’s previous settings to heat or
cool the inside of the vehicle. The
rear defog may come on during
remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a
remote start. The front heated seats
will turn on if it is cold outside. The
heated seat indicator lights do not
come on during a remote start.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Climate Controls

Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.

203

Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls
the fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to
the desired temperature.
When AUTO is lit, all four functions
operate automatically. Each function
can also be manually set and the
selected setting is displayed.
Functions not manually set will
continue to be automatically
controlled, even if the AUTO
indicator is not lit.
For automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO.

1. Driver and Passenger
Ventilated Seats (If Equipped)

6. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)

2. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls

7. SYNC

3. MAX Defrost

9. Fan Controls

8. AUTO (Automatic Operation)

4. Air Delivery Mode Controls

10. Power (On/Off)

5. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/
Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/
Start Only)

11. Recirculation
12. Rear Window Defogger

2. Set the temperature. Allow the
system time to stabilize. Adjust
the temperature as needed for
best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to
cool the vehicle faster with A/C on,
the system will automatically turn on
recirculation in warm weather. The
recirculation light will not be lit.

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Climate Controls

Press @ to manually select
recirculation and the indicator light
will turn on. Press it again to select
outside air and the indicator light will
turn off.
Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls : The
temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and the
passenger. Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the driver or passenger
temperature setting.
SYNC : Press to link the passenger
temperature settings to the driver
setting. The SYNC indicator light will
turn on. When the passenger
settings are adjusted, the SYNC
indicator light turns off.
Manual Operation

O : Press to turn the fan off or on.
If on is selected, or any other button
is pressed or knob turned, the
climate control system will turn on
and return to delivering airflow as
set. The temperature control and air
delivery mode can still be adjusted.

^ : Press the large fan symbol to
increase the fan speed. Press the
small fan symbol to decrease the
fan speed. The fan speed setting
appears on the main display. When
the fan speed is decreased
completely, the fan turns off.
Pressing either button cancels
automatic fan control and the fan is
controlled manually. Press AUTO to
return to automatic operation.
Air Delivery Mode Controls :
Press 0, d, or c to change
the direction of the airflow. Any
combination of the three buttons
can be selected. The indicator light
in the button will turn on. The
current mode appears in the display
screen. Pressing any button cancels
automatic air delivery control and
the direction of the airflow is
controlled manually. Press AUTO to
return to automatic operation.
To change the current mode, select
one or more of the following modes:

0 : Clears the windows of fog or
moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield.

d : Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.

c : Air is directed to the floor
outlets.
0 MAX : Air is directed to the
windshield, the fan runs at a higher
speed, and the temperature of the
air is increased if not already at
maximum. This mode overrides the
previous mode selected and clears
fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the button is
pressed again, the system returns
to the previous mode setting and
fan speed.
For best results, clear all snow and
ice from the windshield before
defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off. If the
fan control is turned off or the
outside temperature falls below
freezing, the air conditioner will
not run.
Pressing this button cancels
automatic air conditioning and turns
off the air conditioner. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation and

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Climate Controls
the air conditioner runs
automatically as needed. When the
indicator light is on, the air
conditioner runs automatically to
cool the air inside the vehicle or to
dry the air needed to defog the
windshield faster.
A/C (Max/Eco A/C For Stop/Start
Vehicles) : Press to cycle between
the max, eco, and off air
conditioning modes. The indicator
will be lit in max and eco modes and
turns off when there is no A/C
function. If the fan is turned off, the
air conditioner will not run and the
indicator light will turn off.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner
runs automatically as needed. With
Stop/Start vehicles, the A/C will
return to eco a/c operation.
For max a/c, press A/C. The
indicator will turn amber. Auto stops
will occur less frequently, be shorter,
and will not occur in extremely warm
weather.

For eco a/c, press A/C again. The
indicator will turn green. This setting
balances fuel economy and air
conditioning comfort. In warm
weather conditions, auto stops may
occur more frequently, last longer,
and the vehicle interior may be
warmer during auto stops as
compared to the max a/c setting.
This setting allows higher humidity
inside the vehicle and window
fogging may occur before the
engine restarts.

@ : Press to turn on recirculation.
An indicator light comes on. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the
inside of the vehicle or to reduce the
entry of outside air and odors.
If selected during cool or cold
weather, the windshield and
windows may fog. Turn off
recirculation to help clear the
windshield and windows.
Auto Defog : The climate control
system may have a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to

205

outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. The fan speed may
slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, see
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

Rear Window Defogger

K : Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. The
rear window defogger only works
when the ignition is on. The
defogger turns off when the ignition
is turned off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The upper lines on the rear window
are antenna grids and are not
intended to defrost the glass.
The rear window defogger can be
set to automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
When Auto Rear Defog is selected,

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Climate Controls

the rear window defogger turns on
automatically when the interior
temperature is cold and the outside
temperature is about 7 °C (44 °F)
and below. The auto rear defogger
turns off automatically.
If the vehicle is equipped with
heated outside mirrors, they turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirror.
See Heated Mirrors 0 49.

Driver and Passenger Heated and
Ventilated Seats : If equipped,
press L or M to heat the driver or
passenger seat.

Sensor

If equipped, press { or C to
ventilate the driver or passenger
seat. See Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats 0 62.

The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.

Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with remote
start, the climate control system
may run when the vehicle is started
remotely. The system will use the
defrost setting if it is cold outside or
turn on using the coldest settings if
it is hot outside. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear defog indicator light does not
come on during a remote start. The
front heated seats will turn on if it is
cold outside. The heated seat
indicator lights do not come on
during a remote start.

The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.

Do not cover the sensor; otherwise
the automatic climate control system
may not work properly.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Climate Controls

Air Vents

Use the louvers on the air vents to
change the direction of the airflow.
On the center air vents, move the
sliding knob down to close off
airflow.
On the side air vents, move the
sliding knob to the outboard side of
the vehicle to close off the airflow.
Operation Tips
. Keep all outlets open whenever
possible for best system
performance.

Keep the path under all seats
clear of objects to help circulate
the air inside the vehicle more
effectively.
Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle, which may improve
long term system performance.

Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.

Do not attach any devices to the
air vent slats; this restricts
airflow and may cause damage
to the air vents.

207

Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance;
see Maintenance Schedule 0 367.
To find out what type of filter to use,
see Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0 376.
1. Open the glove box completely.

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208

Climate Controls

2. Disconnect the glove box door
dampener arm from the glove
box door assembly.
3. Squeeze both sides of the
glove box door to open beyond
the stops.

4. Release the retainer clips
holding the service door. Open
the service door and remove
the old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Close the service door and
retainer clips.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall
the glove box.

See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.

Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should
never be repaired or replaced by
one from a salvage vehicle.
It should only be replaced by a new
evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants
should be reclaimed with proper
equipment. Venting refrigerants
directly to the atmosphere is harmful
to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite,
or other health-based concerns.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating

Driving and
Operating

Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Engine Exhaust
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 213
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 214
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . .

220
220
222
224
225
225
226

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 228
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . .
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

231
232
232
234
234
235

Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 240

209

Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 247
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 248
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 258
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 260

Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
California Fuel
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . .
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

262
263
264
264
264
266

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210

Driving and Operating

Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .

Driving Information
266

Distracted Driving

267
270
271

Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.

Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.

Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.

Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.

Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.

Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.

Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.

Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating

{ Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts 0 66.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.

Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.

{ Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious — or even
fatal — collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.

211

Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
.

Keep pace with traffic.

If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.

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212

Driving and Operating

Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.

See your dealer if there is a
problem.

Steering

Take curves at a reasonable
speed.

Reduce speed before entering a
curve.

Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.

If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.

Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.

If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.

There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.

Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.

The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.

Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.

If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.

Off-Road Recovery

Curve Tips

Steering in Emergencies

The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and
then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.

Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
. Braking Skid — wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid — too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.

Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.

If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:

Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface — and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.

213

Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.

{ Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)

occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.

Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
. Allow extra following distance.
.

Pass with caution.

Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.

Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.

Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires 0 313.

Turn off cruise control.

Warning (Continued)
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
. Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.

{ Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
.

Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.

Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).

{ Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
.

Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.

than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0 231.
.

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice

Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.

Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.

Blizzard Conditions

For Slippery Road Driving:
. Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0 386. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.

Turn off cruise control.

215

{ Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”

For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0 227.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.

If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.

If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 235.

{ Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).

Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the

wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
see Towing the Vehicle 0 352.

Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating

{ Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information
Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
tire size of the original

217

equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see Tires 0 313 and Tire
Pressure 0 321.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification
Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1. Locate the statement "The

combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
2. Determine the combined

weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.

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Driving and Operating

3. Subtract the combined

weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals

the available amount of
cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)

your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing 0 270 for
important information on towing
a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.

5. Determine the combined

weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing

a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to

2. Subtract Occupant

Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs)
× 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lbs).

Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight

Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight

for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).

for Example 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs)
× 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight
= 113 kg (250 lbs).

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Driving and Operating
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label

{ Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.

Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.

Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.

Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.

Secure loose items in the
vehicle.

Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight

for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight
= 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes
the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.

219

(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)

Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.

Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 800 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 300 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)

Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.

Ignition Positions

The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
The RKE transmitter must be in the
vehicle for the system to operate.
If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a
strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access
system. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32.

Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition will turn off.

To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, and the brake pedal
must be applied.

If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:

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) 0 225.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the
message SHIFT TO PARK in the

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.

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. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, the
shift lever must be in P (Park)
to turn the ignition off.

221

4. Set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake 0 232 and
Electric Parking Brake 0 232.

{ 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.
ACC/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 ACC/ACCESSORY.

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Driving and Operating

The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY 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 0 222. 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. The engine will not
start in Service Mode. Press the
button again to turn the vehicle off.

Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine will
only start if required for cabin
warming or high voltage battery
charging. The vehicle ready light will
be illuminated when the vehicle is
ready to be driven.

Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.

Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment
0 272.
Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access
system, the RKE transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press
ENGINE START/STOP with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go
of the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or the RKE
transmitter battery is low, the
Driver Information Center (DIC)

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Driving and Operating
will display a message.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 0 32.

Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start
after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather
(below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much
gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to
the floor and holding it there as
you hold ENGINE START/

STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to
cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button and
the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine
and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates
all moving parts.

Hybrid Operation (1.8 L
Engine Only)
This vehicle combines gasoline and
electric propulsion. The gasoline
engine will automatically start to
provide power and then shut off to
save fuel.
The engine may remain
running when:
. Accelerating aggressively or
climbing hills.

223

Vehicle speed is greater than
88 km/h (55 mph).

Charging the high voltage
battery.

The heater is being used.

The engine and transmission work
together to provide propulsion
power at the highest efficiency. This
may result in higher engine speeds.

Stop/Start System

{ Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may
restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then
turn the ignition off before exiting
the vehicle.
This vehicle may be equipped with a
fuel saving Stop/Start system to
shut off the engine and help
conserve fuel.

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Driving and Operating

Auto Stop/Start (1.5 L
Engine Only)
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When
stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer
(Non-Hybrid) 0 119. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pushed, the engine will
restart.
Auto Stop may be deactivated if:
. A minimum vehicle speed is not
reached.
. The engine or transmission is
not at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not
in the required operating range,
typically below −10 °C (14 °F) or
above 50 °C (122 °F).
. The shift lever is in any gear
other than D (Drive).
. The battery has been recently
disconnected.
. The battery charge is low.

The interior comfort level has not
reached the required level for
the climate control system or
defog settings. Use the eco
(green indicator on) air
conditioning mode for better
efficiency.
See Climate Control Systems
0 200 and Dual Automatic
Climate Control System 0 203.

The Auto Stop time is greater
than two minutes.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.

Engine Heater
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
engine heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An
internal 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.

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
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
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)
Some vehicle accessories may be
used after the ignition is turned off.

The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will
continue to work for 10 minutes,
until the driver door is opened,
or until the ignition is turned on or
placed in ACC/ACCESSORY.

Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake 0 232 and
Electric Parking Brake 0 232.
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.

225

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).
See Shifting Into Park 0 225.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved

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Driving and Operating

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, 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).

If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 267.

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 0 349.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.

4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever
button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and
press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, see your dealer.

Parking over Things
That Burn

{ Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.

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Driving and Operating

Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0 225 and
Engine Exhaust 0 227.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will turn off
after one hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will turn off after
two hours.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.

Engine Exhaust

{ Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
. The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
. The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued)

227

Warning (Continued)
.

There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.

If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
. Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.

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Driving and Operating

Running the Vehicle
While Parked

Automatic
Transmission

It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0 225 and
Engine Exhaust 0 227.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0 267.

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.
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
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).
See Shifting Into Park 0 225.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. The brake pedal must be
fully applied, then press the shift
lever button before shifting from
P (Park) while the ignition is on.
If the vehicle will not shift out of
P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever and push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) while maintaining
brake application. Then move the
shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0 226.

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Driving and Operating
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 0 216.
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.
If equipped with the 1.8L Hybrid
engine and the hood is opened
while in N (Neutral), the vehicle will
shut down. The vehicle will have to
be restarted after closing the hood.

{ 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.

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.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine will
always be off while in N (Neutral).
The vehicle cannot charge the high
voltage battery while the shift lever

229

is in N (Neutral). Only use
N (Neutral) when required. If the
high voltage battery state of charge
is low, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a message
to shift out of N (Neutral). Shift to
P (Park), R (Reverse), D (Drive),
or L (Low) depending on the
situation. If the high voltage battery
is depleted too far, the vehicle will
shut down, requiring a shift to
P (Park) to restart the vehicle.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
L : This position allows you to
change gears similar to a manual
transmission. If the vehicle has this
feature, see Manual Mode 0 230.

Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)

damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.

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 current
gear that has been selected.

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

To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
L (Manual Mode).
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 (Manual Mode), 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)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.
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 (Manual Mode), 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

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Driving and Operating
completed. You must further slow
the vehicle, then press the − (Minus)
button to the desired lower gear
range.

Hybrid Low Mode
L2 provides the ability to slow the
vehicle without using the brakes. L2
provides moderate braking and L1
provides maximum braking below
80 km/h (50 mph). Use L (Low) when
descending steep grades or in
stop-and-go traffic. When the
battery reaches full charge the
engine may run to maintain braking.
To use this feature:

Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.

1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
The transmission will enter L2.
2. Press + (Plus) or − (Minus) on
the shift lever to shift between
L2 and L1.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 127.

231

If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.

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Driving and Operating

Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.

Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.

Parking Brake

To set the manual parking brake,
if equipped:
Hold the brake pedal down, then
push the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
See Brake System Warning Light
0 126.

system warning light will be on and
a chime will sound warning you that
the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 267.

Electric Parking Brake

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.
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down, then
push down momentarily on the
parking brake pedal until you feel
the pedal release. Slowly pull your
foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released
when you begin to drive, the brake

The vehicle may have an Electric
Parking Brake (EPB). The EPB can
always be activated, even if the
ignition is off. To prevent draining
the battery, avoid repeated cycles of
the EPB system when the engine is

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Driving and Operating
not running. In case of insufficient
electrical power, the EPB cannot be
applied or released.
The system has a Y or PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a 8
Service Parking Brake light.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 126 and Service Electric Parking
Brake Light 0 127.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the Y or PARK 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. Lift up the EPB switch
momentarily.
The Y or PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the Y or PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB
is only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC (Driver
Information Center) 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 Y or PARK light
is flashing. See your dealer. See
Electric Parking Brake Light 0 126.
If the 8 light is on, pull the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the Y or PARK
light remains on. If the 8 light
remains on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pressed. If the switch is pressed
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.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.

233

EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake
pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch
momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
or PARK light is off.

If the 8 light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the Y or PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.

Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)

Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.

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
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake

control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.

Hill Start Assist (HSA)
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature
will activate when the vehicle is
stopped on a moderate to steep
grade to help prevent it from rolling
in an unintended direction. After the
brake pedal has been released and
before the accelerator pedal has
been pressed, HSA uses braking
pressure to hold the vehicle
stationary. If HSA is holding the
vehicle, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays. HSA will

not activate in a forward drive gear
when facing downhill, or in
R (Reverse) when facing uphill.
Select the duration of the HSA
feature through vehicle
personalization. See ”Extended Hill
Start Assist” under “Comfort and
Convenience” in Vehicle
Personalization 0 141. When
Standard Hold is selected, the
vehicle is held stationary for up to
two seconds after the brake pedal is
released. When Extended Hold is
selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to five minutes
after the brake pedal is released. In
either case, override the hold
feature by pressing the accelerator
pedal and attempting to drive away.
If Standard Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for two seconds
unless the driver door is opened or
the driver seat belt is unbuckled
after releasing the brake pedal.
If Extended Hold is selected, it will
hold the vehicle for five minutes
unless the driver door is opened
and the driver seat belt is unbuckled
prior to releasing the brake pedal.

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Driving and Operating
When deactivated after five minutes,
or if it is deactivated when the driver
seat belt is unlatched or the driver
door is opened, the Electric Parking
Brake will engage to prevent vehicle
movement.

Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only)
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored
back into the high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
energy efficiency.
The hydraulic disc brakes work with
the regenerative braking to ensure
effective braking, such as when a
high braking demand is requested.
The braking system is computer
controlled and blends the
regenerative braking with the
conventional hydraulic disc brakes
to meet any requirements for
deceleration. The controller
interprets the braking request and
uses regenerative braking,

235

conventional hydraulic braking, or a
combination of both as necessary.
Because the hydraulic braking
system uses an electronic booster
for boost assist on demand, under
certain conditions a motor noise
may be heard. This is normal
operation.

Ride Control Systems

See Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators 0 113 and Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 136 or Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0 133. In the
event of a controller problem, the
brake pedal may be harder to push
and the stopping distance may be
longer.

The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.

Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation

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 activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the

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236

Driving and Operating
2. Turn the engine off and wait
15 seconds.

