engine CHEVROLET MALIBU 2017 9.G Repair Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
234 Driving and Operating
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).
SeeShifting Into Park0230.
Make sure the shift lever is fully inP(Park) before starting the engine.The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock controlsystem. The brake pedal must befully applied, then press the shiftlever button before shifting fromP(Park) while the ignition is in ON/RUN. If the vehicle will not shift outof P (Park), ease pressure on theshift lever and push the shift leverall the way into P (Park) whilemaintaining brake application. Thenmove the shift lever into anothergear. SeeShifting out of Park0231.
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 r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0221.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart the engine when the vehicleis already moving, useN(Neutral) only.
If equipped with the 1.8L Hybridengine and the hood is openedwhile in N (Neutral), the vehicle willshut down. The vehicle will have tobe 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.
Yo u c o u l d l o s e c o n t r o l a n d h i t
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 willalways be off while in N (Neutral).The vehicle cannot charge the highvoltage battery while the shift lever

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 235
is in N (Neutral). Only useN(Neutral) when required. If thehigh voltage battery state of chargeis low, the Driver Information Center(DIC) will display a message to shiftout of N (Neutral). Shift to P (Park),R(Reverse), D(Drive), or L(Low)depending on the situation. If thehigh voltage battery is depleted toofar, the vehicle will shut down,requiring a shift to P (Park) to restartthe vehicle.
D:This position is for normaldriving. It provides the best fueleconomy. If you need more powerfor passing, and you are:
.Accelerating slowly ormaintaining a constant speed,push the accelerator pedal abouthalfway down.
.Accelerating quickly or passing,push the accelerator all theway down.
L:This position allows you tochange gears similar to a manualtransmission. If the vehicle has thisfeature, seeManual Mode0235.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in alower gear than normal to improvevehicle performance. The enginespeed may be higher and there maybe an increase in noise during thefollowing conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.
.When driving in hottemperatures or at high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose thetop-gear limit of the transmissionand the vehicle's speed whiledriving downhill or towing a trailer.The vehicle has an electronic shiftposition indicator within theinstrument cluster. When using theERS mode a number will displaynext to the L, indicating the currentgear that has been selected.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
2. Press + (Plus) or✓(Minus) onthe shift lever to increase ordecrease the gear rangeavailable.
When you shift from D (Drive) toL(Low), the transmission will shift toapre-determinedlowergearrange.The highest gear available for thispre-determined range is displayednext to the L in the DIC. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0131orDriver InformationCenter (DIC) (Uplevel)0134.Thenumber displayed in the DIC is thehighest gear that the transmission

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
236 Driving and Operating
will be allowed to operate in. Thismeans that all gears below thatnumber are available. For example,when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to theL, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gearsare automatically shifted by thevehicle. The transmission will notshift into 5 (Fifth) until the + (Plus)button is used or you shift back intoD(Drive).
While in L (Low), the transmissionwill prevent shifting to a lower gearrange if the engine speed is toohigh. You have a brief period of timeto slow the vehicle. If vehicle speedis not reduced within the timeallowed, the lower gear range shiftwill not be completed. You mustfurther slow the vehicle, then pressthe✓(Minus) button to the desiredlower gear range.
Hybrid Low Mode
L2 (Low 2) provides the ability toslow the vehicle without using thebrakes. L1 (Low 1) providesmaximum braking below 80 km/h(50 mph). Use L (Low) whendescending steep grades or in
stop-and-go traffic. When thebattery reaches full charge theengine may run to maintain braking.
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e :
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).The transmission will enterL2 (Low 2).
2. Press + (Plus) or✓(Minus) onthe shift lever to shift betweenL2 (Low 2) and L1 (Low 1).
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight0125.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
238 Driving and Operating
system warning light will be on andachimewillsoundwarningyouthatthe parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and areparking on a hill, seeDrivingCharacteristics and TowingTips0272.
