CHEVROLET MALIBU 2017 9.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
300 Vehicle Care
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climatescan cause a brake squeal when thebrakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not meansomething is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts arenecessary to help prevent brakepulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear andevenly tighten wheel nuts in theproper sequence to torquespecifications. SeeCapacities andSpecifications0381.
Brake pads should be replaced ascomplete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedaldoes not return to normal height,or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a signthat brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system partswith new, approved replacementparts. If this is not done, the brakesmay not work properly. The brakingperformance expected can changein many other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts areinstalled or if parts are improperlyinstalled.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoiris filled with GM approved DOT 3brake fluid as indicated on thereservoir cap. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283forthe location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on alevel surface, the brake fluid levelshould be between the minimumand maximum marks on the brakefluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir maygo down:
.Normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are installed, thefluid level goes back up.
.Afluidleakinthebrakehydraulic system. Have thebrake hydraulic system fixed.With a leak, the brakes will notwork well.
Always clean the brake fluidreservoir cap and the area aroundthe cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.Adding fluid does not correct a leak.If fluid is added when the linings areworn, there will be too much fluidwhen new brake linings areinstalled. Add or remove fluid, asnecessary, only when work is doneon the brake hydraulic system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 301
{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.
When the brake fluid falls to a lowlevel, the brake warning light comeson. SeeBrake System WarningLight0124.
Brake fluid absorbs water over timewhich degrades the effectiveness ofthe brake fluid. Replace brake fluidat the specified intervals to preventincreased stopping distance. SeeMaintenance Schedule0369.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3brake fluid from a clean, sealedcontainer. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0377.
{Warning
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.
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 ismaintenance free. Do not removethe cap and do not add fluid.
The non-hybrid vehicle has astandard 12-volt battery under thehood. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview0283.
Refer to the replacement numbershown on the original battery labelwhen a new 12-volt battery isneeded.
Hybrid Vehicle
The hybrid vehicle 12-volt battery isin the trunk on the driver side.Hybrid vehicles also have a highvoltage battery. Only a trainedservice technician with the properknowledge and tools should inspect,test, or replace the high voltagebattery. See your dealer if the highvoltage battery needs service. Thedealer has information on how torecycle the high voltage battery.
The hybrid high voltage battery iscooled with air drawn from thevehicle interior. The cold air intakefor the battery is under the rearseat. Do not block the area in frontof the cold air intake.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
302 Vehicle Care
{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.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
SeeCustomer Assistance
Offices0385.
Stop/Start System
If equipped with the 1.5L L4 engine,the vehicle has a stop/start systemto shut off the engine to helpconserve fuel. SeeStarting theEngine0227.
Vehicles with a 1.5L engine have anAbsorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-voltbattery. Installation of a standard12-volt battery will result in reduced12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt batterycharger on the 12-volt AGM battery,some chargers have an AGMbattery setting on the charger.If available, use the AGM setting onthe charger, to limit charge voltageto 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WA R N I N G :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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
SeeCalifornia Proposition
65 Warning0279.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
Yo u c a n b e b a d l y h u r t i f y o u a r e
not careful. SeeJump Starting -
North America0352for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the12-volt battery black, negative (✓)cable from the battery to keep thebattery from running down.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 303
Extended Storage: Remove the12-volt battery black, negative (✓)cable from the battery or use abattery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the batterywhen 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, besure there is enough roomaround the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brakeand the regular brake.
Do not use the acceleratorpedal, and be ready to turn offthe engine immediately if itstarts.
3. Try to start the engine in eachgear. The vehicle should startonly in P (Park) or N (Neutral).If the vehicle starts in any otherposition, contact your dealer forservice.
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, besure there is enough roomaround the vehicle. It should beparked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Beready to apply the regularbrake immediately if the vehiclebegins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn theignition on, but do not start theengine. Without applying theregular brake, try to move theshift lever out of P (Park) withnormal effort. If the shift levermoves out of P (Park), contactyour dealer for service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
Yo u o r o t h e r s c o u l d b e i n j u r e d
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
304 Vehicle Care
Park on a fairly steep hill, with thevehicle facing downhill. Keepingyour foot on the regular brake, setthe parking brake.
.To c h e c k t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e ' sholding ability: With the enginerunning and the transmission inN(Neutral), slowly remove footpressure from the regular brakepedal. Do this until the vehicle isheld by the parking brake only.
.To c h e c k t h e P ( P a r k )mechanism's holding ability:With the engine running, shift toP(Park). Then release theparking brake followed by theregular brake.
Contact your dealer if service isrequired.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should beinspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiperblade assembly on a regular basis.When worn, or when cleaning isineffective, replace the wiper blade.For proper windshield wiper bladelength and type, seeMaintenanceReplacement Parts0378.