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 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.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0 216
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.

3. Start the engine.

The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
. Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak 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
d comes 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

d comes on and stays on:

1. Stop the vehicle.

Drive the vehicle. If d comes 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

The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center console.

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Driving and Operating
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.

To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold g until the traction
off light i and StabiliTrak OFF light
g come on and stay on in the
instrument cluster.

To turn off only TCS, press and
release g. The traction off light i
displays in the instrument cluster.

To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release g. The
traction off light i and StabiliTrak
OFF light g in the instrument cluster
turn off.

To turn TCS on again, press and
release g. The traction off light i
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.

Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 275.

237

Cruise Control
Cruise control lets the vehicle
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph).

{ Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With the Traction Control System
(TCS) or Electronic Stability Control
(ESC), the system may begin to
limit wheel spin while you are using
cruise control. If this happens,
cruise control will automatically

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238

Driving and Operating

disengage. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0 235.
If a collision alert occurs when
cruise control is activated, cruise
control is disengaged. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0 252.
When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, cruise control
can be turned back on.
Cruise control will disengage if
either TCS or StabiliTrak is
turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.

5 : Press to turn the cruise control

2. Get up to the desired speed.

system on and off. A white indicator
comes on in the instrument cluster
when cruise is turned on.

3. Press and release -SET. The
desired set speed briefly
appears in the instrument
cluster.

* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
+RES : If there is a set speed in
memory, press to resume that
speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the
speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active,
use to decrease vehicle speed.
Setting Cruise Control
If 5 is on when not in use, -SET or
+RES could get bumped and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep 5
off when cruise is not being used.
To set a speed:
1. Press 5 to turn the cruise
system on.

4. Remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after
cruise control has been set to the
desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
0 114 or Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) 0 116.
Resuming a Set Speed
If cruise control is set at a desired
speed and then the brakes are
applied, cruise control is
disengaged without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more,
briefly press +RES. The vehicle
returns to the previous set speed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
. Press and hold +RES until the
vehicle accelerates to the
desired speed, then release it.
. To increase the speed in small
increments, briefly press +RES.
For each press, the vehicle goes
about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
. Press and hold -SET until the
desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.

To slow down in small
increments, briefly press -SET.
For each press, the vehicle goes
about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.

The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
pressing -SET will result in cruise
control set to the current vehicle
speed.

239

Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends upon the vehicle
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle speed. When going
downhill, you might have to brake or
shift to a lower gear to keep your
speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will
disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
. Step lightly on the brake pedal.

Press

Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).

Press 5 to turn cruise control
system off completely.

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Driving and Operating

Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if 5 is pressed
or if the vehicle is turned off.

Adaptive Cruise Control
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it allows you to
select the cruise control set speed
and following gap. Read this entire
section before using this system.
The following gap is the following
time between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected directly ahead in
your path moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in
your path, ACC works like regular
cruise control. ACC uses camera
and radar sensors. See Radio
Frequency Statement 0 392.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can apply acceleration or
limited, moderate braking to
maintain the selected following gap.
To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle
speed when the Traction Control
System (TCS) or StabiliTrak system

activates, the ACC may
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0 235. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely
used, the ACC can be turned
back on.
ACC will not engage if the TCS or
StabiliTrak system is disabled.

{ Warning
ACC has limited braking ability
and may not have time to slow
the vehicle down enough to avoid
a collision with another vehicle
you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or
stop ahead, or enter your lane.
Also see “Alerting the Driver” in
this section. Complete attention is
always required while driving and
you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0 211.

{ Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
. On winding and hilly roads
or when the sensors are
blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
The system may not detect
a vehicle ahead. Keep the
entire front of the vehicle
clean.
. Visibility is low, such as in
fog, rain, or snow
conditions. ACC
performance is limited under
these conditions.
. On slippery roads where
fast changes in tire traction
can cause excessive
wheel slip.

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Driving and Operating

[ : Press to select a following gap
time (or distance) setting for ACC of
Far, Medium, or Near.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control

241

After ACC is set, it may immediately
apply the brakes if a vehicle ahead
is detected closer than the selected
following gap.

If ACC is on when not in use, 5
could get pressed and ACC could
become active when not desired.
Keep ACC off when it is not
being used.

5 : Press to turn the system on or
off. A white cruise control indicator
comes on in the instrument cluster.
+RES : If there is a set speed in
memory, press to resume that
speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If ACC is already active,
use to increase vehicle speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the
speed and activate ACC. If ACC is
already active, use to decrease
vehicle speed.

* : Press to disengage ACC
without erasing the set speed from
memory.

Select the set speed desired for
cruise. This is the vehicle speed
when no vehicle is detected in
its path.
ACC will not set at a speed less
than 25 km/h (16 mph), although it
can be resumed when driving at
lower speeds.
To set ACC:
1. Press

2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release -SET.
4. Remove your foot from the
accelerator.

The ACC indicator displays in the
instrument cluster. When the ACC is
active, the indicator turns green.
Be mindful of speed limits,
surrounding traffic speeds, and
weather conditions when selecting
the set speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the ACC is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied, the
ACC is disengaged without erasing
the set speed from memory.
To begin using ACC again, briefly
press +RES. The vehicle returns to
the previous set speed.

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Driving and Operating

Increasing Speed While ACC is at
a Set Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one
of the following:
. Use the accelerator to get to the
higher speed. Press -SET.
Release the control and the
accelerator pedal. The vehicle
will now cruise at the higher
speed.
When the accelerator pedal is
pressed, ACC will not brake
because it is overridden.
A warning message will appear
on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See Vehicle Messages
0 140.
.

Press and hold +RES until the
desired set speed appears on
the display, then release it.

To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
+RES. For each press, the
vehicle goes 1 km/h or (1 mph)
faster.

When it is determined that there is
no vehicle ahead inside the selected
following gap, then the vehicle
speed will increase to the set speed.
Reducing Speed While ACC is at a
Set Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one
of the following:
. Use the brake to get to the
desired lower speed. Release
the brake and press -SET. The
vehicle will now cruise at the
lower speed.
. Press and hold -SET until the
desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
. To decrease the vehicle speed in
smaller increments, press -SET
down briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h or
(1 mph) slower.

vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press [ on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. When
pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument
cluster. Subsequent presses cycle
the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near. The
gap setting will be maintained until it
is changed.

Selecting the Follow Distance

Since each gap setting corresponds
to a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider
traffic and weather conditions when
selecting the following gap. The
range of selectable gaps may not be
appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.

When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the

Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert
timing sensitivity (Far, Medium,

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0 252.

Approaching and Following a
Vehicle

Alerting the Driver

243

braking may feel or sound different
than if the brakes were applied
manually. This is normal.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving
Objects

{ Warning
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster.
If ACC is engaged, driver action
may be required when ACC cannot
apply sufficient braking because of
approaching a vehicle too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, a series
of red lights will flash on the
windshield and eight beeps will
sound from the front.
See Defensive Driving 0 211.

It only displays when a vehicle is
detected in your vehicle’s path
moving in the same direction.
If this symbol is not displaying, ACC
will not respond to or brake to
vehicles ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle
down and adjusts vehicle speed to
follow the vehicle in front at the
selected following gap. The vehicle
speed increases or decreases to
follow the vehicle in front of you, but
will not exceed the set speed. It may
apply limited braking, if necessary.
When braking is active, the brake
lamps will come on. The automatic

ACC may not detect and react to
stopped or slow-moving vehicles
ahead of you. For example, the
system may not brake for a
vehicle it has never detected
moving. This can occur in
stop-and-go traffic or when a
vehicle suddenly appears due to
a vehicle ahead changing lanes.
Your vehicle may not stop and
could cause a crash. Use caution
when using ACC. Your complete
attention is always required while
driving and you should be ready
to take action and apply the
brakes.

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Driving and Operating

ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage
and the driver will need to manually
apply the brakes to slow the
vehicle if:
. The sensors are blocked.
.

The Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak system has
activated or been disabled.

There is a fault in the system.

The radar falsely reports
blockage when driving in a
desert or remote area with no
other vehicles or roadside
objects. A DIC message may
display to indicate that ACC is
temporarily unavailable.

The ACC indicator will turn white
when ACC is no longer active.
Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a following gap
behind a detected vehicle and slow
your vehicle to a stop behind that
vehicle.

If the stopped vehicle ahead has
driven away and ACC has not
resumed, the vehicle ahead
indicator will flash as a reminder to
check traffic before proceeding. In
addition, three beeps will sound.
See “Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
When the vehicle ahead drives
away, press +RES or the
accelerator pedal to resume ACC.
If stopped for more than
two minutes or if the driver door is
opened and the driver seat belt is
unbuckled, the ACC automatically
applies the Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) to hold the vehicle. The EPB
status light will turn on. See Parking
Brake 0 232. To release the EPB,
press the accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may
display indicating to shift to P (Park)
before exiting the vehicle. See
Vehicle Messages 0 140.

{ Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle,
and if ACC is disengaged, turned
off, or canceled, the vehicle will
no longer be held at a stop. The
vehicle can move. When ACC is
holding the vehicle at a stop,
always be prepared to manually
apply the brakes.

{ Warning
Leaving the vehicle without
placing it in P (Park) can be
dangerous. Do not leave the
vehicle while it is being held at a
stop by ACC. Always place the
vehicle in P (Park) and turn off
the ignition before leaving the
vehicle.
ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while
ACC is active, a warning message
on the DIC will indicate that

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Driving and Operating
automatic braking will not occur.
See Vehicle Messages 0 140. ACC
will resume operation when the
accelerator pedal is not being
pressed.

245

Warning (Continued)
ACC while driving on an entrance
or exit ramp. Always be ready to
use the brakes if necessary.

{ Warning
The ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes if your foot is
resting on the accelerator pedal.
You could crash into a vehicle
ahead of you.
Curves in the Road

{ Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead in your lane. You
could be startled if the vehicle
accelerates up to the set speed,
especially when following a
vehicle exiting or entering exit
ramps. You could lose control of
the vehicle or crash. Do not use
(Continued)

{ Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to
a vehicle in another lane, or may
not have time to react to a vehicle
in your lane. You could crash into
a vehicle ahead of you, or lose
control of your vehicle. Give extra
attention in curves and be ready
to use the brakes if necessary.
Select an appropriate speed while
driving in curves.
ACC may operate differently in a
sharp curve. It may reduce the
vehicle speed if the curve is too
sharp.

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.

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Driving and Operating

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
stationary objects when entering or
exiting a curve. This is normal
operation. The vehicle does not
need service.

Do Not Use ACC on Hills and
When Towing a Trailer

The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if 5 is pressed
or if the ignition is turned off.
Cleaning the Sensing System

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.

Erasing Speed Memory

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 5.

Press

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.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle” under
Exterior Care 0 355.
System operation may also be
limited under snow, heavy rain,
or road spray conditions.

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Driving and Operating

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 (Continued)
Under many conditions, these
systems will not:
.

Detect children,
pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.

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.
(Continued)

{ 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
0 211.
(Continued)

247

Warning (Continued)
.

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.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features
alert the driver of obstacles by
beeping. To change the volume of
the warning chime, see “Comfort
and Convenience” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

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Driving and Operating

Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing

Displayed images may be farther or
closer than they appear. The area
displayed is limited and objects that
are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper do not
display.

If equipped, the Rear Vision Camera
(RVC), Front and Rear Parking
Assist (FRPA), Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), and Automatic
Parking Assist (APA) may help the
driver park or avoid objects. Always
check around the vehicle when
parking or backing.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
When the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), the RVC displays an
image of the area behind the vehicle
in the infotainment display. The
previous screen displays when the
vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse)
after a short delay. To return to the
previous screen sooner, press any
button on the infotainment system,
shift into P (Park), or reach a vehicle
speed of approximately
12 km/h (8 mph).

1. View Displayed by the
Camera

1. View Displayed by the
Camera
2. Corners of the Rear Bumper

A warning triangle may appear on
the infotainment display to show
that Rear Parking Assist (RPA) has
detected an object. This triangle
changes from amber to red and
increases in size the closer the
object.

{ Warning
The camera(s) do not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
other object outside of the
cameras’ field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle.
Shown distances may be different
from actual distances. Do not
drive or park the vehicle using
only these camera(s). Always
check behind and around the
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
vehicle before driving. Failure to
use proper care may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Parking Assist
With Front and Rear Parking Assist
(FRPA), as the vehicle moves at
speeds of less than 8 km/h (5 mph)
the sensors on the bumpers may
detect objects up to 1.2 m (4 ft) in
front and 2.5 m (8 ft) behind the
vehicle within a zone 25 cm (10 in)
high off the ground and below
bumper level. These detection
distances may be shorter during
warmer or humid weather. Blocked
sensors will not detect objects and
can also cause false detections.
Keep the sensors clean of mud, dirt,
snow, ice, and slush; and clean
sensors after a car wash in freezing
temperatures.

{ Warning
The Parking Assist system does
not detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects
located below the bumper or that
are too close or too far from the
vehicle. It is not available at
speeds greater than 8 km/h
(5 mph). To prevent injury, death,
or vehicle damage, even with
Parking Assist, always check the
area around the vehicle and
check all mirrors before moving
forward or backing.

The instrument cluster may have a
parking assist display with bars that
show “distance to object” and object

249

location information. As the object
gets closer, more bars light up and
the bars may change color from
yellow to amber to red.
When an object is first detected in
the rear, one beep will be heard
from the rear. When an object is
very close — <0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, or <0.3 m (1 ft) in the
vehicle front — , five beeps will
sound from the front or rear
depending on where the object is
detected. Beeps for Front Parking
Assist (FPA) are higher pitched than
for Rear Parking Assist (RPA).
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
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.

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Driving and Operating

Turning the Features On or Off

The X button on the center
console is used to turn on or off the
Front and Rear Parking Assist and
Rear Cross Traffic Alert at the same
time. The indicator light next to the
button comes on when the features
are on and turns off when the
features have been disabled.
To turn the rear parking assist
symbols or guidance lines on or off,
see “Rear Camera” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.
RCTA can also be turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

Automatic Parking
Assist (APA)
If equipped, APA searches for and
steers the vehicle into parallel or
perpendicular parking spots. When
using APA, you must still shift gears,
and control the brakes and
accelerator. The Driver information
Center (DIC) and audible beeps
help to guide parking maneuvers.

{ Warning
APA does not apply the brakes.
APA may not detect objects in the
parking space, objects that are
soft or narrow, objects high off the
ground such as flatbed trucks,
or objects below ground level
such as large potholes. Always
verify that the parking space is
appropriate for parking a vehicle.
APA does not respond to changes
in the parking space, such as
movement of an adjacent vehicle,
or a person or object entering the
parking space. APA does not
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
detect or avoid traffic that is
behind or alongside of the
vehicle. Always be prepared to
stop the vehicle during the
parking maneuver.
Press O on the center console to
enable the system to search for a
parking space that is large enough
and within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the vehicle.
The vehicle speed must be below
30 km/h (18 mph).
The system cannot:
. Detect whether it is a legal
parking space.
. Park exactly lined up with the
vehicle next to it if the spot is
approached at an angle or if the
parking space is angled.
. Park exactly centered in a spot
that is marked too large.
. Always detect short curbs.

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Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is equipped with
perpendicular parking mode, press
and hold O during the search
process to switch the APA parking
mode between perpendicular and
parallel parking.
APA searches for parking spaces to
the right of the vehicle. To search for
a parking space to the left, turn on
the left turn signal.

After completely passing a large
enough space bordered by two
vehicles or other objects, an audible
beep occurs and a red symbol
displays in the DIC.

APA will instruct the vehicle to stop
once a large enough space is found.
Follow the instructions in the DIC.
When instructed to drive in reverse,
shift to R (Reverse) to engage
automatic steering. The steering
wheel will briefly vibrate as a
reminder to remove hands from the
steering wheel. Check surroundings
and continue braking or accelerating
as needed, and be prepared to stop
to avoid vehicles, pedestrians,
or objects.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), but
does not steer into the expected
space, this may be because the
system is maneuvering the vehicle
into a previously detected space.
The APA system does not need
service.

251

If the vehicle exceeds 10 km/h
(6 mph), APA is automatically
disengaged and automatic steering
will turn off. A DIC progress arrow
displays the status of the parking
maneuver. Depending on the space
size, additional maneuvers may be
required, and there will be additional
instructions. When changing gears,
allow the automatic steering to
complete before continuing the
parking maneuver. Upon successful
completion of a maneuver, APA will
beep and display a PARKING
COMPLETE message. Place the
vehicle in P (Park).
APA may automatically disengage if:
. The steering wheel is used by
the driver.
. The maximum allowed speed is
exceeded.
. There is a failure with the APA
system.
. Electronic stability control or
antilock brakes are activated.
. A high priority vehicle message
is displayed in the DIC.

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Driving and Operating

To cancel APA, press

O again.

When the System Does Not Seem
to Work Properly
The APA system may require a
short period of driving along curves
to calibrate.

Assistance Systems for
Driving
If equipped, when driving the
vehicle in a forward gear, Forward
Collision Alert (FCA), Lane
Departure Warning (LDW), Lane
Keep Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA), Lane Change Alert
(LCA), Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB), 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. See
Adaptive Cruise Control 0 240.

{ 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 warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0 211.
FCA can be disabled with the FCA
steering wheel control or,
if equipped, through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

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

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Driving and Operating
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by 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.

253

Collision Alert

Tailgating 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.

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

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254

Driving and Operating

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)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.
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.

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.

hard. This forward automatic
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 0 252.
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
FAB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do
not rely on FAB to brake the
vehicle. FAB will not brake
outside of its operating speed
range and only responds to
detected vehicles.
FAB may not:
. Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.