Electric Parking Brake
If equipped, the Electric ParkingBrake (EPB) switch is on theconsole. The EPB can always beactivated, even if the ignition is off.To p r e v e n t d r a i n i n g t h e b a t t e r y,avoid repeated cycles of the EPBwhen the engine is not running.
The system has a red parking brakestatus light and an amber parkingbrake warning light. SeeElectricParking Brake Light0124andService Electric Parking Brake Light0125.Therearealsoparkingbrake-related Driver InformationCenter (DIC) messages. SeeBrakeSystem Messages0138.Incaseofinsufficient electrical power, the EPBcannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, checkthe red parking brake status light toensure that the parking brake isapplied.
EPB Apply
To a p p l y t h e E P B :
1. Be sure the vehicle is at acomplete stop.
2. Lift up the EPB switchmomentarily.
The red parking brake status lightwill flash and then stay on once theEPB is fully applied. If the redparking brake status light flashescontinuously, then the EPB is onlypartially applied or there is aproblem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release theEPB and try to apply it again. If thelight does not come on, or keepsflashing, have the vehicle serviced.Do not drive the vehicle if the redparking brake status light is flashing.See your dealer. SeeElectricParking Brake Light0124.
If the amber parking brake warninglight is on, lift up on the EPB switchand hold it up. Continue to hold theswitch until the red parking brakestatus light remains on. If the amberparking brake warning light remainson, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while thevehicle is moving, the vehicle willdecelerate as long as the switch isheld up. If the switch is held up untilthe vehicle comes to a stop, theEPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically applythe EPB in some situations whenthe vehicle is not moving. This isnormal, and is done to periodicallycheck the correct operation of theEPB system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 241
SeeWarning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators0111andDriverInformation Center (DIC) (BaseLevel)0131orDriver InformationCenter (DIC) (Uplevel)0134.Intheevent of a controller problem, thebrake pedal may be harder to pushand the stopping distance may belonger.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction ControlSystem (TCS) and StabiliTrak®,anelectronic stability control system.These systems help limit wheel slipand assist the driver in maintainingcontrol, especially on slippery roadconditions.
TCS activates if it senses that anyof the drive wheels are spinning orbeginning to lose traction. When thishappens, TCS applies the brakes tothe spinning wheels and reducesengine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when thevehicle senses a difference betweenthe intended path and the directionthe vehicle is actually traveling.StabiliTrak selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist thedriver in keeping the vehicle on theintended path.
If cruise control is being used andtraction control or StabiliTrak beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control willdisengage. Cruise control may beturned back on when roadconditions allow.
Both systems come onautomatically when the vehicle isstarted and begins to move. Thesystems may be heard or felt whilethey are operating or whileperforming diagnostic checks. Thisis normal and does not mean thereis a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave bothsystems on for normal drivingconditions, but it may be necessaryto turn TCS off if the vehicle getsstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck0221and“Turning the Systems Off andOn”later in this section.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
242 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systemsis in the instrument cluster. Thislight will:
.Flash when TCS is limitingwheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak isactivated.
.Turn on and stay on when eithersystem is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or toactivate, a message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC),
anddcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactiveand is not assisting the driver inmaintaining control. The vehicle issafe to drive, but driving should beadjusted accordingly.
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. Ifdcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may needmore time to diagnose the problem.If the condition persists, see yourdealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrakis on the center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To t u r n o f f o n l y T C S , p r e s s a n d
releaseg.Thetractionofflighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
To t u r n T C S o n a g a i n , p r e s s a n d
releaseg.Thetractionofflighti
displayed in the instrument clusterwill turn off.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
268 Driving and Operating
Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOPTIER®detergent gasoline to keepthe engine cleaner and reduceengine deposits. Seewww.toptiergas.com for a list of TOPTIER Detergent Gasoline marketersand applicable countries.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 orFlexFuel. Do not use gasoline withethanol levels greater than 15% byvolume.