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 r e p l a c e t h e w i p e r b l a d e :
1. Pull the wiper assembly awayfrom the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in themiddle of the wiper bladewhere the wiper arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull thewiper blade down toward thewindshield far enough torelease it from the J-hookedend of the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3forwiperblade replacement.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 305
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset andshould need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,the headlamp aim may be affected.If adjustment to the headlamps isnecessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacementbulbs, seeReplacementBulbs0309.
For any bulb-changing procedurenot listed in this section, contactyour dealer.
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 lightingassembly, contact your dealer.
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps
Passenger Side Shown, Driver
Side Similar
1. Parking/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Low/High-Beam Headlamp
3. Sidemarker Lamp
To r e p l a c e o n e o f t h e h e a d l a m pbulbs:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood0281.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
306 Vehicle Care
2. For the driver side bulb,remove the windshield washerbottle filler neck by firmlypulling it straight up and out ofthe bottle.
3. For hybrid vehicles, remove theengine air cleaner housing bygripping firmly and pullingstraight up.
4. Remove the cover from theback of the headlampassembly by turning itcounterclockwise.
5. Disconnect the electricalconnector.
6. Remove the bulb from the lampassembly by turningcounterclockwise.
7. Install a new bulb in the lampassembly.
8. Connect the electricalconnector.
9. Replace the cover from theback of the headlampassembly by turning itclockwise.
10. For the driver side, reinstall thewindshield washer bottle fillerneck by firmly pushing itstraight into the bottle. Makesure that the filler neck clipengages into the bracket onthe upper tie-bar.
11 . R e p l a c e t h e e n g i n e a i r c l e a n e rhousing by aligning the pegswith the grommets andpressing firmly down.
Front Turn Signal, Parking, and
Sidemarker Lamps
To r e p l a c e o n e o f t h e s e l a m p s :
1. For the driver side bulb,remove the windshield washerbottle filler neck by firmlypulling it straight up and out ofthe bottle.
2. For hybrid vehicles, remove theengine air cleaner housing bygripping firmly and pullingstraight up.
3. Remove the bulb socket fromthe headlamp assembly byturning it counterclockwise.
4. Remove the bulb from thesocket.
5. Replace the bulb in the bulbsocket.
6. Install the bulb socket in theheadlamp assembly by turningit clockwise.
7. For the driver side, reinstall thewindshield washer bottle fillerneck by firmly pushing itstraight into the bottle. Makesure that the filler neck clipengages into the bracket onthe upper tie-bar.
8. Replace the engine air cleanerhousing by aligning the pegswith the grommets andpressing firmly down.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 307
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp andBack-Up Lamp
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp
1. Open the trunk. SeeTr u n k044.
2. Remove the push pins and pullback the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket byturning counterclockwise andpulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from thesocket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulbsocket.
6. Install the bulb socket byturning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
Stoplamp/Taillamp and TurnSignal Lamp
1. Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Sidemarker 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 r e p l a c e a n y o n e o f t h e s e b u l b s :
1. Open the trunk. SeeTr u n k044.
2. Remove the push pins and pullthe trunk trim away from thetaillamp assembly.
3. Remove three hex-nuts fromeach stud.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling itstraight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket fromthe taillamp assembly byturning it counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb from thesocket by turning the bulbcounterclockwise one-quarterturn and pulling it straight out.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
308 Vehicle Care
7. Install a new bulb into thesocket.
8. Install the bulb socket into thetaillamp assembly by turning itclockwise.
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.
The stoplamp/taillamp and trunkdeck inboard taillamp are LEDs. Toreplace, see your dealer.
Back-Up Lamp
1. Open the trunk. SeeTr u n k044.
2. Remove the push pins and pullback the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket byturning counterclockwise andpulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from thesocket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulbsocket.
6. Install the bulb socket byturning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
License Plate Lamp
To r e p l a c e o n e o f t h e s e b u l b s :
Passenger Side Shown, Driver
Side Similar
1. Push the release tab towardthe lamp assembly.
2. Pull the lamp assembly downto remove.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 309
3. Turn the bulb socketcounterclockwise to remove itfrom the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of thebulb socket.
5. Push the replacement bulbstraight into the bulb socketand turn the bulb socketclockwise to install it into thelamp assembly.
6. Push the lamp assembly backinto position until the releasetab locks into place.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior LampBulbNumber
Low-Beam andHigh-BeamHeadlamp
9005SL+
Front Turn SignalLamp and ParkingLamp (LS Only)
7444NA
Front and RearSidemarker Lamp194
Stoplamp/Taillamp/Rear Turn SignalLamp (LS and LT)
W21WLL
Back-up Lamp W16W
License Plate Lampand Deck Taillamp(LS and LT)
W5WLL
For replacement bulbs not listedhere, contact your dealer.
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{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.