Detect all vehicles,
especially vehicles with a
trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.

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.

255

{ Warning

FAB 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 FAB, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.

IBA may increase vehicle braking
in situations when it may not be
necessary. You could block the
flow of traffic. If this occurs, take
your foot off the brake pedal and
then apply the brakes as needed.

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.

Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)

FAB may slow the vehicle to a
complete stop to try to avoid a
potential crash. If this happens, FAB
may engage the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly
press the accelerator pedal.

Minor brake pedal pulsations or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the brake pedal should
continue to be applied as needed.
IBA will automatically disengage
only when the brake pedal is
released.

IBA may activate when the brake
pedal is applied quickly by providing
a boost to braking based on the
speed of approach and distance to
a vehicle ahead.

FAB and IBA can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

{ Warning
Using FAB or IBA while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert, or if the
vehicle has ACC to Off, when
towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
. The front of the vehicle or
windshield is not clean.

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Driving and Operating

Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with object detection.

There is a problem with the
StabiliTrak system.

The FAB system does not need
service.

Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the Front Pedestrian
Braking (FPB) system may help
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes with nearby
pedestrians when driving in a
forward gear. FPB displays a
pedestrian ahead indicator when a
nearby pedestrian is detected
directly ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly,
FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps.
FPB can provide a boost to braking
or automatically brake the vehicle.
This system includes Intelligent
Brake Assist (IBA), and the Forward
Automatic Braking (FAB) may also

respond to pedestrians. See
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB)
0 254.
The FPB system can detect and
alert to pedestrians in a forward
gear at speeds between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
During daytime driving, the system
detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft).
During nighttime driving, system
performance is very limited.

{ Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle,
unless it detects a pedestrian.
FPB may not detect pedestrians,
including children:
. When the pedestrian is not
directly ahead, fully visible,
or standing upright, or when
part of a group.
(Continued)

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 0 211.
Keep the windshield, headlamps,
and FPB sensor clean and in
good repair.
FPB can be set to Alert, Alert and
Brake, or Off through vehicle
personalization. See “Front
Pedestrian Detection” in “Collision/
Detection Systems” under Vehicle
Personalization 0 141.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
Detecting the Pedestrian
Ahead

FPB alerts and automatic braking
will not occur unless the FPB
system detects a pedestrian. When
a nearby pedestrian is detected
directly in front of the vehicle, the
pedestrian ahead indicator will
display.

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. 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 of
the vehicle, and the brakes have not
been applied, it may automatically
brake moderately or brake hard.

257

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 does
(Continued)

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258

Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)

not need service. To override
Automatic Braking, firmly press
the accelerator pedal, if it is safe
to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Front Pedestrian Detection” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.

{ Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian
Braking system while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.

Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate
properly, cleaning the outside of the
windshield in front of the rearview
mirror may correct the issue.

Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding crashes that
occur with moving vehicles in the
side blind zone (or spot) areas.
When the vehicle is in a forward
gear, the left or right side mirror
display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind
zone. If the turn signal is activated
and a vehicle is also detected on
the same side, the display will flash
as an extra warning not to change
lanes. Since this system is part of
the Lane Change Alert (LCA)
system, read the entire LCA section
before using this feature.

behind. The LCA warning display
will light up in the corresponding
outside side mirror and will flash if
the turn signal is on.

{ Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to
vehicles outside of the system
detection zones, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. It may not
provide alerts when changing
lanes under all driving conditions.
Failure to use proper care when
changing lanes may result in
injury, death, or vehicle damage.
Before making a lane change,
always check mirrors, glance over
your shoulder, and use the turn
signals.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Driving and Operating
LCA Detection Zones

1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone

The LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from
both sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m
(11 ft). The height of the zone is
approximately between 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground. The
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
warning area starts at approximately
the middle of the vehicle and goes
back 5 m (16 ft). Drivers are also
warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching from up to 25 m (82 ft)
behind the vehicle.

How the System Works
The LCA symbol lights up in the
side mirrors when the system
detects a moving vehicle in the next
lane over that is in the side blind
zone or rapidly approaching that
zone from behind. A lit LCA symbol
indicates it may be unsafe to
change lanes. Before making a lane
change, check the LCA display,
check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.

Left Side Mirror Right Side Mirror
Display
Display
When the vehicle is started, both
outside mirror LCA displays will
briefly come on to indicate the
system is operating. When the
vehicle is in a forward gear, the left
or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in
the next lane over in that blind zone

259

or rapidly approaching that zone.
If the turn signal is activated in the
same direction as a detected
vehicle, this display will flash as an
extra warning not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0 141.
If LCA is disabled by the driver, the
LCA mirror displays will not light up.

When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The LCA system requires some
driving for the system to calibrate to
maximum performance. This
calibration may occur more quickly if
the vehicle is driven on a straight
highway road with traffic and
roadside objects (e.g., guardrails,
barriers). During a trip, the LCA
system is not operational until the
vehicle first reaches a speed of
24 km/h (15 mph).
LCA displays may not come on
when passing a vehicle quickly, for
a stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. The LCA detection zones

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260

Driving and Operating

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. LCA may alert to objects
attached to the vehicle, such as a
trailer, bicycle, or object extending
out to either side of the vehicle.
Attached objects may also interfere
with the detection of vehicles. This
is normal system operation; the
vehicle does not need service.

If the DIC still displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning
both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer.

LCA may not always alert the driver
to vehicles in the next lane over,
especially in wet conditions or when
driving on sharp curves. The system
does not need to be serviced. The
system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and
other non-moving objects. This is
normal system operation; the
vehicle does not need service.

When LCA is disabled for any
reason other than the driver turning
it off, the Lane Change Alert On
option will not be available on the
personalization menu.

LCA may not operate when the LCA
sensors in the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush, or in
heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under Exterior Care 0 355.

Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)

If the LCA displays do not light up
when moving vehicles are in the
side blind zone or rapidly
approaching this zone and the
system is clean, the system may
need service. Take the vehicle to
your dealer.

Radio Frequency Information
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.

If equipped, LDW may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may provide a
warning if the vehicle is crossing a

detected lane marking without using
a turn signal in the lane departure
direction. Since this system is part
of the Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
system, read the entire LKA section
before using this feature.

Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal
in that direction. It may also provide
a Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system alert as the lane marking is
crossed. The LKA system will not
assist or provide an LDW alert if it
detects that you are actively
steering. Override LKA by turning
the steering wheel. LKA uses a
camera to detect lane markings
between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph).

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Driving and Operating

{ Warning

Warning (Continued)

The LKA system does not
continuously steer the vehicle.
It may not keep the vehicle in the
lane or give a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.

If LKA only detects lane markings
on one side of the road, it will
only assist or provide an LDW
alert when approaching the lane
on the side where it has detected
a lane marking. Even with LKA
and LDW, you must steer the
vehicle. Always keep your
attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Always keep the
windshield, headlamps, and
camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LKA in
bad weather conditions.

The LKA and LDW systems
may not:
. Provide an alert or enough
steering assist to avoid a
lane departure or crash.
. Detect lane markings under
poor weather or visibility
conditions. This can occur if
the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by
dirt, snow, or ice, if they are
not in proper condition, or if
the sun shines directly into
the camera.
. Detect road edges.
.

Detect lanes on winding or
hilly roads.
(Continued)

{ Warning
Using LKA while towing a trailer
or on slippery roads could cause
loss of control of the vehicle and
a crash. Turn the system off.

261

How the System Works
The LKA camera sensor is on the
windshield ahead of the rearview
mirror.
To turn LKA on and off, press
on the steering wheel.

When on, A is green if LKA is
available to assist and provide LDW
alerts. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel and
display A as amber if the vehicle
approaches a detected lane marking
without using a turn signal in that
direction. It may also provide an
LDW alert by flashing A amber
as the lane marking is crossed.
Additionally, there may be three
beeps on the right or left, depending
on the lane departure direction.
Take Steering
The LKA system does not
continuously steer the vehicle.
If LKA does not detect active driver
steering, an alert, chime, or DIC
message may be provided. Move
the steering wheel to dismiss.

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Driving and Operating

When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The system performance may be
affected by:
. Close vehicles ahead.
.

Sudden lighting changes, such
as when driving through tunnels.

Banked roads.

Roads with poor lane markings,
such as two-lane roads.

If the LKA system is not functioning
properly when lane markings are
clearly visible, cleaning the
windshield may help.

A system unavailable message may
display if the camera is blocked.
The LKA system does not need
service.
LKA assistance and/or LDW alerts
may occur due to tar marks,
shadows, cracks in the road,
temporary or construction lane
markings, or other road
imperfections. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need
service. Turn LKA off if these
conditions continue.

Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP
TIER® detergent gasoline to keep
the engine cleaner and reduce
engine deposits. See
www.toptiergas.com for a list of TOP
TIER detergent gasoline marketers
and applicable countries.

Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or
FlexFuel. Do not use gasoline with
ethanol levels greater than 15% by
volume.
For vehicles with the 1.5L L4 engine
and the 1.8L Hybrid, use regular
unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM

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Driving and Operating
specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. Do not
use gasoline with a posted octane
rating of less than 87, as this may
cause engine knock and will lower
fuel economy.
For vehicles with the 2.0L L4
engine, premium unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM specification D4814
with a posted octane rating of 93 is
highly recommended for best
performance and fuel economy.
Unleaded gasoline with an octane
rated as low as 87 can be used.
Using unleaded gasoline rated
below 93 octane, however, will lead
to reduced acceleration and fuel
economy. If knocking occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon
as possible, otherwise, the engine
could be damaged. If heavy
knocking is heard when using
gasoline with a 93 octane rating, the
engine needs service.

Prohibited Fuels

Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:
. For vehicles which are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled
greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level
ethanol blends (16 – 50%
ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
. Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal, and
aniline. These fuels can
corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and
rubber parts.
. Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control
system and spark plugs.
(Continued)

263

Caution (Continued)
.

Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel
economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of
the emissions catalyst.

California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance may be
affected. The malfunction indicator
lamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0 124. If this

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264

Driving and Operating

occurs, return to your authorized
dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Filling the Tank

The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock
index (AKI). For fuel not to use in a
foreign country, see “Prohibited
Fuels” in Fuel 0 262.

To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER detergent gasoline is
recommended. See Fuel 0 262.
If TOP TIER detergent gasoline is
not available, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment Cleaner added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner is the only
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.

Fuel spills.

Potential fuel fires.

Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0 355.

Fuels in Foreign
Countries

Fuel Additives

Warning (Continued)

{ Warning
The fuel door is on the passenger
side of the vehicle. To open the fuel
door, push and release the rearward
center edge of the door.

{ Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
(Continued)

Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.

To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.

Turn off the engine when
refueling.
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating

Filling the Tank with a Portable
Gas Can

Warning (Continued)
.

Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.

Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.

Do not use a cell phone
while refueling.

Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.

Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.

Fuel can spray out if the
refueling nozzle is inserted
too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Insert the refueling
nozzle slowly and wait for
any hiss noise to stop prior
to beginning to flow fuel.

265

If the vehicle runs out of fuel and
must be filled from a portable
gas can:

The vehicle has a capless refueling
system and does not have a fuel
cap. The filling nozzle must be fully
inserted and latched prior to starting
fuel flow.

{ Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.

1. Locate the capless funnel
adapter from under the carpet
in the trunk.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into
the capless fuel system.

{ Warning
Attempting to refuel without using
the funnel adapter may cause fuel
spillage and damage the capless
fuel system. This could cause a
fire and you or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged.

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Driving and Operating

3. Remove and clean the funnel
adapter and return it to the
storage location.

Filling a Portable Fuel
Container

Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
.

Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.

Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.

Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.

{ Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
. Use approved fuel
containers.
. Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
. Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
(Continued)

Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle.
Contact your dealer or trailering
dealer for assistance with preparing
the vehicle for towing a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a
trailer.
When towing with the 2.0L L4
engine, only use unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 89 or
higher. Using gasoline with a lower
octane rating while towing may
damage the engine and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Fuel 0 262.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle 0 352. For
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0 353.

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Driving and Operating

Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips

Turn off Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
when towing. See Lane Keep
Assist (LKA) 0 260.

Driving with a Trailer

Turn off Forward Automatic
Braking when towing. See
Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB) 0 254.

When towing a trailer:
. Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply
specifically to trailer towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi), to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. Then, during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. The vehicle can tow in D (Drive)
but Manual Mode is
recommended. See Manual
Mode 0 230. Use a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often.
. Turn off Parking Assist when
towing.
. Do not use Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) when towing. See
Adaptive Cruise Control 0 240.

The Front Pedestrian Braking
system should be set to Alert or
Off when towing. See Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System 0 256.

{ Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.

Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
(Continued)

267

Warning (Continued)
.

Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.

Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside
air. See “Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.

For information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 227.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the

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268

Driving and Operating

combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.

Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.

Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.

Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.

Making Turns

Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.

Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.

When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees, or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.

Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument cluster flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.

Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the

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Driving and Operating
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating 0 293.

Parking on Hills

{ Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.

269

4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
1.1. Start the engine.
1.2. Shift into a gear.
1.3. Release the parking
brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.

2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.

Maintenance When Trailer
Towing

3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load.

The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0 367.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

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270

Driving and Operating

lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.

Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 293.

Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, three
important considerations have to do
with weight:
. Weight of the trailer
.

Weight of the trailer tongue

Total weight on your vehicle's
tires

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
be too heavy.

It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, the
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how much the vehicle is used
to pull a trailer are all important.
It can depend on any special
equipment on the vehicle, and the
amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer
Tongue” following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices.
See Customer Assistance Offices
0 384.

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue weight load (1) of any
trailer is very important because it is
also part of the vehicle weight. The
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and
the people who will be riding in the
vehicle as well as trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the
vehicle reduce the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry,
which will also reduce the trailer
weight the vehicle can tow. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216.

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Driving and Operating
The trailer tongue (1) should weigh
10–15% of the total loaded trailer
weight (2). After loading the trailer,
weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the
weights are proper. If they are not,
adjustments might be made by
moving some items around in the
trailer.
Some specific trailer types, such as
boat trailers, fall outside of this
range. Refer to the trailer owner's
manual for the recommended trailer
tongue weight. In all cases, do not
exceed the maximum loads for the
vehicle series and hitch type.

Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 216. Make sure not to go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.

Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
. Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust 0 227.

Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.

271

Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.

Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? State and local regulations
may require the trailer to have its
own braking system if loaded above
a certain threshold. Trailer brake
requirements vary from state to
state. Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all

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Driving and Operating

Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment

{ Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0 124.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.

Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check
with your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 0 83 and Adding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 84.

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Vehicle Care

Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . .
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements . . . . .
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

274
275
275
275

Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 286
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 287
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 289
Cooling System (Power
Electronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 293
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

Battery - North America . . . . . . 297
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 298
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 299
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 299
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 300
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300

Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . .

302
302
302
302
303
304
305

273

Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Electrical System Overload . . . 306
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 306
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

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When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Different Size Tires and
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . .

329
329
331
331
333
333
334
334
336
342
343
348

Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Recreational Vehicle
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:

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California Proposition
65 Warning

{ Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0 297
and Jump Starting - North America
0 349 and the back cover.

California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.

275

Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 84.

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Vehicle Care

Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work

{ Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 391.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 83.

Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0 377.

Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.

Hood
To open the hood:

1. Pull the hood release handle
with this symbol on it. It is
inside the vehicle to the left of
the steering column.

2. Go to the front of the vehicle to
find the secondary release
handle. The handle is under
the front edge of the hood near
the center. Slide the secondary
hood release handle toward
the driver side of the vehicle.

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Vehicle Care
4. Securely place the hood prop
rod into the slot on the
underside of the hood.
To close the hood:

3. Lift the hood and pull the prop
rod by the sleeve from the
retainer, located above the
radiator.

1. Before closing the hood, be
sure all the filler caps are on
properly. Then, lift the hood to
relieve pressure on the hood
prop rod. Remove the hood
prop rod by the sleeve from the
retainer slot on the underside
of the hood and return the
hood prop rod to its retainer
above the radiator. The hood
prop rod must click into place
when returning it to the retainer
to prevent hood damage.
2. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in)
above the vehicle and release
it so it fully latches. Check to
make sure the hood is closed
and repeat the process if
necessary.

277

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278

Vehicle Care

Engine Compartment Overview

1.5L L4 Turbo Engine

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1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 287.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil 0 283.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil 0 283.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 289 or Cooling System
(Power Electronics) 0 292.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes 0 295.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 289 or Cooling System
(Power Electronics) 0 292.
7. Battery - North America 0 297.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0 349.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 307.

10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 294.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. See Jump Starting North America 0 349.

279

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280

Vehicle Care

1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

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Vehicle Care
1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0 287.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 289 or Cooling System
(Power Electronics) 0 292.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil 0 283.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil 0 283.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes 0 295.
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Fill Cap. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0 287.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 289 or Cooling System
(Power Electronics) 0 292.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0 349.

9. Power Electronics Coolant
Reservoir.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 289 or Cooling System
(Power Electronics) 0 292.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0 307.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 294.
12. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. See Jump Starting North America 0 349.

281

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Vehicle Care

2.0L L4 Turbo Engine

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10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 294.

11. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. See Jump Starting North America 0 349.

Checking Engine Oil

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. See Engine Oil
Life System 0 286.

283

Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” later in this section.

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
0 278 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

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Vehicle Care

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.

When to Add Engine Oil

2.0L L4 Turbo Engine

1.5L L4 Turbo Engine

1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, see Capacities and
Specifications 0 379.

Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range, the engine could be
damaged. You should drain out
the excess oil or limit driving of
the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 278 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.

Specification
Ask for and use full synthetic engine
oils that meet the dexos1
specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting
the dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.

Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 375.

Viscosity Grade
For the LFV 1.5L L4 turbo
engine, use:
. Dexos1 approved ACDelco Full
Synthetic 0W20 engine oil.

