low oil pressure CHEVROLET MALIBU 2017 9.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Introduction 3
{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.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
Acirclewithaslashthroughitisasafety symbol which means“DoNot,”“Do not do this,”or“Do not letthis happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components andlabels that use symbols instead oftext. Symbols are shown along withthe text describing the operation orinformation relating to a specificcomponent, control, message,gauge, or indicator.
M:Shown when the ownermanual has additional instructionsor information.
*:Shown when the servicemanual has additional instructionsor information.
0:Shown when there is moreinformation on another page—“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbolsthat may be found on the vehicleand what they mean. For moreinformation on the symbol, refer tothe Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controlsor OnStar®(if equipped)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g:First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
40 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Conditions in Which Remote StartWill Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature willnot operate if:
.Atransmitterisinthevehicle.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashersare on.
.The malfunction indicator lampis on.
.The engine coolant temperatureis too high.
.The oil pressure is low.
.Tw o r e m o t e v e h i c l e s t a r t s , o r asingle remote start with anextension, have alreadybeen used.
.The vehicle is not in P (Park).
Door Locks
{Warning
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especiallychildren, can easily openthe doors and fall out of amoving vehicle. The doorscan be unlocked andopened while the vehicle ismoving. The chance ofbeing thrown out of thevehicle in a crash isincreased if the doors arenot locked. So, allpassengers should wearsafety belts properly and thedoors should be lockedwhenever the vehicle isdriven.
.Yo u n g c h i l d r e n w h o g e t i n t ounlocked vehicles may beunable to get out. A childcan be overcome byextreme heat and can sufferpermanent injuries or even
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
death from heat stroke.Always lock the vehiclewhenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enterthrough an unlocked doorwhen you slow down or stopthe vehicle. Locking thedoors can help prevent thisfrom happening.
To l o c k o r u n l o c k t h e d o o r s f r o m t h eoutside:
.PressQorKon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.SeeRemote Keyless Entry(RKE) System Operation032.
.Use the key in the driver door.The key lock cylinder is coveredwith a cap.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 103
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 104Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 104Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 105Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 105Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Instrument Cluster (BaseLevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Instrument Cluster(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Ta c h o m e t e r ( N o n - H y b r i d ) . . . . . 11 7Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Power Indicator Gauge(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Engine Coolant TemperatureGauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 120Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 120Passenger Airbag StatusIndicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121Charging System Light . . . . . . . 122Malfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 122Brake System WarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124Electric Parking BrakeLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124Service Electric Parking BrakeLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Lane Keep Assist (LKA)Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 126Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 126Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126StabiliTrak®OFF Light . . . . . . . . 127Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light . . . . . . . . . . . 127Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 127Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 128Low Fuel Warning Light(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Low Fuel Warning Light (BaseLevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129Vehicle Ready Light(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 129Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 130Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 130Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . . 130
Information Displays
Power Flows (Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . 131Energy Information(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Driver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Driver Information Center (DIC)(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 138Battery Voltage and ChargingMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138Brake System Messages . . . . . 138Compass Messages . . . . . . . . . . 139Cruise Control Messages . . . . . 139Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . 140Engine Cooling SystemMessages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . 141Engine Power Messages . . . . . 141Fuel System Messages . . . . . . . 141Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 141

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
128 Instruments and Controls
When the Light Flashes First andThen Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minuteand then stays on, there may be aproblem with the TPMS. If theproblem is not corrected, the lightwill come on at every ignition cycle.SeeTire Pressure MonitorOperation0328.
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 should come on briefly asthe engine is started. If it does notcome on, have the vehicle servicedby your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, itmeans that oil is not flowing throughthe engine properly. The vehiclecould be low on oil and might havesome other system problem. Seeyour dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel)
This light is near the fuel gauge andcomes on briefly when the ignition isturned on as a check to show it isworking.
It also comes on when the fuel tankis low on fuel. The light turns offwhen fuel is added. If it does not,have the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 133
Remaining Oil Life :Displays anestimate of the oil's remaining usefullife. If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% isdisplayed, that means 99% of thecurrent oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage will appear on the display.SeeEngine Oil Messages0141.The oil should be changed as soonas possible. SeeEngine Oil0288.In addition to the engine oil lifesystem monitoring the oil life,additional maintenance isrecommended in the MaintenanceSchedule. SeeMaintenanceSchedule0369.
The Oil Life display must be resetafter each oil change. Do not resetthe Oil Life display accidentally atany time other than when the oil hasjust been changed. It cannot bereset accurately until the next oilchange. To reset the engine oil lifesystem, seeEngine Oil LifeSystem0291.
Oil Pressure :Oil pressure isdisplayed in either kilopascal (kPa)or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with enginespeed, outside temperature, and oilviscosity. On some models, the oilpump will vary engine oil pressureaccording to engine needs. Oilpressure may change quickly as theengine speed or load varies. This isnormal. If the oil pressure warninglight or Driver Information Center(DIC) message indicates oilpressure outside the normaloperating range, check the vehicle'soil as soon as possible. SeeEngineOil Messages0141.