For vehicles with the 1.5L L4 engineand the 1.8L Hybrid, use regularunleaded gasoline meeting ASTMspecification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87 or higher. Do notuse gasoline with a posted octanerating of less than 87, as this maycause engine knock and will lowerfuel economy.
For vehicles with the 2.0L L4engine, premium unleaded gasolinemeeting ASTM specification D4814with a posted octane rating of 93 ishighly recommended for bestperformance and fuel economy.Unleaded gasoline with an octanerated as low as 87 can be used.Using unleaded gasoline ratedbelow 93 octane, however, will leadto reduced acceleration and fueleconomy. If knocking occurs, use agasoline rated at 93 octane as soonas possible, otherwise, the enginecould be damaged. If heavyknocking is heard when usinggasoline with a 93 octane rating, theengine 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 notFlexFuel, fuel labeledgreater than 15% ethanol byvolume, such as mid-levelethanol blends (16–50%ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount ofmethanol, methylal, andaniline. These fuels cancorrode metal fuel systemparts or damage plastic andrubber parts.
.Fuel containing metals suchas methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl(MMT), which can damagethe emissions controlsystem and spark plugs.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 269
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emissioncontrol system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehiclemay not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)0122.Ifthis
occurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico postfuel octane ratings in anti-knockindex (AKI). For fuel not to use in aforeign country, see“ProhibitedFuels”inFuel0268.
Fuel Additives
To k e e p f u e l s y s t e m s c l e a n , T O PTIER Detergent Gasoline isrecommended. SeeFuel0268.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline isnot available, one bottle of GM FuelSystem Treatment Cleaner added tothe fuel tank at every engine oilchange, can help. GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner is the onlygasoline additive recommended byGeneral Motors. It is available atyour dealer.
Filling the Tank
The fuel door is on the passengerside of the vehicle. To open the fueldoor, push and release the rearwardcenter edge of the door.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
270 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
.Vehicle performance issues,including engine stalling anddamage to the fuel system.
.Fuel spills.
.Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait afew seconds after you have finishedpumping before removing thenozzle. Clean fuel from paintedsurfaces as soon as possible. SeeExterior Care0358.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
.To h e l p a v o i d i n j u r i e s t o y o uand others, read and followall the instructions on thefuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine whenrefueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, andsmoking materials awayfrom fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pumpunattended.
.Do not use a cell phonewhile refueling.
.Do not reenter the vehiclewhile pumping fuel.
.Keep children away fromthe fuel pump and never letchildren pump fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if therefueling nozzle is insertedtoo quickly. This spray canhappen if the tank is nearlyfull, and is more likely in hotweather. Insert the refuelingnozzle slowly and wait forany hiss noise to stop priorto beginning to flow fuel.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
272 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Fill the container no morethan 95% full to allow forexpansion.
.Do not smoke, lightmatches, or use lighterswhile pumping fuel.
.Avoid using cell phones orother electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that hasbeen designed for the vehicle.Contact your dealer or traileringdealer for assistance with preparingthe vehicle for towing a trailer. Readthe entire section before towing atrailer.
When towing with the 2.0L L4engine, only use unleaded gasolinewith an octane rating of 89 orhigher. Using gasoline with a loweroctane rating while towing maydamage the engine and may not becovered by the vehicle warranty.SeeFuel0268.
For towing a disabled vehicle, seeTo w i n g t h e V e h i c l e0355.Fortowing the vehicle behind anothervehicle such as a motor home, seeRecreational Vehicle Towing0356.
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with the stateand local laws that applyspecifically to trailer towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during thefirst 800 km (500 mi), to preventdamage to the engine, axle,or other parts.
.Then, during the first 800 km(500 mi) of trailer towing, do notdrive over 80 km/h (50 mph) anddo not make starts at full throttle.
.The vehicle can tow in D (Drive)but Manual Mode isrecommended. SeeManualMode0235.Usealowergearifthe transmission shifts too often.
.Turn off Parking Assist whentowing.
.Do not use Adaptive CruiseControl when towing.