285

Dexos1 approved Mobil 1 Full
Synthetic 0W20 engine oil.

Or any other 0W20 engine oil
meeting dexos1 second
generation requirements.

Use SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil for the LKN 1.8L L4
Hybrid. SAE 0W-20 may be used as
an alternative.
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil for the LTG 2.0L L4 turbo
engine. Cold Temperature
Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls
below −29 °C (−20 °F), an SAE
0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of
this viscosity grade will provide
easier cold starting for the engine at
extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.

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Vehicle Care

Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.

What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never

dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.

Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message displays.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under

the best conditions, the oil life
system may indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.

How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on the
right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE
on the DIC.

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Vehicle Care
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133. When remaining
oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
will appear on the display.
2. Press V on the DIC controls
and hold down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off and the REMAINING
OIL LIFE message is displayed.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.

287

Automatic Transmission
Fluid

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter

It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.

Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.

Change the fluid at the intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule
0 367, and be sure to use the fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 375.

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 278.

When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 367.

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Vehicle Care

To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:

2. Raise the air cleaner housing
cover and remove the air
cleaner/filter from the air
cleaner housing.
3. Clean the filter sealing surface
and the housing.
4. Install the new engine air
cleaner/filter.
5. Lower the air cleaner housing
cover and secure with the
screws.
1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

1.5L L4 Turbo Engine

{ Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.

2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
1. Remove the air cleaner
housing cover screws.

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Vehicle Care

2. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap

Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.

{ Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.

Cooling System (Engine)
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.

289

1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine

{ Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.

1.5L L4 Turbo Engine

2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out
of View)

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Vehicle Care

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 375 and Maintenance
Schedule 0 367.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0 293.

What to Use

{ Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.

Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to −37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
.

Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.

Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the mark
pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.

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Vehicle Care
If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank, add coolant as follows:

How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank

{ Warning

Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.

Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.

{ Warning

Caution

{ Warning

Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an overheat
warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be
burned.

291

1. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise. If a hiss is
heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still
some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and
remove it.

Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant
is not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure
cap can be removed when the
cooling system, including the surge
tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.

1.5L L4 Turbo and 2.0L L4 Turbo
Coolant Surge Tank

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Vehicle Care
tank until the level reaches the
mark pointed to on the coolant
surge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.

1.8L L4 Hybrid Coolant
Surge Tank
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper mixture to the mark
pointed to on the coolant
surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank
cap off, start the engine and let
it run until the upper radiator
hose starts getting hot. Watch
out for the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge

6. Check the level in the surge
tank when the cooling system
has cooled down. If the coolant
is not at the proper level,
repeat Steps 1–6 and reinstall
the pressure cap. If the coolant
still is not at the proper level
when the system cools down
again, see your dealer.

Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.

Cooling System (Power
Electronics)
The power electronics cooling
system keeps the hybrid propulsion
system within a normal operating
temperature range.

What to Use
The power electronics coolant
reservoir in the vehicle is filled with
GM Premix DEX-COOL coolant.
If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added.
The coolant needs to be replaced at
the appropriate interval. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 367.

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
The power electronics coolant
reservoir is located in the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 278.

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Vehicle Care
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. Contact
your dealer for additional
information.

If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment

{ Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.

If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.

Check to see if coolant is visible in
the power electronics coolant
reservoir. If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is below the indicated
mark, there could be a leak in the
cooling system.
The power electronics coolant
should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster to warn of engine
overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0 121.

293

Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, both fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine
and have the vehicle serviced.

Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.

If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
. Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.

Stops after high-speed driving.

Idles for long periods in traffic.

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Vehicle Care

If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the
highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally and
have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.

If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.

Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 278 for
reservoir location.

Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.

Adding Washer Fluid

Caution
.

Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.

Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.

Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
(Continued)

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Caution (Continued)
.

When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.

{ Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.

Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the

295

proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0 379.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.

Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.

Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.

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Vehicle Care

Brake Fluid

A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.

Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 278 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.

Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.

When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0 126.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 367.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0 375.

{ Warning

If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.

The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.

Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
The non-hybrid vehicle has a
standard 12-volt battery under the
hood. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0 278.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12-volt battery is
needed.
Hybrid Vehicle
The hybrid vehicle 12-volt battery is
in the trunk on the driver side.
Hybrid vehicles also have a high
voltage battery. Only a trained
service technician with the proper

knowledge and tools should inspect,
test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to
recycle the high voltage battery.
The hybrid high voltage battery is
cooled with air drawn from the
vehicle interior. The cold air intake
for the battery is under the rear
seat. Do not block the area in front
of the cold air intake.

297

Warning (Continued)
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
See Customer Assistance Offices
0 384.
Stop/Start System
If equipped with the 1.5L L4 engine,
the vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Starting the
Engine 0 222.
Vehicles with a 1.5L engine have an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12-volt battery will result in reduced
12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.

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Vehicle Care

If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.

{ Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0 275 and the back
cover.

Vehicle Storage

{ Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting North America 0 349 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative (−)
cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the battery
when ready to drive the vehicle.

Starter Switch Check

{ Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake
and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.

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Vehicle Care

Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check

{ Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be
ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with

normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.

Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check

{ Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot

299

pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
.

To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.

Contact your dealer if service is
required.

Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiper
blade assembly on a regular basis.
When worn, or when cleaning is
ineffective, replace the wiper blade.
For proper windshield wiper blade
length and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0 376.

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Vehicle Care
Caution

Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper
blade is installed could damage
the windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not allow
the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the wiper blade:
1. Pull the wiper assembly away
from the windshield.

2. Lift up on the latch in the
middle of the wiper blade
where the wiper arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the
wiper blade down toward the
windshield far enough to
release it from the J-hooked
end of the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper
blade replacement.

Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.

Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in
lifting and holding open the hood/
trunk/liftgate system in full open
position.

{ Warning
If the gas struts that hold open
the hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail,
you or others could be seriously
injured. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service immediately.
Visually inspect the gas struts for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to
make sure the hood/trunk/liftgate
is held open with enough force.
If struts are failing to hold the
hood/trunk/liftgate, do not
operate. Have the vehicle
serviced.

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301

Headlamp Aiming

Caution

Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.

Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do
not push down or pull on gas
struts. This may cause damage to
the vehicle.

If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.

See Maintenance Schedule 0 367.
Trunk

Hood

Liftgate

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Vehicle Care

Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing
procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.

Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps

3. For hybrid vehicles, remove the
engine air cleaner housing by
gripping firmly and pulling
straight up.

Halogen Bulbs

{ Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.

LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.

2. For the driver side bulb,
remove the windshield washer
bottle filler neck by firmly
pulling it straight up and out of
the bottle.

4. Remove the cover from the
back of the headlamp
assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Disconnect the electrical
connector.
Passenger Side Shown, Driver
Side Similar
1. Parking/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Low/High-Beam Headlamp
3. Sidemarker Lamp

To replace one of the headlamp
bulbs:
1. Open the hood. See Hood
0 276.

6. Remove the bulb from the lamp
assembly by turning
counterclockwise.
7. Install a new bulb in the lamp
assembly.
8. Connect the electrical
connector.
9. Replace the cover from the
back of the headlamp
assembly by turning it
clockwise.

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Vehicle Care
10. For the driver side, reinstall the
windshield washer bottle filler
neck by firmly pushing it
straight into the bottle. Make
sure that the filler neck clip
engages into the bracket on
the upper tie-bar.
11. Replace the engine air cleaner
housing by aligning the pegs
with the grommets and
pressing firmly down.

Front Turn Signal, Parking, and
Sidemarker Lamps
To replace one of these lamps:
1. For the driver side bulb,
remove the windshield washer
bottle filler neck by firmly
pulling it straight up and out of
the bottle.
2. For hybrid vehicles, remove the
engine air cleaner housing by
gripping firmly and pulling
straight up.
3. Remove the bulb socket from
the headlamp assembly by
turning it counterclockwise.

4. Remove the bulb from the
socket.
5. Replace the bulb in the bulb
socket.
6. Install the bulb socket in the
headlamp assembly by turning
it clockwise.

303

Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp

7. For the driver side, reinstall the
windshield washer bottle filler
neck by firmly pushing it
straight into the bottle. Make
sure that the filler neck clip
engages into the bracket on
the upper tie-bar.
8. Replace the engine air cleaner
housing by aligning the pegs
with the grommets and
pressing firmly down.
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp

1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 45.
2. Remove the push pins and pull
back the trunk deck trim.

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Vehicle Care

3. Remove the bulb socket by
turning counterclockwise and
pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the
socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb
socket.
6. Install the bulb socket by
turning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
Stoplamp/Taillamp and Turn
Signal Lamp

Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal
and installation can cause leaks
and water intrusion which may
cause damage to the taillamp. Do
not remove the taillamp assembly
to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.
To replace any one of these bulbs:
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 45.
2. Remove the push pins and pull
the trunk trim away from the
taillamp assembly.
3. Remove three hex-nuts from
each stud.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling it
straight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket from
the taillamp assembly by
turning it counterclockwise.

1. Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Sidemarker Lamp

6. Remove the bulb from the
socket by turning the bulb
counterclockwise one-quarter
turn and pulling it straight out.
7. Install a new bulb into the
socket.
8. Install the bulb socket into the
taillamp assembly by turning it
clockwise.
9. Install the trunk trim, hex nuts,
and push pins.

Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LTZ)
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal
and installation can cause leaks
and water intrusion which may
cause damage to the taillamp. Do
not remove the taillamp assembly
to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.

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Vehicle Care
The stoplamp/taillamp and trunk
deck inboard taillamp are LEDs. To
replace, see your dealer.
Back-Up Lamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 45.
2. Remove the push pins and pull
back the trunk deck trim.

305

5. Install the new bulb in the bulb
socket.
6. Install the bulb socket by
turning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.

License Plate Lamp
To replace one of these bulbs:

3. Turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise to remove it
from the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of the
bulb socket.

3. Remove the bulb socket by
turning counterclockwise and
pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the
socket.

Passenger Side Shown, Driver
Side Similar
1. Push the release tab toward
the lamp assembly.
2. Pull the lamp assembly down
to remove.

5. Push the replacement bulb
straight into the bulb socket
and turn the bulb socket
clockwise to install it into the
lamp assembly.
6. Push the lamp assembly back
into position until the release
tab locks into place.

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Vehicle Care

Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring

Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed and
replace it as soon as possible.

Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked
right away.

Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice may
cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow
from the windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.

Fuses and Circuit
Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuit

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Vehicle Care
breakers. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by
electrical problems.

Engine Compartment
Fuse Block

Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.

{ Danger
Fuses and circuit breakers are
marked with their ampere rating.
Do not exceed the
specified amperage rating when
replacing fuses and circuit
breakers. Use of an oversized
fuse or circuit breaker can result
in a vehicle fire. You and others
could be seriously injured or
killed.
To check a fuse, look at the
silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the band is broken or melted,
replace the fuse. Be sure to replace
a bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can
be temporarily borrowed from
another fuse location, if a fuse goes
out. Replace the fuse as soon as
possible.

Caution

The engine compartment fuse block
is on the driver side of the engine
compartment.
There is a fuse puller in the engine
compartment fuse block. It can be
used to easily remove fuses from
the fuse block.

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Vehicle Care

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Vehicle Care
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.
Fuses
Usage
1

–

Antilock brake
system pump

Fuses

Usage

Fuses

Usage

Antilock brake system
valve

Driver power seat

Body control
module 6/Body control
module 7

Sunroof

Fuel module

Parking lamp

–

Active headlamp
leveling

–

Steering column lock

–

Transmission control
module/Ignition

Heated steering wheel

Active headlamp
leveling

AC DC inverter

Trunk

Anti-theft warning
siren/Horn

Window/Mirror/Seats

Electric brake boost

AOS/Airbag–HEV

Instrument panel/
body/Ignition

–

Regulated voltage
control/Ventilation

Engine control
module/Ignition

–

Malfunction indicator
lamp/SS

Electric brake
boost–HEV

DC DC battery 1

Rear defogger

Heated mirrors

–

CVS

DC DC battery 2

Passive entry/Passive
start

Front heated seat

–

BSM/ESS fan

–

Front wiper

Passenger power seat

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Vehicle Care

Fuses

Usage

Fuses

Usage

–

Engine control
module main

–

Starter motor

Powertrain off engine

Transmission
auxiliary pump

Horn

Washer pump

–

High-beam
headlamps

Transmission control
module/Engine control
module
–

Cooling fan

–

Ignition coil

–

Powertrain on engine

–

Air conditioning–HEV

Engine control module
switch 2

–

Right low-beam HID
headlamp

Left low-beam HID
headlamp

Starter pinion

Fuses

Usage

Traction power
inverter module/Motor
generator unit pump

Active headlamp
leveling

SAI reaction solenoid

Fuel heater

–

Coolant pump

Relays

Usage

AC DC inverter

Rear defogger

Front wiper control

Engine control module
switch 1

Run/Crank

Front wiper speed

SAI reaction pump

Aeroshutter

Transmission
auxiliary pump

Headlamp washer

Starter motor

–

Powertrain

Low-beam HID
headlamps

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Vehicle Care
Relays

Usage

Air conditioning

Starter pinion/Starter
motor

SAI reaction solenoid

Headlamp washer

SAI reaction pump

Instrument Panel Fuse
Block

The instrument panel fuse block is
on the driver side of the instrument
panel. To access the fuses:
1. Pull out at the center of the
right edge, and swing the cover
out and to the left.
2. Remove the cover.
To reinstall the cover, line up the
tabs on the left edge, and press the
cover into place.

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Vehicle Care
Fuses

The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.
Fuses
Usage

Fuses
F4

Usage
Heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning
blower

Left power windows

Body control module 2

Right power windows

Left rear heated seat

Right rear heated seat

Body control module 3

–

Usage

Engine control
module/Rear battery

F10

Body control module 2
(w/ Stop/Start option)

F11

–

F12

–

F13

–

F14

–

F15

Transmission control
module ( w/ Stop/Start
option)

F16

Amplifier

F17

Seat power lumbar

F18

OnStar

F19

–

F20

Body control module 1

F21

Body control module 4

F22

–

F23

Electric steering
column lock – China
and Russia only

F24

Airbag

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Fuses

Usage

Fuses

Usage

F41

Body control module 1
(w/ Stop/Start option)

AC DC inverter

F42

Radio

F28

–

CB1

–

F29

Body control module 8

CB2

F30

Overhead console

Console accessory
power outlet

F31

Steering wheel
controls

F25

Data link connector

F26

–

F27

Relays

Usage

–

F32

–

F33

Heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning

Retained accessory
power

–

F34

Gateway

–

F35

–

F36

Wireless charger

F37

Front accessory
power outlets/
Cigarette lighter –
China only

F38

OnStar

F39

Display

F40

Obstacle detection

313

Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. See
the warranty manual for
information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get
service. For additional
information refer to the tire
manufacturer.

{ Warning
.

Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.

Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much
flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious
crash. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 216.
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently
to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires
are cold.

Replace any tires that
have been damaged by
impacts with potholes,
curbs, etc.

Improperly repaired tires
can cause a crash. Only
the dealer or an
authorized tire service
center should repair,
replace, dismount, and
mount the tires.

Overinflated tires are
more likely to be cut,
punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact — such
as when hitting a pothole.
Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.

Do not spin the tires in
excess of 56 km/h
(35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow,
mud, ice, etc. Excessive
spinning may cause the
tires to explode.

Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the
tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued)

See Tire Pressure for
High-Speed Operation 0 323 for
inflation pressure adjustment for
high-speed driving.

All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with
all-season tires. These tires are
designed to provide good overall
performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original
equipment tires designed to GM's
specific tire performance criteria
have a TPC specification code
molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be
identified by the last two characters
of this TPC code, which will
be “MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on
the vehicle if frequent driving on
snow or ice-covered roads is
expected. All-season tires provide
adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they
may not offer the same level of
traction or performance as winter
tires on snow or ice-covered roads.
See Winter Tires 0 315.

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Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered
roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent
driving on ice or snow covered
roads is expected. See your dealer
for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection.
Also, see Buying New Tires 0 329.
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter
tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
. Use tires of the same brand and
tread type on all four wheel
positions.
. Use only radial ply tires of the
same size, load range, and
speed rating as the original
equipment tires.

Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment tires
may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If winter
tires with a lower speed rating are
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.

Low-Profile Tires
If the vehicle has 245/45R18 or
245/40R19 size tires, they are
classified as low-profile tires.
Caution
Low-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can
occur when coming into contact
with road hazards like potholes,
or sharp edged objects, or when
sliding into a curb. The warranty
does not cover this type of
damage. Keep tires set to the
correct inflation pressure and
(Continued)

315

Caution (Continued)
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards.

Summer Tires
This vehicle may come with high
performance summer tires. These
tires have a special tread and
compound that are optimized for
maximum dry and wet road
performance. This special tread and
compound will have decreased
performance in cold climates, and
on ice and snow. It is recommended
that winter tires be installed on the
vehicle if frequent driving at
temperatures below approximately
5 °C (40 °F) or on ice or snow
covered roads is expected. See
Winter Tires 0 315.

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316

Vehicle Care
Caution

High performance summer tires
have rubber compounds that lose
flexibility and may develop
surface cracks in the tread area
at temperatures below −7 °C
(20 °F). Always store high
performance summer tires
indoors and at temperatures
above −7 °C (20 °F) when not in
use. If the tires have been
subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or less,
let them warm up in a heated
space to at least 5 °C (40 °F) for
24 hours or more before being
installed or driving a vehicle on
which they are installed. Do not
apply heat or blow heated air
directly on the tires. Always
inspect tires before use. See Tire
Inspection 0 327.

Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
examples show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a
compact spare tire sidewall.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example

(1) Tire Size : The tire size is a
combination of letters and
numbers used to define a
particular tire's width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the
“Tire Size” illustration later in this
section.

(2) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specification) : Original
equipment tires designed to
GM's specific tire performance
criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or
exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation) : The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) code indicates that the
tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of
Manufacture : The last four
digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two
digits represent the week (01–
52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third

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Vehicle Care
week of the year 2010 would
have a four-digit DOT date
of 0310.

resistance. For more information
see Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 0 331.

(4) Tire Identification Number
(TIN) : The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code are the
Tire Identification Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code,
tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.

(7) Maximum Cold Inflation
Load Limit : Maximum load that
can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to
support that load.

(5) Tire Ply Material : The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG) : Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature

Compact Spare Tire Example

(1) Tire Ply Material : The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread.
(2) Temporary Use Only : The
compact spare tire or temporary
use tire should not be driven at

317

speeds over 80 km/h (50 mph).
The compact spare tire is for
emergency use when a regular
road tire has lost air and gone
flat. If the vehicle has a compact
spare tire, see Compact Spare
Tire 0 348 and If a Tire Goes
Flat 0 334.
(3) Tire Identification Number
(TIN) : The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code are the
Tire Identification Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code,
tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(4) Maximum Cold Inflation
Load Limit : Maximum load that
can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to
support that load.

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Vehicle Care

(5) Tire Inflation : The
temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inflated to
420 kPa (60 psi). For more
information on tire pressure and
inflation see Tire Pressure
0 321.
(6) Tire Size : A combination of
letters and numbers define a
tire's width, height, aspect ratio,
construction type, and service
description. The letter T as the
first character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary
use only.
(7) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specification) : Original
equipment tires designed to
GM's specific tire performance
criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or
exceed all federal safety
guidelines.

Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following is an example of a
typical passenger vehicle
tire size.

(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire :
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(2) Tire Width : The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.

(3) Aspect Ratio : A two-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item 3 of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code : A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply
construction; the letter D means
diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter : Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description : These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire

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Vehicle Care
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.

Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure : The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight : The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio : The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.

Belt : A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead : The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire : A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure : The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
0 321.
Curb Weight : The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the

319

maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings : A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR : Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 216.
GAWR FRT : Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216.
GAWR RR : Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216.

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Vehicle Care

Intended Outboard Sidewall :
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa) : The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire : A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index : An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure :
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating : The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.

Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight : The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight : The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 216.
Occupant Distribution :
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall : The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire : A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure : Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
on the tire placard.
See Tire Pressure 0 321 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216.
Radial Ply Tire : A pneumatic
tire in which the ply cords that
extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread.
Rim : A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall : The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.

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Vehicle Care
Speed Rating : An
alphanumeric code assigned to
a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction : The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread : The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with
the road.
Treadwear Indicators : Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread
of a tire when only 1.6 mm
(1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
0 329.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality
Grading Standards) : A tire
information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a
tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire
manufacturers using

government testing procedures.
The ratings are molded into the
sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
Tire Quality Grading 0 331.
Vehicle Capacity Weight : The
number of designated seating
positions multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb) plus the rated
cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 216.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the
Tire : Load on an individual tire
due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and
cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard : A label
permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle
capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” under Vehicle
Load Limits 0 216.

321

Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively.
Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.

Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.

Premature or
irregular wear.

Poor handling.

Reduced fuel economy.

Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.

Unusual wear.
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)

Poor handling.

Rough ride.

Needless damage from
road hazards.

The Tire and Loading
Information label on the vehicle
indicates the original equipment
tires and the correct cold tire
inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the
minimum air pressure needed to
support the vehicle's maximum
load carrying capacity. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216.
How the vehicle is loaded
affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load the vehicle
with more weight than it was
designed to carry.

When to Check
Check the tires once a month or
more. Do not forget the compact
spare, if the vehicle has one.
The cold compact spare tire
pressure should be at 420 kPa
(60 psi). See Compact Spare
Tire 0 348.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gauge to check tire pressure.
Proper tire inflation cannot be
determined by looking at the tire.
Check the tire inflation pressure
when the tires are cold, meaning
the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the
tire valve stem. Press the tire
gauge firmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no

further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low,
add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the
inflation pressure is high, press
on the metal stem in the center
of the tire valve to release air.
Recheck the tire pressure with
the tire gauge.
Put the valve caps back on the
valve stems to keep out dirt and
moisture and prevent leaks. Use
only valve caps designed for the
vehicle by GM. TPMS sensors
could be damaged and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

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Vehicle Care

Tire Pressure for
High-Speed Operation

{ Warning
Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h
(100 mph) or higher, puts
additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving
causes excessive heat buildup
and can cause sudden tire failure.
This could cause a crash, and
you or others could be killed.
Some high-speed rated tires
require inflation pressure
adjustment for high-speed
operation. When speed limits and
road conditions allow the vehicle
to be driven at high speeds, make
sure the tires are rated for
high-speed operation, are in
excellent condition, and are set to
the correct cold tire inflation
pressure for the vehicle load.
Vehicles with 245/40R19 size tires
require inflation pressure adjustment
when driving the vehicle at speeds

323

of 160 km/h (100 mph) or higher.
Set the cold tire inflation pressure to
20 kPa (3 psi) above the
recommended cold tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label.

pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)

Return the tires to the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure when high-speed driving
has ended.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0 216 and
Tire Pressure 0 321.

As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly
under-inflated.

Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation

Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire

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Vehicle Care

pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.

ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.

Your vehicle has also been
equipped with a TPMS malfunction
indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the low tire pressure
telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as
long as the malfunction exists.

See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0 324.

When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to

See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.

Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure
condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire
and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in
the tires and transmit the tire
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.

When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument cluster.
If the warning light comes on, stop
as soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 216.
A message to check the pressure in
a specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low
tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at
each ignition cycle until the tires are
inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed. For
additional information and details

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Vehicle Care
about the DIC operation and
displays see Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0 133.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
could be an early indicator that the
air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper
pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information
label, attached to your vehicle,
shows the size of the original
equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when
they are cold. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 216, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information label
and its location. Also see Tire
Pressure 0 321.
The TPMS can warn about a low
tire pressure condition but it does
not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 327, Tire Rotation 0 328 and Tires
0 313.

Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all
the same. A non-approved tire
sealant could damage the TPMS
sensors. TPMS sensor damage
caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits
use a GM-approved liquid tire
sealant. Using non-approved tire
sealants could damage the TPMS
sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0 336 for
information regarding the inflator kit
materials and instructions.

TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the

325

low tire pressure warning light
flashes for about one minute and
then stays on for the remainder of
the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message also displays. The
malfunction light and DIC warning
message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected.
Some of the conditions that can
cause these to come on are:
. One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and DIC message should
go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor
matching process is performed
successfully. See “TPMS Sensor
Matching Process” later in this
section.
. The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully after
rotating the tires. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off after
successfully completing the

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Vehicle Care

sensor matching process. See
"TPMS Sensor Matching
Process" later in this section.

your dealer for service if the TPMS
malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.

www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or
call 1-800-GM TOOLS
(1-800-468-6657).

One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See
your dealer for service.

TPMS Sensor Matching
Process

There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.

Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires 0 329.
Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.

If the TPMS is not functioning
properly it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See

Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or
more of the TPMS sensors. The
TPMS sensor matching process
should also be performed after
replacing a spare tire with a road
tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next
ignition cycle. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions,
using a TPMS relearn tool, in the
following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to
purchase a relearn tool. A TPMS
relearn tool can also be purchased.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at

The TPMS sensor matching
process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Place the vehicle in Service
Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 220.
3. Make sure the Tire Pressure
info page option is turned on.
The info pages on the DIC can
be turned on and off through
the Options menu.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133.

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4. Use the DIC controls on the
right side of the steering wheel
to scroll to the Tire Pressure
screen under the DIC
info page.
5. Press and hold V in the center
of the DIC controls.
The horn sounds twice to
signal the receiver is in relearn
mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC screen.
6. Start with the driver side
front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against
the tire sidewall, near the valve
stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
8. Proceed to the passenger side
front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 7.

9. Proceed to the passenger side
rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 7.
10. Proceed to the driver side rear
tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 7. The horn sounds two
times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC
display screen goes off.

Replace the tire if:
.

The indicators at three or
more places around the tire
can be seen.

There is cord or fabric
showing through the tire's
rubber.

The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or
fabric.

The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of
the size or location of the
damage.

11. Turn the vehicle off.
12. Set all four tires to the
recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.

Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.

327

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Vehicle Care

Tire Rotation

Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” under Capacities
and Specifications 0 379.

Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule 0 367.

{ Warning

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 0 329 and Wheel
Replacement 0 333.

Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0 321 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation 0 324.

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.

Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.

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When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.

Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0 327 and Tire
Rotation 0 328.

The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two digits represent the week
(01–52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0310.

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

329

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

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Vehicle Care

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. See Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0 316.
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. See Tire
Rotation 0 328. However, if it is

necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’ maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.

{ 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.

{ Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause
loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels.

{ Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,

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Vehicle Care
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0 323.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 216.

Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction

control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.

{ Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0 329 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 275.

Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway

331

Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.

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Vehicle Care

Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example:

norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.

Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A

The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1½) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the

Traction

Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,

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Vehicle Care
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.

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.

333

{ 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, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.

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.

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Vehicle Care

Used Replacement Wheels

{ 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. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.

Tire Chains

Warning (Continued)

Caution (Continued)

cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels. If
traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.

inner sidewall. Use chains that
are the proper size for the tires.
Install them on the tires of the
front axle. Don't use chains on the
tires of the rear axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If the
chains contact the vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains on will
damage the vehicle.

{ 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
(Continued)

Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a
tire size other than 245/45R18 or
245/40R19, use tire chains only
where legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile chains
that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and
(Continued)

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. See Tires
0 313. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:

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Vehicle Care
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.

{ Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.

{ Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.

335

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0 160.

{ Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do
not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)

Warning (Continued)

5. Place wheel blocks,
if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jacking
equipment to change a spare tire
safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0 343. To
use the tire sealant and compressor
kit, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0 336.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (1), if equipped.

and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, see Engine
Exhaust 0 227.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire

The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.

Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit

{ Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
(Continued)

{ Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions
and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not
exceed the recommended
pressure.

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Vehicle Care

{ Warning
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store the tire
sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.

sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. See Roadside Assistance
Program 0 386.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
The kit includes:

9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose

If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire or tire changing
equipment, and on some vehicles
there may not be a place to store
a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in
the tread area of the tire. It can also
be used to inflate an
underinflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a large puncture, the tire is
too severely damaged for the tire

337

Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the tire sealant canister (4).

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
Sealant/Air Hose
Base of Sealant Canister
Tire Sealant Canister
On/Off Button
Slot on Top of Compressor
Pressure Deflation Button
Pressure Gauge

Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the tire sealant canister.
The tire sealant canister (4) should
be replaced before its expiration
date. Replacement tire sealant
canisters are available at your local
dealer.
There is only enough sealant to seal
one tire. After usage, the tire sealant
canister must be replaced.

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338

Vehicle Care

Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit to Temporarily
Seal and Inflate a
Punctured Tire

3. Place the compressor on the
ground near the flat tire.

When using the tire sealant and
compressor kit during cold
temperatures, warm the kit in a
heated environment for five minutes.
This will help to inflate the tire
faster.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0 160.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0 334 for
other important safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that
have penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant
canister (4) and compressor
from its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0 342.
2. Remove the air only hose (10)
and the power plug (9) from the
bottom of the compressor.

4. Attach the air only hose (10) to
the sealant canister inlet
valve (1) by turning it clockwise
until tight.

5. Slide the base of the tire
sealant canister (3) into the slot
on the top of the compressor
(6) to hold it upright.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
6. Remove the valve stem cap
from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
9. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using
the air compressor.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.

7. Attach the sealant/air hose (2)
to the tire valve stem by turning
it clockwise until tight.
8. Plug the power plug (9) into the
accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 0 110.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.

The pressure gauge (8) will
initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the
pressure will quickly drop and
start to rise again as the tire
inflates with air only.
11. Inflate the tire to the
recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0 321.
The pressure gauge (8) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor

339

is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.

Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0 386.
12. Press the on/off button (5) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will
continue to leak air until the
vehicle is driven and the
sealant is distributed in the tire.

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Vehicle Care
Therefore, Steps 13–21 must
be done immediately after
Step 12.

19. Return the air only hose (10)
and power plug (9) back to
their original storage location.

Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor kit
as it could be warm after
usage.
13. Unplug the power plug (9) from
the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
14. Turn the sealant/air hose (2)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
15. Replace the tire valve
stem cap.
16. Remove the tire sealant
canister (4) from the slot on top
of the compressor (6).
17. Turn the air only hose (10)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire sealant canister
inlet valve (1).
18. Turn the sealant/air hose (2)
clockwise onto the sealant
canister inlet valve (1) to
prevent sealant leakage.

20. If the flat tire was able to inflate
to the recommended inflation
pressure, remove the
maximum speed label from the
sealant canister and place it in
a highly visible location.
Do not exceed the speed on
this label until the damaged tire
is repaired or replaced.
21. Return the equipment to its
original storage location in the
vehicle.
22. Immediately drive the vehicle
8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
23. Stop at a safe location and
check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1–10 under “Using the

Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a
Tire (Not Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen
more than 68 kPa (10 psi)
below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving
the vehicle. The tire is too
severely damaged and the tire
sealant cannot seal the tire.
See Roadside Assistance
Program 0 386.
If the tire pressure has not
dropped more than 68 kPa
(10 psi) from the recommended
inflation pressure, inflate the
tire to the recommended
inflation pressure.
24. Wipe off any sealant from the
wheel, tire, or vehicle.
25. Dispose of the used tire
sealant canister (4) at a local
dealer or in accordance with
local state codes and practices.
26. Replace it with a new canister
available from your dealer.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
27. After temporarily sealing a tire
using the tire sealant and
compressor kit, take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer
within 161 km (100 mi) of
driving to have the tire repaired
or replaced.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Tire Sealant Canister
On/Off Button
Slot on Top of Compressor
Pressure Deflation Button
Pressure Gauge

Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit without
Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured)

341

1. Remove the compressor from
its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0 342.
2. Remove the air only hose (10)
and the power plug (9) from the
bottom of the compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the
ground near the flat tire.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.

The kit includes:

4. Remove the valve stem cap
from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose

If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0 160.
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister

See If a Tire Goes Flat 0 334 for
other important safety warnings.

5. Attach the air only hose (10) to
the tire valve stem by turning it
clockwise until tight.
6. Plug the power plug (9) into the
accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 0 110.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.

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342

Vehicle Care
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.

7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using
the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off button (5) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the
recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0 321.
The pressure gauge (8) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure

reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.

Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0 386.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
compressor as it could be
warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (9) from
the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.

12. Turn the air only hose (10)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve
stem cap.
14. Return the air only hose (10)
and power plug (9) back to
their original storage location.
15. Return the equipment to its
original storage location in the
vehicle.
The tire sealant and compressor kit
has accessory adapters located in a
compartment on the bottom of its
housing that can be used to inflate
air mattresses, balls, etc.

Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit
To access the tire sealant and
compressor kit:
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 45.
2. Lift the cover.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care

Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools

343

3. Turn the retainer nut
counterclockwise and remove
the spare tire. Place the spare
tire next to the tire being
changed.
4. The jack and tools are stored
below the spare tire. Remove
them from their container and
place them near the tire being
changed.

Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire

3. Turn the wing nut
counterclockwise to remove the
tire sealant and compressor
kit bag.
4. Remove the tire sealant and
compressor kit from the bag.
To store the tire sealant and
compressor kit, reverse the steps.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Jack
Wrench
Tow Hook (If Equipped)
Extension Bolt
Insulator Pad

To access the spare tire and tools:
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the spare tire cover.

Take off the wheel cover or center
cap, if the vehicle has one, to reach
the wheel bolts.

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344

Vehicle Care

1. Do a safety check before
proceeding. See If a Tire Goes
Flat 0 334.
2. Turn the wheel wrench
counterclockwise to loosen and
remove the wheel nut caps.
Do not try to remove plastic
caps from the cover or
center cap.
3. Pull the cover or center cap
away from the wheel. Store the
wheel cover in the cargo area
until you have the flat tire
repaired or replaced.

4. Turn the wheel wrench
counterclockwise to loosen all
the wheel nuts, but do not
remove them yet.
5. Place the jack near the flat tire.

Warning (Continued)
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.

6. Put the compact spare tire
near you.

{ Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack,
you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.

{ Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
8. Place the jack under the
vehicle.

Caution
Make sure that the jack lift head
is in the correct position or you
may damage your vehicle. The
repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.

345

by a notch in the vertical
bottom edge of the body side
sheet metal.
The notches in the jack must
align with the notch in the
rocker pinch weld. The jack lift
head lifts on the inward side of
the pinch weld flange.
The jack must not be used in
any other position.
11. Remove all of the wheel nuts.
12. Remove the flat tire.

{ Warning

9. Position the jack lift head at the
jack location nearest the flat
tire. The location is indicated

10. Raise the vehicle by turning the
jack handle clockwise. Raise
the vehicle far enough off the
ground so there is enough
room for the road tire to clear
the ground.

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346

Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)

towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.

{ Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
15. Reinstall the wheel nuts.
Tighten each nut by hand until
the wheel is held against
the hub.
16. Lower the vehicle by turning
the jack handle
counterclockwise.

{ Warning
13. Remove any rust or dirt from
the wheel bolts, mounting
surfaces, and spare wheel.
14. Place the compact spare tire
on the wheel-mounting surface.

Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. See Capacities and
Specifications 0 379 for original
equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.

Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
0 379 for the wheel nut torque
specification.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care

347

Caution
Wheel covers will not fit on the
vehicle's compact spare. If you try
to put a wheel cover on the
compact spare, the cover or the
spare could be damaged.

Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
17. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in
a crisscross sequence, as
shown.
18. Lower the jack all the way and
remove the jack from under the
vehicle.
19. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly
with the wheel wrench.
When reinstalling the wheel cover or
center cap on the full-size tire,
tighten all five plastic caps hand
snug, then tighten them with the
wheel wrench an additional
one-quarter turn.

{ Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools with a Screw in Fastener
1. Remove the extension bolt
from the foam holder.

2. Screw the extension bolt onto
the end of the spare tire stow
bolt by hand.
3. Replace the foam, jack, and
tools in their original storage
location.
4. Remove the insulator pad and
place it over the foam holder to
protect the wheel of the flat tire
from the jack.
5. Place the tire facing down over
the extension bolt.
6. Turn the retainer nut clockwise
to secure the tire.

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348

Vehicle Care

{ Warning

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.

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.

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.

7. Place the floor cover on the
wheel.
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact
spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can.

Compact Spare Tire

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

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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care

Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle 12-volt battery, see Battery North America 0 297.
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.

349

Warning (Continued)

Caution

HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.

Ignoring these steps could result
in costly damage to the vehicle
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Trying to start
the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage
the vehicle.

See California Proposition
65 Warning 0 275 and the back
cover.

{ Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.

1.5L L4 Engine Shown, 2.0L L4
Engine Similar
1. Discharged Battery Remote
Positive Terminal

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350

Vehicle Care
2. Discharged Battery Remote
Negative Terminal
3. Good Battery Remote
Negative Terminal
4. Good Battery Remote
Positive Terminal

The vehicle has a remote
positive (+) terminal under a trim
cover. It is under the cover of the
engine compartment fuse block on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 278. You
should always use this remote
positive (+) terminal.

3. Set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake.

The jump start negative ground
terminal for the discharged battery
is on the shock tower on the driver
side of the engine compartment.

If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.

1. Check the other vehicle.
It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
1.8L Hybrid L4 Engine
1. Discharged Battery Remote
Positive Terminal
2. Discharged Battery Remote
Negative Terminal
3. Good Battery Remote
Negative Terminal
4. Good Battery Remote
Positive Terminal

Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so
that they are not touching.

Caution

4. Turn the ignition off and switch
off all lights and accessories in
both vehicles, except the
hazard warning flashers if
needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care

{ Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.

{ Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.

{ Warning

6. Connect the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) or
remote positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.

Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.

7. Connect the other end of the
positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.

Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.

8. Connect one end of the black
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the
good battery.
9. Connect the other end of the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (–) ground terminal for
the discharged battery.

351

10. Start the vehicle with the good
battery and run the engine at
idle speed for at least
four minutes.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had
the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine will
only start if needed after pressing
ENGINE START/STOP. The vehicle
ready light will come on when the
propulsion system is on and ready.
In cold temperatures, the engine will
not run with the hood open. Close
the hood.

Caution
For hybrid vehicles, repeatedly
trying to start the vehicle can
drain and damage the high
voltage battery, requiring
replacement. This would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

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352

Vehicle Care
Caution

If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.

Towing the Vehicle

Front Attachment Points

Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a wheel
lift tow truck or flatbed car carrier.
If a wheel lift tow truck is used, the
drive wheels cannot contact the
road while the vehicle is being
towed. A wheel dolly must be used
to lift all drive wheels off the ground.

The vehicle is equipped with
specific attachment points to be
used by the towing provider. These
holes may be used to pull the
vehicle from a flat road surface onto
the flat bed tow truck.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care

Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle – such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
. What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far will the vehicle be
towed? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.

Does the vehicle have the
proper towing equipment? See
your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.

Dinghy Towing (1.5L Engine
without Active Shutters
RPO VRI)

353

Vehicles with active shutters cannot
be dinghy towed.
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the
front with all four wheels on the
ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and
then secure it to the towing
vehicle.
2. Start the engine and place the
vehicle in N (Neutral).
3. Press ENGINE START/STOP
once to turn the engine off. See
Ignition Positions 0 220.
4. To prevent the battery from
draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove fuses
F10 and F41 from the
instrument panel fuse block.
See Instrument Panel Fuse
Block 0 311.
Remember to reinstall the fuses
once the destination has been
reached.

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354

Vehicle Care
Caution

If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.

Dinghy Towing (1.5L Engine
with Active Shutters RPO VRI,
1.8L Engine, 2.0L Engine)

Vehicles with these options are not
designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground.

Dolly Towing

Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.

Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drive
unit could be damaged. Repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.

Tow the vehicle with the two rear
wheels on the ground and the front
wheels on a dolly.
To tow the vehicle with two wheels
on the ground and a dolly:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care

Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 375.

Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.

Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.

Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)

355

Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.

Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.

Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this e symbol.
(Continued)

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356

Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)

This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.

Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to

have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint
as damage can occur.

Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Moldings

Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result
in a hazy white finish or pitting.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum, chrome,
or stainless steel. To prevent
damage always follow these
cleaning instructions:
. Be sure the molding is cool to
the touch before applying any
cleaning solution.
. Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum, chrome,
or stainless steel. Some
cleaners are highly acidic or
contain alkaline substances and
can damage the moldings.
. Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
. Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
. Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect
and extend the molding finish.

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals, and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
emblems, decals, and stripes.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.

Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.

Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.

Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
. Abrasive or caustic agents.
.

Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.

Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.

Ice scrapers or other hard items.

357

Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.

Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield
when washing the vehicle.

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358

Vehicle Care

Shutter System

a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.

Weatherstrips

The vehicle may have a shutter
system designed to help increase
fuel economy. Keep the shutter
system clean for proper operation.

Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and

Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0 375.

Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.

Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.

Wheels and Trim — Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.

Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.

Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.

Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.

Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, decklid hinges, steel
fuel door hinge, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips

359

with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.

Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.

Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.

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360

Vehicle Care

Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.

Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.

Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See “Finish Care”
previously in this section.

Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.

Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
. Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface.
. Never use a brush with stiff
bristles.

Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.

Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
Do not use solutions that contain
strong or caustic soap.

Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.

Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.

Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial
glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use
abrasive cleaners on automotive
glass. Abrasive cleaners or
aggressive cleaning may damage
the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water
during the first three to six months
of ownership will reduce tendency
to fog.

Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover
gently, so that the speaker will not
be damaged. Clean spots with water
and mild soap.

Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
. When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft, lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
. When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.

Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface
using a soft brush attachment. If a
rotating vacuum brush attachment is
being used, only use it on the floor
carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as
possible:
. Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no
more soil can be removed.
. For solid soils, remove as much
as possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean:
1. Saturate a clean, lint-free
colorfast cloth with water.
Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint
transfer to the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by
gently wringing until water does
not drip from the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Fold the cleaning cloth

361

to a clean area frequently to
prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the
soiled area until there is no
longer any color transfer from
the soil to the cleaning cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely
removed, use a mild soap
solution followed only by plain
water.
If the soil is not completely
removed, it may be necessary to
use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small
hidden area for colorfastness before
using a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. If ring
formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to
blot excess moisture.

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362

Vehicle Care

Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
and Vehicle Information and
Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss
surfaces or vehicle displays. First,
use a soft bristle brush to remove
dirt that can scratch the surface.
Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window
cleaners or solvents. Periodically
hand wash the microfiber cloth
separately, using mild soap. Do not
use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before
next use.

Caution
Do not attach a device with a
suction cup to the display. This
may cause damage and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

Instrument Panel, Leather,
Vinyl, Other Plastic Surfaces,
Low Gloss Paint Surfaces, and
Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth
dampened with water to remove
dust and loose dirt. For a more
thorough cleaning, use a soft
microfiber cloth dampened with a
mild soap solution.

Caution (Continued)
the appearance and feel of
leather or soft trim, and are not
recommended.
Do not use cleaners that increase
gloss, especially on the instrument
panel. Reflected glare can decrease
visibility through the windshield
under certain conditions.

Caution

Soaking or saturating leather,
especially perforated leather, as
well as other interior surfaces,
may cause permanent damage.
Wipe excess moisture from these
surfaces after cleaning and allow
them to dry naturally. Never use
heat, steam, or spot removers. Do
not use cleaners that contain
silicone or wax-based products.
Cleaners containing these
solvents can permanently change
(Continued)

Use of air fresheners may cause
permanent damage to plastics
and painted surfaces. If an air
freshener comes in contact with
any plastic or painted surface in
the vehicle, blot immediately and
clean with a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution.
Damage caused by air fresheners
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Vehicle Care
Cargo Cover and
Convenience Net
Wash with warm water and mild
detergent. Do not use chlorine
bleach. Rinse with cold water, and
then dry completely.

Care of Seat Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.

Floor Mats

Do not use a floor mat if the
vehicle is not equipped with a
floor mat retainer on the driver
side floor.

Use the floor mat with the
correct side up. Do not turn
it over.

Do not place anything on top of
the driver side floor mat.

Use only a single floor mat on
the driver side.

Do not place one floor mat on
top of another.

{ Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or
is not properly installed, it can
interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can
cause unintended acceleration
and/or increased stopping
distance which can cause a crash
and injury. Make sure the floor
mat does not interfere with the
pedals.
Use the following guidelines for
proper floor mat usage:
. The original equipment floor
mats were designed for your
vehicle. If the floor mats need
replacing, it is recommended
that GM certified floor mats be
purchased. Non-GM floor mats
may not fit properly and may
interfere with the pedals. Always
check that the floor mats do not
interfere with the pedals.

363

Removing and Replacing the
Floor Mats
If equipped, pull up on the rear of
the floor mat to unlock each retainer
and remove.

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364

Vehicle Care

Reinstall by lining up the floor mat
retainer openings over the carpet
retainers and snapping into position.
Make sure the floor mat is properly
secured in place.
Verify the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Service and Maintenance

Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 365

Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 367

Special Application Services
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372

Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372

Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Maintenance Replacement
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376

Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 377

General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place

365

for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.

Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage
the vehicle, requiring expensive
repairs that are not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

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366

Service and Maintenance

The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
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. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 216.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0 262.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.

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 chart.

{ 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
(Continued)

Warning (Continued)
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0 276.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Service and Maintenance

Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
. Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0 283.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 321.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0 327.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 294.

Engine Oil Change
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. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System 0 286.

Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0 328.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0 283 and
Engine Oil Life System 0 286.
. Check engine coolant level.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 289 or Cooling System (Power
Electronics) 0 292.

367

Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0 294.

Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0 355. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 299.

Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0 321.

Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0 327.

Visually check for fluid leaks.

Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 287.

Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0 355.

Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0 355.

Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 0 72.

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368

Service and Maintenance

Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.

Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.

Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0 355.

Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0 298.

Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0 299.

Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 299.

Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.

Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold

open ability is low, service the
gas strut. See Gas Strut(s)
0 300.
.

Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof 0 53.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

3 6 0 0 0 k m/2 2 ,5 0 0 mi

4 8 0 0 0 k m/3 0 ,0 0 0 mi

6 0 0 0 0 k m/3 7 ,5 0 0 mi

7 2 0 0 0 k m/4 5 ,0 0 0 mi

8 4 0 0 0 k m/5 2 ,5 0 0 mi

9 6 0 0 0 k m/6 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 0 8 0 0 0 k m/6 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 2 0 0 0 0 k m/7 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 3 2 0 0 0 k m/8 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 4 4 0 0 0 k m/9 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 5 6 0 0 0 k m/9 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 6 8 0 0 0 k m/1 0 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 8 0 0 0 0 k m/11 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 9 2 0 0 0 k m/1 2 0 ,0 0 0 mi

2 0 4 0 0 0 k m/1 2 7 ,5 0 0 mi

2 1 6 0 0 0 k m/1 3 5 ,0 0 0 mi

2 2 8 0 0 0 k m/1 4 2 ,5 0 0 mi

2 4 0 0 0 0 k m/1 5 0 ,0 0 0 mi

Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.

2 4 0 0 0 k m/1 5 ,0 0 0 mi

Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal

369

1 2 0 0 0 k m/7 ,5 0 0 mi

Service and Maintenance

Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)

Inspect evaporative control system. (2)

Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)

Change automatic transmission fluid. (1.8L
Hybrid only.)

Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspect
spark plug wires.
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)
Inspect spark plug wires.

@
@

Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power
Electronics cooling system. (4)

Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)

Replace brake fluid. (6)

Footnotes — Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter

replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if

there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.

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Service and Maintenance

(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first.
See Cooling System (Engine) 0 289
or Cooling System (Power
Electronics) 0 292.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0 296.

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3 6 0 0 0 k m/2 2 ,5 0 0 mi

4 8 0 0 0 k m/3 0 ,0 0 0 mi

6 0 0 0 0 k m/3 7 ,5 0 0 mi

7 2 0 0 0 k m/4 5 ,0 0 0 mi

8 4 0 0 0 k m/5 2 ,5 0 0 mi

9 6 0 0 0 k m/6 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 0 8 0 0 0 k m/6 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 2 0 0 0 0 k m/7 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 3 2 0 0 0 k m/8 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 4 4 0 0 0 k m/9 0 ,0 0 0 mi

1 5 6 0 0 0 k m/9 7 ,5 0 0 mi

1 6 8 0 0 0 k m/1 0 5 ,0 0 0 mi

1 8 0 0 0 0 k m/11 2 ,5 0 0 mi

1 9 2 0 0 0 k m/1 2 0 ,0 0 0 mi

2 0 4 0 0 0 k m/1 2 7 ,5 0 0 mi

2 1 6 0 0 0 k m/1 3 5 ,0 0 0 mi

2 2 8 0 0 0 k m/1 4 2 ,5 0 0 mi

2 4 0 0 0 0 k m/1 5 0 ,0 0 0 mi

Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.

2 4 0 0 0 k m/1 5 ,0 0 0 mi

Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe

371

1 2 0 0 0 k m/7 ,5 0 0 mi

Service and Maintenance

Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)

Inspect evaporative control system. (2)

Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)

Change automatic transmission fluid.

Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspect
spark plug wires.
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)
Inspect spark plug wires.

@
@

Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power
Electronics cooling system. (4)

Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)

Replace brake fluid. (6)

Footnotes — Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter

replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window

fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.

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Service and Maintenance

Special Application
Services

Additional
Maintenance and Care

Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every oil change.

Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
0 355.

Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services — their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.

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Service and Maintenance
.

To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.

Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.

Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.

Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0 375 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

373

Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
. Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs

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374

Service and Maintenance

of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.

Vehicle Care

To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care 0 360 and
Exterior Care 0 355.

Wiper Blades

Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.

Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.

Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
. Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
. Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.

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Service and Maintenance

375

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Usage
Automatic Transmission
Engine Coolant (Except 1.8L Hybrid)
Engine Coolant and Power
Electronics Cooling System (1.8L
Hybrid Only)
Engine Oil

Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary
Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release Pawl
Hydraulic Brake System
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door
Hinges

Fluid/Lubricant
DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
Use Only Premix DEX-COOL Coolant (GM Part No. 12378390, in
Canada 10953456).
See Cooling System (Engine) 0 289 or Cooling System (Power
Electronics) 0 292.
Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 283.
Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category
LB or GC-LB.
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in
Canada 19299819).
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).

Weatherstrip Conditioning

Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or
equivalent.

Windshield Washer

Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection
requirements.

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Service and Maintenance

Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.
Part

GM Part Number

ACDelco Part Number

1.5L L4 Engine

23430312

A3208C

1.8L L4 Engine

23430312

A3208C

2.0L L4 Engine

23430313

A3210C

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

Engine Oil Filter
1.5L L4 Engine

12640445

PF64

1.8L L4 Engine

55594652

PF101G

2.0L L4 Engine

12640445

PF64

13508023

CF185

1.5L L4 Engine

12673527

41-153

1.8L L4 Engine

55486272

41-152

2.0L L4 Engine

12647827

41-125

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
Spark Plugs

Wiper Blades
Driver Side – 650 mm (25.6 in)

23353586

—

Passenger Side – 450 mm (17.7 in)

23353587

—

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Service and Maintenance

377

Maintenance Records
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts.
Date

Odometer
Reading

Serviced By

Services Performed

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378

Technical Data

Vehicle Identification

Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)

Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Service Parts Identification
Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

Vehicle Data
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . 381

This legal identifier is in the front
corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver side of the vehicle. It can
be seen through the windshield from
outside. The Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) also appears on the
Vehicle Certification and Service
Parts labels and certificates of title
and registration.

Engine Identification
The eighth character in the VIN is
the engine code. This code
identifies the vehicle's engine,
specifications, and replacement

parts. See “Engine Specifications”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 379 for the vehicle's engine code.

Service Parts
Identification Label
There may be a label on the inside
of the glove box or trunk area that
contains the following information:
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Model designation
.

Paint information

Production options and special
equipment

If there is no label, there is a
barcode on the certification label on
the center (B) pillar to scan for this
same information.

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Technical Data

379

Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
Application
Air Conditioning Refrigerant

Capacities
Metric

English

For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and
charge amount, see the refrigerant label under the
hood. See your dealer for more information.

