ECU CHEVROLET MALIBU 2013 8.G Owners Manual

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
eAssist Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-3
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-35
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-40
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35 Climate Controls
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-14
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-32
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-37
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-50
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
In Brief 1-21
Universal Remote System
This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.
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.
SeeUniversal Remote System on
page 5‑40.
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches used to operate it are on
the headliner above the rearview
mirror. The ignition must be in ON/
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to
operate the sunroof. See Ignition
Positions (Key Access) on
page 9‑14 orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 9‑16 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on page 9‑22.
Open/Close: Press and hold the
front or rear of the switch (1) to open
or close the sunroof. The sunshade
automatically opens with the
sunroof, but must be closed
manually.
Express Open/Close: Press and
release the front or rear of the
switch (1) to express-open or
express-close the sunroof.
Vent/Close: Press and hold the
rear of the switch (2) to vent the
sunroof. Press and hold the front of
the switch to close.
The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
Anti-Pinch Feature
If an object is in the path of the
sunroof when it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature detects the object
and stops the sunroof from closing
at the point of the obstruction. The
sunroof then returns to the full-open
position.
See Sunroof on page 2‑19.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
1-26 In Brief
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
Vehicles that have a yellow fuel
cap can use either unleaded
gasoline or ethanol fuel containing
up to 85% ethanol (E85). SeeFuel
E85 (85% Ethanol) on page 9‑47.
For all other vehicles, use only the
unleaded gasoline described under
Recommended Fuel on page 9‑45.
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.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
Mexico: 01-800-466-0800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program. See
Roadside Assistance Program
(Mexico) on page 13‑7 orRoadside
Assistance Program (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑11.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
If the vehicle has an active OnStar
subscription, contact OnStar and the
vehicle’s current GPS location will
be sent to an OnStar advisor to
assess the situation, contact
Roadside Assistance, and relay the
exact location to send help.
OnStar®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Door Ajar Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 2-10
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer Operation (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access) . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-16
Automatic Dimming RearviewMirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
2-12 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Close the trunk by pulling on the
handle.
Emergency Trunk Release
Handle
Notice: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. The emergency trunk release
handle is only intended to aid a
person trapped in a latched trunk,
enabling them to open the trunk
from the inside.
There is a glow-in-the-dark
emergency trunk release handle
inside the trunk on the trunk latch.
This handle glows following
exposure to light. Pull the release
handle up to open the trunk from the
inside.

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13
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.
Arming the System
To arm the system, pressQon the
RKE transmitter.
The alarm automatically arms after
about 30 seconds. The security
light, on the instrument cluster,
flashes.
Press
Von the RKE transmitter to
open the trunk without setting off the
alarm. The system rearms when the
trunk is closed.
Disarming the System
To disarm the system, do one of the
following:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Approach the vehicle with the
RKE transmitter (keyless
access).
.Start the engine.
The alarm automatically disarms.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed and the horn
sounds, an attempted break-in
occurred while the system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the DIC.
See Security Messages on
page 5‑32.
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑21 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
Immobilizer Operation
(Key Access)
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 key is
removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with the correct key.
The key uses a transponder
that matches an immobilizer
control unit in the vehicle and
automatically disarms the system.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Only the correct key starts the
vehicle. The vehicle may not start if
the key is damaged.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light comes on briefly when
the ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged
or the light continues to stay on, try
another ignition key.If the engine still does not start with
the other key, the vehicle needs
service. If the vehicle does start, the
first key may be damaged. See your
dealer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a
new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
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.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition button is
pushed in and a valid transmitter is
found in the vehicle.
The security light in the instrument
cluster comes on if 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 your
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 engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
Seats and Restraints 3-1
Seats and
Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-4
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Safety Belts
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Safety Belt Use During
Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-21
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26 Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-30
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-31
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Infants and YoungChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-37
Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-38
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-47
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat) . . . . 3-50

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
Seats and Restraints 3-3
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.
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.
If you are installing a child restraint
in the rear seat, see "Securing a
Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System" underLower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑40.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.
To adjust a manual seat:
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.
Seat Height Adjuster
Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch to raise or lower the seat.
Release the switch when the
desired height is reached.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 6/6/12
3-14 Seats and Restraints
3. Push the latch plate into thebuckle until it clicks.
Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure.
Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.
If equipped with a shoulder belt
height adjuster, move it to the
height that is right for you. See
“Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster”
later in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.4. To make the lap part tight, pullup on the shoulder belt.
To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.
Before a door is closed, be sure the
safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
safety belt and the vehicle.
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger seating
positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not
contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How
to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑12.