Engine Cooling System
1.5L L4 Engine

6.3 L

6.6 qt

1.8L L4 Engine

6.9 L

7.3 qt

2.0L L4 Engine

6.8 L

7.2 qt

1.5L L4 Engine

4.0 L

4.2 qt

1.8L L4 Engine

5.0 L

5.3 qt

2.0L L4 Engine

4.7 L

5.0 qt

1.8L L4 Engine

49.2 L

13.0 gal

1.5L L4 Engine, 2.0L L4 Engine

59.8 L

15.8 gal

140 Y

100 lb ft

Engine Oil with Filter

Fuel Tank

Wheel Nut Torque

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380

Technical Data
Capacities

Application

Metric

English

All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

Engine Specifications
Engine

VIN Code

Transmission

Spark Plug Gap

1.5L L4 Engine

Automatic

0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–
0.028 in)

1.8L L4 Engine

Automatic

0.65–0.75 mm (0.026–
0.030 in)

2.0L L4 Engine

Automatic

0.75–0.90 mm (0.030–
0.035 in)

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Technical Data

Engine Drive Belt Routing

2.0L L4 Engine
1.5L L4 Engine

1.8L L4 Engine

381

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382

Customer Information

Customer
Information
Customer Information
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Customer Assistance
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . 385
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . 385
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Scheduling Service
Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 389
Service Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Radio Frequency
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392

Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to
the United States
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Reporting Safety Defects to
the Canadian
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 394
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 395

Customer Information
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are
important to your dealer and to
Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns
with the sales transaction or the
operation of the vehicle will be
resolved by your dealer's sales or
service departments. Sometimes,
however, despite the best intentions
of all concerned, misunderstandings
can occur. If your concern has not
been resolved to your satisfaction,
the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE : Discuss your concern
with a member of dealership
management. Normally, concerns
can be quickly resolved at that level.
If the matter has already been
reviewed with the sales, service,
or parts manager, contact the owner
of your dealership or the general
manager.
STEP TWO : If after contacting a
member of dealership management,
it appears your concern cannot be

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Customer Information
resolved by your dealership without
further help, in the U.S., call the
Chevrolet Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-222-1020. In
Canada, call General Motors of
Canada Customer Care Centre at
1-800-263-3777 (English),
or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
We encourage you to call the
toll-free number in order to give your
inquiry prompt attention. Have the
following information available to
give the Customer Assistance
representative:
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN). This is available
from the vehicle registration or
title, or the plate at the top left of
the instrument panel and visible
through the windshield.
. Dealership name and location.
.

Vehicle delivery date and
present mileage.

When contacting Chevrolet,
remember that your concern will
likely be resolved at a dealer's
facility. That is why we suggest
following Step One first.

STEP THREE — U.S. Owners :
Both General Motors and your
dealer are committed to making
sure you are completely satisfied
with your new vehicle. However,
if you continue to remain unsatisfied
after following the procedure
outlined in Steps One and Two, you
can file with the Better Business
Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program to
enforce your rights.
The BBB Auto Line Program is an
out-of-court program administered
by the Council of Better Business
Bureaus to settle automotive
disputes regarding vehicle repairs or
the interpretation of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Although you may
be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to
filing a court action, use of the
program is free of charge and your
case will generally be heard within
40 days. If you do not agree with the
decision given in your case, you
may reject it and proceed with any
other venue for relief available
to you.

383

You may contact the BBB Auto Line
Program using the toll-free
telephone number or write them at
the following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
Council of Better Business Bureaus,
Inc.
3033 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
http://www.bbb.org/council/
programs-services/
dispute-handling-and-resolution/
bbb-auto-line
This program is available in all
50 states and the District of
Columbia. Eligibility is limited by
vehicle age, mileage, and other
factors. General Motors reserves
the right to change eligibility
limitations and/or discontinue its
participation in this program.
STEP THREE — Canadian
Owners : In the event that you do
not feel your concerns have been
addressed after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One

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Customer Information

and Two, General Motors of Canada
Company wants you to be aware of
its participation in a no-charge
Mediation/Arbitration Program.
General Motors of Canada
Company has committed to binding
arbitration of owner disputes
involving factory-related vehicle
service claims. The program
provides for the review of the facts
involved by an impartial third party
arbiter, and may include an informal
hearing before the arbiter. The
program is designed so that the
entire dispute settlement process,
from the time you file your complaint
to the final decision, should be
completed in about 70 days. We
believe our impartial program offers
advantages over courts in most
jurisdictions because it is informal,
quick, and free of charge.
For further information concerning
eligibility in the Canadian Motor
Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP),
call toll-free 1-800-207-0685, or call
the General Motors Customer Care
Centre, 1-800-263-3777 (English),
1-800-263-7854 (French),
or write to:

The Mediation/Arbitration Program
c/o Customer Care Centre
General Motors of Canada
Company
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Your inquiry should be accompanied
by the Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN).

Customer Assistance
Offices
Chevrolet encourages customers to
call the toll-free number for
assistance. However, if a customer
wishes to write or e-mail Chevrolet,
the letter should be addressed to:

United States and Puerto Rico
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance
Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
www.Chevrolet.com
1-800-222-1020
1-800-833-2438 (For Text
Telephone Devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance:
1-800-243-8872
From U.S. Virgin Islands:
1-800-496-9994

Canada
General Motors of Canada
Company
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
www.gm.ca
1-800-263-3777 (English)
1-800-263-7854 (French)
1-800-263-3830 (For Text

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Customer Information
Telephone devices (TTYs))
Roadside Assistance:
1-800-268-6800

Overseas
Please contact the local General
Motors Business Unit.

Customer Assistance for
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users
To assist customers who are deaf,
hard of hearing, or speech-impaired
and who use Text Telephones
(TTYs), Chevrolet has TTY
equipment available at its Customer
Assistance Center. Any TTY user in
the U.S. can communicate with
Chevrolet by dialing:
1-800-833-2438. TTY users in
Canada can dial 1-800-263-3830.

Online Owner Center
Online Owner Experience
(U.S.) my.chevrolet.com
The Chevrolet online owner
experience allows interaction with
Chevrolet and keeps important
vehicle-specific information in one
place.
Membership Benefits

E : Download owner’s manuals
and view vehicle-specific how-to
videos.
G : View maintenance schedules,
alerts, and OnStar Vehicle
Diagnostic Information. Schedule
service appointments.

I : View and print dealer-recorded
service records and self-recorded
service records.

D : Select a preferred dealer and
view locations, maps, phone
numbers, and hours.

r : Track your vehicle’s warranty
information.

385

J : View active recalls by Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). See
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
0 378.
H : View GM Card, SiriusXM
Satellite radio (if equipped), and
OnStar account information (if
equipped).
F : Chat with online help
representatives.
See my.chevrolet.com to register
your vehicle.

Chevrolet Owner Centre
(Canada) chevroletowner.ca
Visit the Chevrolet Owner Centre:
. Chat live with online help
representatives.
. Locate owner resources such as
lease-end, financing, and
warranty information.
. Retrieve your favorite articles,
quizzes, tips, and multimedia
galleries organized into the
Featured Articles and Auto Care
Sections.
. Download owner’s manuals.

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386
.

Customer Information

Find the
Chevrolet-recommended
maintenance services.

GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program

This program is available to
qualified applicants for cost
reimbursement, up to certain limits,
of eligible aftermarket adaptive
equipment required for the vehicle,
such as hand controls or a
wheelchair/scooter lift for the
vehicle.
To learn about the GM Mobility
program, see www.gmmobility.com
or call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.

General Motors of Canada also has
a Mobility program. See www.gm.ca
or call 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(800-463-7483) for details. TTY
users call 1-800-263-3830.

Model, year, color, and license
plate number of the vehicle

Odometer reading, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle

Roadside Assistance
Program

Description of the problem

Coverage

For U.S.-purchased vehicles, call
1-800-243-8872. (Text Telephone
(TTY): 1-888-889-2438.)

Services are provided for the
duration of the vehicle’s powertrain
warranty.

For Canadian-purchased vehicles,
call 1-800-268-6800.

In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.

Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.

Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance,
have the following information
ready:
. Your name, home address, and
home telephone number
. Telephone number of your
location
. Location of the vehicle

Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to make
any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notification.
General Motors North America and
Chevrolet reserve the right to limit
services or payment to an owner or

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Customer Information
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.

driver if they decide the claims are
made too often, or the same type of
claim is made many times.

Services Provided
.

Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.

Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.

Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 500 miles.

Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Chevrolet dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given
when the vehicle is stuck in the
sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's

Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
.

Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws

Legal fines

Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices

Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a

387

regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.

Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles
.

Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is up to 7 liters. If available,
diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.

Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.

Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: Must be over
150 km from where your trip was
started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside
Assistance advisor will help to
make arrangements and explain
how to receive payment.

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.

Customer Information

Alternative Service: If
assistance cannot be provided
right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give
permission to get local
emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100,
after sending the original receipt
to Roadside Assistance.
Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for
parts and labor for repairs not
covered by the warranty are the
owner responsibility.

Scheduling Service
Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty
service, contact your dealer and
request an appointment. By
scheduling a service appointment
and advising the service consultant
of your transportation needs, your
dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.
If the vehicle cannot be scheduled
into the service department
immediately, keep driving it until it
can be scheduled for service,

unless, of course, the problem is
safety related. If it is, please call
your dealership, let them know this,
and ask for instructions.
If your dealer requests you to bring
the vehicle for service, you are
urged to do so as early in the work
day as possible to allow for
same-day repair.

Courtesy Transportation
Program
To enhance your ownership
experience, we and our participating
dealers are proud to offer Courtesy
Transportation, a customer support
program for vehicles with the
Bumper-to-Bumper (Base Warranty
Coverage period in Canada),
extended powertrain, and/or
hybrid-specific warranties in both
the U.S. and Canada.
Several Courtesy Transportation
options are available to assist in
reducing inconvenience when
warranty repairs are required.

Courtesy Transportation is not a
part of the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. A separate booklet
entitled “Limited Warranty and
Owner Assistance Information”
furnished with each new vehicle
provides detailed warranty coverage
information.

Transportation Options
Warranty service can generally be
completed while you wait. However,
if you are unable to do so, your
dealer may offer the following
transportation options:
Shuttle Service
This includes one-way or round-trip
shuttle service within reasonable
time and distance parameters of
your dealer's area.
Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If overnight warranty repairs are
needed, and public transportation is
used, the expense must be
supported by original receipts and
within the maximum amount allowed
by GM for shuttle service. If U.S.

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Customer Information
customers arrange their own
transportation, limited
reimbursement for reasonable fuel
expenses may be available. Claim
amounts should reflect actual costs
and be supported by original
receipts. See your dealer for
information.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
For an overnight warranty repair, the
dealer may provide an available
courtesy rental vehicle or provide for
reimbursement of a rental vehicle.
Reimbursement is limited and must
be supported by original receipts as
well as a signed and completed
rental agreement and meet state/
provincial, local, and rental vehicle
provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements,
insurance coverage, credit card, etc.
Additional fees such as fuel usage
charges, taxes, levies, usage fees,
excessive mileage, or rental usage
beyond the completion of the repair
are also your responsibility.
It may not be possible to provide a
like vehicle as a courtesy rental.

Additional Program
Information
All program options, such as shuttle
service, may not be available at
every dealer. Contact your dealer
for specific availability.
General Motors reserves the right to
unilaterally modify, change,
or discontinue Courtesy
Transportation at any time and to
resolve all questions of claim
eligibility pursuant to the terms and
conditions described herein at its
sole discretion.

Collision Damage Repair
If the vehicle is involved in a
collision and it is damaged, have the
damage repaired by a qualified
technician using the proper
equipment and quality replacement
parts. Poorly performed collision
repairs diminish the vehicle resale
value, and safety performance can
be compromised in subsequent
collisions.

389

Collision Parts
Genuine GM Collision parts are new
parts made with the same materials
and construction methods as the
parts with which the vehicle was
originally built. Genuine GM
Collision parts are the best choice to
ensure that the vehicle's designed
appearance, durability, and safety
are preserved. The use of Genuine
GM parts can help maintain the GM
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Recycled original equipment parts
may also be used for repair. These
parts are typically removed from
vehicles that were total losses in
prior crashes. In most cases, the
parts being recycled are from
undamaged sections of the vehicle.
A recycled original equipment GM
part may be an acceptable choice to
maintain the vehicle's originally
designed appearance and safety
performance; however, the history of
these parts is not known. Such parts
are not covered by the GM New
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any
related failures are not covered by
that warranty.

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390

Customer Information

Aftermarket collision parts are also
available. These are made by
companies other than GM and may
not have been tested for the vehicle.
As a result, these parts may fit
poorly, exhibit premature durability/
corrosion problems, and may not
perform properly in subsequent
collisions. Aftermarket parts are not
covered by the GM New Vehicle
Limited Warranty, and any vehicle
failure related to such parts is not
covered by that warranty.

Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you
choose a collision repair facility that
meets your needs before you ever
need collision repairs. Your dealer
may have a collision repair center
with GM-trained technicians and
state-of-the-art equipment, or be
able to recommend a collision repair
center that has GM-trained
technicians and comparable
equipment.

Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GM
vehicle with comprehensive and
collision insurance coverage. There
are significant differences in the
quality of coverage afforded by
various insurance policy terms.
Many insurance policies provide
reduced protection to the GM
vehicle by limiting compensation for
damage repairs through the use of
aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not
specify aftermarket collision parts.
When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you ensure that the
vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not
available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement

parts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.

If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance Program
0 386.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number
. Driver license number
.

Owner name, address, and
telephone number

Vehicle license plate number

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Customer Information
.

Vehicle make, model, and
model year

Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)

Insurance company and policy
number

General description of the
damage to the other vehicle

Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 0 78.

Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled

original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.

Service Publications
Ordering Information

Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.

Service Manuals

If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.

391

Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.

Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner’s Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all
models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner’s Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 –
$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner’s
Manual only.

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392

Customer Information

RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.

Current and Past Models
Service and Owner publications are
available for many current and past
model year GM vehicles.
ORDER TOLL FREE:
1-800-551-4123 Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), see
Helm, Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
Or write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Prices are subject to change without
notice and without incurring
obligation. Allow ample time for
delivery.
All listed prices are quoted in U.S.
funds. Make checks payable in U.S.
funds.

Radio Frequency
Statement
This vehicle has systems that
operate on a radio frequency that
complies with Part 15/Part 18 of the
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules and with
Innovation, Science and Economic
Development (ISED) Canada's
RSP-100 / license-exempt RSS's /
ICES-001.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. The device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. The device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modifications to any of
these systems by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.

Reporting Safety
Defects
Reporting Safety Defects
to the United States
Government
If you believe that your vehicle
has a defect which could cause
a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying
General Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar
complaints, it may open an
investigation, and if it finds that
a safety defect exists in a group
of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot
become involved in individual
problems between you, your
dealer, or General Motors.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Customer Information
To contact NHTSA, you may call
the Vehicle Safety Hotline
toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY:
1-800-424-9153); go to http://
www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle
safety from http://
www.safercar.gov.

Reporting Safety Defects
to the Canadian
Government
If you live in Canada, and you
believe that the vehicle has a
safety defect, notify Transport
Canada immediately, and notify
General Motors of Canada
Company. Call Transport
Canada at 1-800-333-0510;
go to:
www.tc.gc.ca/recalls (English)

www.tc.gc.ca/rappels (French)
or write to:

Transport Canada
Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate
Defect Investigations and
Recalls Division
80 Noel Street
Gatineau, QC J8Z 0A1

Reporting Safety Defects
to General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or
Transport Canada) in a situation like
this, notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-222-1020, or write:
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance
Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
(English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French), or write:

393

General Motors of Canada
Company
Customer Care Centre, Mail Code:
CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
In Mexico, call 01-800-466-0811.
In other Central America and
Caribbean Countries, call
52-722-236-0680.

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Customer Information

Vehicle Data
Recording and
Privacy
The vehicle has a number of
computers that record information
about the vehicle’s performance and
how it is driven. For example, the
vehicle uses computer modules to
monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to
monitor the conditions for airbag
deployment and deploy them in a
crash, and, if equipped, to provide
antilock braking to help the driver
control the vehicle. These modules
may store data to help the dealer
technician service the vehicle.
Some modules may also store data
about how the vehicle is operated,
such as rate of fuel consumption or
average speed. These modules may
retain personal preferences, such as
radio presets, seat positions, and
temperature settings.

Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an
event data recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road
obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s
systems performed. The EDR is
designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The
EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
. How various systems in your
vehicle were operating;
. Whether or not the driver and
passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened;
. How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/
or brake pedal; and,
. How fast the vehicle was
traveling.

These data can help provide a
better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and
injuries occur.
Note
EDR data are recorded by your
vehicle only if a non-trivial crash
situation occurs; no data are
recorded by the EDR under normal
driving conditions and no personal
data (e.g., name, gender, age, and
crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the
EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR,
special equipment is required, and
access to the vehicle or the EDR is
needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer, other parties, such as
law enforcement, that have the
special equipment, can read the
information if they have access to
the vehicle or the EDR.

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Customer Information
GM will not access these data or
share it with others except: with the
consent of the vehicle owner or,
if the vehicle is leased, with the
consent of the lessee; in response
to an official request by police or
similar government office; as part of
GM's defense of litigation through
the discovery process; or, as
required by law. Data that GM
collects or receives may also be
used for GM research needs or may
be made available to others for
research purposes, where a need is
shown and the data is not tied to a
specific vehicle or vehicle owner.

OnStar
If the vehicle is equipped with
OnStar and has an active service
plan, additional data may be
collected through the OnStar
system. This includes information
about the vehicle’s operation;
collisions involving the vehicle; the
use of the vehicle and its features;
and, in certain situations, the
location and approximate GPS
speed of the vehicle. Refer to the

OnStar Terms and Conditions and
Privacy Statement on the OnStar
website.
See OnStar Additional Information
0 402.

Infotainment System
If the vehicle is equipped with a
navigation system as part of the
infotainment system, use of the
system may result in the storage of
destinations, addresses, telephone
numbers, and other trip information.
See the infotainment manual for
information on stored data and for
deletion instructions.

395

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396

OnStar

OnStar Overview

OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

397
398
398
399
401

OnStar Additional Information
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402

= Voice Command Button
Q Blue 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 active. Press Q
twice to speak with an OnStar
Advisor.

Press Q or 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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/8/17

OnStar
Press
.

= to:

Open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display. See the
infotainment manual for
information on how to use the
OnStar app.

Or
. Make a call, end a call,
or answer an incoming call.
. Give OnStar Hands-Free Calling
voice commands.
. Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn
Navigation voice commands.
. Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi
hotspot name or SSID and
password, if equipped.
Press Q to 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.

397

OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an
active, OnStar service plan
(excludes Basic 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.

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398

OnStar

Security

Navigation

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 engine from being restarted.
. With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work
with law enforcement to
gradually slow the vehicle down.

OnStar navigation requires a
specific OnStar service plan.

1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.

Press Q to receive Turn-by-Turn
directions or have them sent to the
vehicle’s navigation screen,
if equipped.

2. Say “Cancel route.” System
responds: “Do you want to
cancel directions?”

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.

Turn-by-Turn Navigation
1. Press Q to connect to an
Advisor.
2. Request directions to be
downloaded to the vehicle.
3. Follow the voice-guided
commands.

Using Voice Commands
During a Planned Route
Functionality of the Voice Command
button may vary by vehicle and
region. For some vehicles, press =
to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display. For other
vehicles press = as follows.

Cancel Route

3. Say “Yes.” System responds:
“OK, request completed, thank
you, goodbye.”
Route Preview
1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Route preview.” System
responds with the next three
maneuvers.
Repeat
1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.
2. Say “Repeat.” System
responds with the last direction
given, then responds with
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/8/17

OnStar
Get My Destination

Connections

1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.

The following OnStar services help
with staying connected.

2. Say “Get my destination.”
System responds with the
address and distance to the
destination, then responds with
“OnStar ready,” then a tone.

For coverage maps, see
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada).

Send Destination to Vehicle
Directions can be sent to the
vehicle’s navigation screen,
if equipped.
Press Q, then ask the Advisor to
download directions to the vehicle’s
navigation system, if equipped. After
the call ends, the navigation screen
will provide prompts to begin driving
directions. Routes that are sent to
the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation
system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada).

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, numbers,
and symbols 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.
OnStar 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

399

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).
3. To change the SSID or
password, press Q or 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.

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OnStar

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.

Remote Services

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.

Contact an OnStar Advisor to
unlock the doors or sound the horn
and flash the lamps.

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.

For myChevrolet mobile app
information and compatibility, see
my.chevrolet.com.
An active OnStar service,
compatible device, factory-installed
remote start, and power locks are
required. Data rates apply. See
onstar.com for details and system
limitations.

OnStar AtYourService
OnStar Advisors can provide offers
from restaurants and retailers on
your route, help locate hotels,
or book a room. These services
vary by market.

OnStar Hands-Free Calling
Make and receive calls with the
built-in wireless calling service,
which requires available minutes.
Functionality of the Voice Command
button may vary by vehicle and
region. For some vehicles, press =
to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select
Hands-Free calling. For other
vehicles press = as follows.
Make a Call
1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”

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OnStar
2. Say “Call.” System responds:
“Call. Please say the name or
number to call.”
3. Say the entire number without
pausing, including a “1” and the
area code. System responds:
“OK, calling.”

Calling 911 Emergency
1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”
2. Say “Call.” System responds:
“Call. Please say the name or
number to call.”
3. Say “911” without pausing.
System responds: “911.”
4. Say “Call.” System responds:
“OK, dialing 911.”

Retrieve My Number
1. Press =. System responds:
“OnStar ready.”

2. Say “My number.” System
responds: “Your OnStar
Hands-Free Calling number is,”
then says the number.

End a Call
Press =. System responds: “Call
ended.”

Verify Minutes and Expiration
Press = and say “Minutes” then
“Verify” to check how many minutes
remain and their expiration date.

Diagnostics
By monitoring and reporting on the
vehicle’s key systems, OnStar
Advanced Diagnostics provides a
way to keep up on maintenance.
Capabilities vary by model. See
www.onstar.com for details and
system limitations. Message and
data rates may apply. Advanced
Diagnostics requires an active
OnStar paid service plan, e-mail
address on file, and enrollment in
Advanced Diagnostics.

401

Includes:
. Diagnostic Alerts: Set
preferences to receive real-time
e-mails, texts, or monthly reports
of the vehicle’s health. Or
press Q to have an Advisor
initiate a remote diagnostic
report.
. Proactive Alerts: Receive a
real-time e-mail or text message
regarding potential issues with
key vehicle components, such
as the battery, fuel system,
or starter system. Alerts for
potential issues appear on the
infotainment display. Proactive
Alerts are designed to help
predict specific types of issues
based on information collected
from the vehicle. Other factors
may affect vehicle performance.
Not all issues will deliver alerts.
In some cases, a dealer service
check may be required to
confirm the accuracy of the
alerts.

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402
.

OnStar

Dealer Maintenance Notification:
Have the vehicle notify your
preferred dealer when it is time
for maintenance. Your dealer will
then contact you to set up an
appointment.

To begin, press Q to speak to an
Advisor, or see www.onstar.com.

OnStar Additional
Information
OnStar Smart Driver
OnStar Smart Driver provides
information about driving behavior to
help maximize overall vehicle
performance, reduce wear and tear,
and enhance fuel efficiency. An
Insurance Discounts Eligibility
feature is also offered within OnStar
Smart Driver. See www.onstar.com
for details regarding vehicle
eligibility and system limitations.
OnStar, General Motors, and their
affiliates are not insurance
providers. Obtain insurance only
from licensed insurance providers.

In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
. Prior to vehicle purchase.
Press Q to set up an account.
.

With the OnStar Basic Plan,
every 60 days.

After change in ownership and
at 90 days.

Transferring Service
Press Q to request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor
can cancel or change account
information.

Selling/Transferring the
Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) immediately to
terminate your OnStar services if
the vehicle is disposed of, sold,
transferred, or if the lease ends.

Reactivation for Subsequent
Owners
Press Q and follow the prompts to
speak to an Advisor as soon as
possible. The Advisor will update
vehicle records and explain OnStar
service options.

How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance,

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OnStar
Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics,
Remote Services, Roadside
Assistance, Turn-by-Turn
Navigation, and Hands-Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For
more information, a full description
of OnStar services, system
limitations, and OnStar User Terms,
Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
. See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
.

See www.onstar.ca (Canada).

Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.

Press Q to speak with an
Advisor.

OnStar services cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service
in that area. The wireless service
provider must also have coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar

services. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. OnStar services may not
work if the OnStar equipment is not
properly installed or it has not been
properly maintained. If equipment or
software is added, connected,
or modified, OnStar connected
services may not work. Other
problems beyond the control of
OnStar — such as hills, tall
buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of the vehicle, damage
to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless
phone network congestion or
jamming — may prevent service.
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 392.

Services for People with
Disabilities
Advisors provide services to help
with physical disabilities and
medical conditions.

Press

403

Q to help:

Locate a gas station with an
attendant to pump gas.

Find a hotel, restaurant, etc.,
that meets accessibility needs.

Provide directions to the closest
hospital or pharmacy in urgent
situations.

TTY Users
OnStar has the ability to
communicate to deaf,
hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired
customers while in the vehicle. The
available dealer-installed TTY
system can provide in-vehicle
access to all OnStar services,
except Virtual Advisor and OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

OnStar Personal Identification
Number (PIN)
A PIN is needed to access some
OnStar services. The PIN will need
to be changed the first time when
speaking with an Advisor. To

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404

OnStar

change the OnStar PIN, contact an
OnStar Advisor by pressing Q or
calling 1-888-4ONSTAR.

Global Positioning
System (GPS)
.

Warranty
OnStar equipment may be
warranted as part of the vehicle
warranty.

Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to
respond in multiple languages.
Press Q and ask for an Advisor.
Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available
languages may vary by country.

Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote
Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle
Assistance after the vehicle has
been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the
vehicle has not been started for
10 days, OnStar can contact
Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.

Obstruction of the GPS can
occur in a large city with tall
buildings; in parking garages;
around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with
very dense trees. If GPS signals
are not available, the OnStar
system should still operate to
call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying
the exact location.
In emergency situations, OnStar
can use the last stored GPS
location to send to emergency
responders.

A temporary loss of GPS can cause
loss of the ability to send a
Turn-by-Turn Navigation route. The
Advisor may give a verbal route or
may ask for a call back after the
vehicle is driven into an open area.

Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for
OnStar to send remote signals to
the vehicle. Do not place items over

or near the antenna to prevent
blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.

Unable to Connect to OnStar
Message
If there is limited cellular coverage
or the cellular network has reached
maximum capacity, this message
may come on. Press Q to try the
call again or try again after driving a
few miles into another cellular area.

Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle
electrical system, wireless service,
and GPS satellite technologies to be
available and operating for features
to function properly. These systems
may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.

Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated
into the electrical architecture of the
vehicle. Do not add any electrical
equipment. See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0 272. Added electrical

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OnStar
equipment may interfere with the
operation of the OnStar system and
cause it to not operate.

Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the
vehicle without further notice or
consent. These updates or changes
may enhance or maintain safety,
security, or the operation of the
vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may
affect or erase data or settings that
are stored in the vehicle, such as
OnStar Hands-Free Calling name
tags, saved navigation destinations,
or pre-set radio stations. Neither
OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or
settings. These updates or changes
may also collect personal
information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy
statement or separately disclosed at
the time of installation. These
updates or changes may also cause
a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to
collect information about vehicle

system status, identify whether
updates or changes are available,
or deliver updates or changes. An
active OnStar agreement constitutes
consent to these software updates
or changes and agreement that
either OnStar or GM may remotely
deliver them to the vehicle.

Privacy
The complete OnStar Privacy
Statement may be found at
www.onstar.com (U.S.),
or www.onstar.ca (Canada). We
recommend that you review it. If you
have any questions, call
1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
or press Q to speak with an
Advisor. Users of wireless
communications are cautioned that
the privacy of any information sent
via wireless cellular communications
cannot be assured. Third parties
may unlawfully intercept or access
transmissions and private
communications without consent.

405

OnStar - Software
Acknowledgements
Certain OnStar components include
libcurl and unzip software and other
third party software. Below are the
notices and licenses associated with
libcurl and unzip and for other third
party software please see http://
opensource.lge.com/index
www.onstar.com/us/en/
libcurl:
COPYRIGHT AND PERMISSION
NOTICE
Copyright (c) 1996 - 2010, Daniel
Stenberg, .
All rights reserved.
Permission to use, copy, modify,
and distribute this software for any
purpose with or without fee is
hereby granted, provided that the
above copyright notice and this
permission notice appear in all
copies.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED
“AS IS,” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/8/17

406

OnStar

IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF
THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. IN NO
EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR
COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM,
DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF
CONTRACT, TORT OR
OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE
USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN
THE SOFTWARE.
Except as contained in this notice,
the name of a copyright holder shall
not be used in advertising or
otherwise to promote the sale, use
or other dealings in this Software
without prior written authorization of
the copyright holder.
unzip:
This is version 2005-Feb-10 of the
Info-ZIP copyright and license. The
definitive version of this document

should be available at ftp://
ftp.info-zip.org/pub/infozip/
license.html indefinitely.
Copyright (c) 1990-2005 Info-ZIP. All
rights reserved.
For the purposes of this copyright
and license, “Info-ZIP” is defined as
the following set of individuals:
Mark Adler, John Bush, Karl Davis,
Harald Denker, Jean-Michel Dubois,
Jean-loup Gailly, Hunter Goatley, Ed
Gordon, Ian Gorman, Chris
Herborth, Dirk Haase, Greg Hartwig,
Robert Heath, Jonathan Hudson,
Paul Kienitz, David Kirschbaum,
Johnny Lee, Onno van der Linden,
Igor Mandrichenko, Steve P. Miller,
Sergio Monesi, Keith Owens,
George Petrov, Greg Roelofs, Kai
Uwe Rommel, Steve Salisbury,
Dave Smith, Steven M. Schweda,
Christian Spieler, Cosmin Truta,
Antoine Verheijen, Paul von Behren,
Rich Wales, Mike White.
This software is provided “as is,”
without warranty of any kind,
express or implied. In no event shall
Info-ZIP or its contributors be held

liable for any direct, indirect,
incidental, special or consequential
damages arising out of the use of or
inability to use this software.
Permission is granted to anyone to
use this software for any purpose,
including commercial applications,
and to alter it and redistribute it
freely, subject to the following
restrictions:
1. Redistributions of source code
must retain the above copyright
notice, definition, disclaimer,
and this list of conditions.
2. Redistributions in binary form
(compiled executables) must
reproduce the above copyright
notice, definition, disclaimer,
and this list of conditions in
documentation and/or other
materials provided with the
distribution. The sole exception
to this condition is redistribution
of a standard UnZipSFX binary
(including SFXWiz) as part of a
self-extracting archive; that is
permitted without inclusion of
this license, as long as the

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/8/17

OnStar
normal SFX banner has not
been removed from the binary
or disabled.
3. Altered versions–including, but
not limited to, ports to new
operating systems, existing
ports with new graphical
interfaces, and dynamic,
shared, or static library
versions–must be plainly
marked as such and must not
be misrepresented as being
the original source. Such
altered versions also must not
be misrepresented as being
Info-ZIP releases–including,
but not limited to, labeling of
the altered versions with the
names “Info-ZIP” (or any
variation thereof, including, but
not limited to, different
capitalizations), “Pocket
UnZip,” “WiZ” or “MacZip”
without the explicit permission
of Info-ZIP. Such altered
versions are further prohibited
from misrepresentative use of
the Zip-Bugs or Info-ZIP e-mail
addresses or of the
Info-ZIP URL(s).

4. Info-ZIP retains the right to use
the names “Info-ZIP,” “Zip,”
“UnZip,” “UnZipSFX,” “WiZ,”
“Pocket UnZip,” “Pocket Zip,”
and “MacZip” for its own
source and binary releases.

407

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408

Index

A
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 240
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 272
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . 198
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 287
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . .200, 203
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 79
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 75
Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 123
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Servicing Airbag-Equipped
Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 258
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Antenna
Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 231
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355

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Index
Appearance Care (cont'd)
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Armrest
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 248
Audio
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . 166
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Battery - North America . . . .297, 349
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 299
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 185, 186, 190
Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 126
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 235
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 256
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 220
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

409

Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 305
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . 303, 304
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
California
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .275, 297, 349,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

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410

Index

Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 104
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 124
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . 87
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98, 100
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 200
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . 114, 116

Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 389
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Compartments
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . 336
Connections
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Control
Traction and Electronic
Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 121
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200, 203
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . .289, 292
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Courtesy Transportation
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 240
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384

Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 391
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 389
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 395
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 394
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Door
Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Index
Door (cont'd)
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 381
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 247
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . .133, 136
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 252
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 30
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 214
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 216
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 232
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 126
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 306
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 278
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . 289, 292
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 228
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

411

Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 394
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 157
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 159
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 160
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 287
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 254

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412

Index

Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 62
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Low Fuel Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130, 131
Requirements, California . . . . . 263
Fuses
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 306
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311

G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Gauges
Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Power Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
General Information
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 365
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 160
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 131
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 159
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 132
Heated
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heater
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200, 203
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 323
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 214
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 234
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Index
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200, 203

Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 316
Lamps
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 159
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Malfunction Indicator
(Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . 258
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 260
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 127
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Indicator
Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Infants and Young Children,
Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Information
Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . 114, 116
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . 6
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 50
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

J
Jump Starting - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 32
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

413

LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 161
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 126
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Check Engine (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 126
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 130
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 159
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . 130, 131

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414

Index

Lights (cont'd)
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . 122
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Service Electric Parking
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . .130, 131
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 367
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 124
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . 179
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Messages
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming
Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 50

Monitor System, Tire
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

N
Navigation
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 220

O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Off-Road
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Oil
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 286
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 85
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 385
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
OnStar Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
OnStar Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
OnStar Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Index
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Operation
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 170
Ordering
Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . 391
Outlets
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

P
Park
Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Parking
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 299
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 226
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Parking or Backing
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 248
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 79

Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . 128
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California . . . . . . 275
Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Phone
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . 185, 186, 190
Hands-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Port
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Power
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Indicator Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 225
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 71
Privacy
Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 394
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 388

415

Proposition
65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .275, 297, 349,
Back Cover

R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 392
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Radios
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Ready Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 248
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Records
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 353
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Reimbursement Program,
GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

416

Index

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 85
Replacing LATCH System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 393
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 381
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

S
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 393
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 388
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 72
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 71
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . 62
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 58

Seats (cont'd)
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 58
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Securing Child Restraints . . . 98, 100
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 200
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 276
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 377
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 378
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 388
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Services
Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Index
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Shifting
Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 258
Signals, Turn and
Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Spare Tire
Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Special Application Services . . . . 372
Specifications and
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 303, 304

Storage Areas
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 103
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Struts
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System
Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165, 395
Systems
Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Taillamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 303, 304
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 385
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 48

417

Theft-Deterrent Systems (cont'd)
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321, 323
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 324
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 323
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Sealant and Compressor
Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Terminology and Definitions . . 319
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

418

Index

Tires (cont'd)
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 333
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 267
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 266
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 353
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Traction
Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Trailer
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 303, 304

U
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 331
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 153
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Updates
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

V
Vehicle
Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 378
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Vehicle (cont'd)
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 342
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Vehicle Ready Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 306

W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 260
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17

Index
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance . . 333
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 91
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Winter
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 299
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Wiring, High Voltage Devices . . . 306

419

18_CHEV_Malibu_COV_en_US_23378946B_2017SEP13.ai 1 9/7/2017 2:27:12 PM

CMY

23378946 B

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Description                     : 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual
Subject                         : 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual..2018 Chevy Malibu Owners Manual..Chevy Malibu Owners Manual..Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual..2018 Chevrolet Malibu Mid Size Car Owners Manual..2018 Chevy Malibu Mid Size Car Owners Manual, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual
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