Tire Pressure :Displays a vehiclewith the approximate pressures ofall four tires. Tire pressure isdisplayed in either kilopascal (kPa)or in pounds per square inch (psi).SeeTire Pressure Monitor System0327andTire Pressure MonitorOperation0328.
Battery Voltage :Displays thecurrent battery voltage, if equipped.Battery voltage changes are normalwhile driving. SeeCharging SystemLight0122.Ifthereisaproblemwith the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message. SeeBattery Voltage and ChargingMessages0138.
Coolant Temperature :Shows theengine coolant temperature in eitherdegrees Celsius (°C) or degreesFahrenheit (°F).
Speed Warning :This display isused to set the vehicle speed atwhich the speed warning chimesounds and the alert is displayed.The speed can be set by pressingVwhile the speed warning displayis showing.
Units :Movewxto change
between Metric or US when the Unit
display is active. PressVto confirm
the setting. This will change thedisplays on the DIC to the type ofmeasurements you select.
ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO)
Items
Usewxto scroll through the
menu items. Not all items areavailable on every vehicle. Thefollowing is a list of all possiblemenu items:

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
136 Instruments and Controls
The Oil Life display must be resetafter each oil change. It will notreset itself. Do not to reset the OilLife display at any time other thanwhen the oil has just been changed.It cannot be reset accurately untilthe next oil change. To reset theengine oil life system, press and
holdVfor several seconds while
the Oil Life display is active. SeeEngine Oil Life System0291.
Tire Pressure :Shows theapproximate pressures of all fourtires. Tire pressure is displayed ineither kilopascal (kPa) or in poundsper square inch (psi). If the pressureis low, the value for that tire isshown in amber. SeeTire PressureMonitor System0327andTirePressure Monitor Operation0328.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy :Displays the current fuel economy inliters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km)or miles per gallon (mpg). Thisnumber reflects only theapproximate fuel economy that thevehicle has right now and changes
frequently as driving conditionschange. This display cannot bereset.
Average Vehicle Speed :Displaysthe average vehicle speed of thevehicle in kilometers per hour (km/h)or miles per hour (mph). Thisaverage is based on the variousvehicle speeds recorded since thelast reset. Reset the average speed
by pressingVwhen it is displayed.
Fuel Economy :The centerdisplays the approximateinstantaneous fuel economy as anumber and bar graph. Displayedabove the bar graph is a runningaverage of fuel economy for themost recently traveled selecteddistance. Displayed below the bargraph is the best average fueleconomy that has been achieved forthe selected distance. The selecteddistance is displayed at the top ofthe page as“last xxx mi/km.”
Presspto select the distance or
reset best value. Usewandxto
choose the distance and pressV.
Presswandxto select“Reset
Best Score.”PressVto reset the
best average fuel economy. Afterreset, the best value displays“-,-”until the selected distance has beentraveled.
The display provides information onhow current driving behavior affectsthe running average and how wellrecent driving compares to the bestthat has been achieved for theselected distance.
Timer :This display can be used as
atimer.Tostartthetimer,pressV
while this display is active. Thedisplay will show the amount of timethat has passed since the timer was
last reset. To stop the timer, pressV
briefly while this display is activeand the timer is running. To reset
the timer to zero, press and holdV
while this display is active, or
presspand select reset.
Speed Limit :Shows signinformation, which comes from aroadway database in the onboardnavigation, if equipped.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 137
Following Distance Indicator :When Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC) is not engaged, the currentfollow time to the vehicle ahead isdisplayed as a time value on thispage. When ACC has beenengaged, the display switches to thegap setting page. This page showsthe current gap setting along withthe vehicle ahead indicator.
Battery Voltage :Displays thecurrent battery voltage, if equipped.Battery voltage changes are normalwhile driving. SeeCharging SystemLight0122.Ifthereisaproblemwith the battery charging system,the DIC will display a message. SeeBattery Voltage and ChargingMessages0138.
Coolant Temperature :Shows theengine coolant temperature in eitherdegrees Celsius (°C) or degreesFahrenheit (°F).
Oil Pressure :Oil pressure isdisplayed in either kilopascal (kPa)or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with enginespeed, outside temperature, and oilviscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressureaccording to engine needs. Oilpressure may change quickly as theengine speed or load varies. This isnormal. If the oil pressure warninglight or Driver Information Center(DIC) message indicates oilpressure outside the normaloperating range, check the vehicle'soil as soon as possible. SeeEngineOil Messages0141.
Drive Cycle Info (Hybrid) :Thisscreen displays the distancetraveled and average fuel economyfor the current trip. The screen willalso be shown when the vehicle isturned off displaying the previoustrip’sinformation.
Efficiency Gauge (Hybrid) :Thisgauge is a guide to driving in anefficient manner by keeping theindicator in the center of the gauge.
.Accel: If the indicator moves tothe right of the gauge,acceleration is too aggressive tooptimize efficiency.
.Brake: If the indicator moves tothe left side of the gauge,braking is too aggressive tooptimize efficiency.
To t a l P o w e r D i s p l a y ( H y b r i d ) :Provides a numeric display of thetotal power being used to propel orstop the vehicle. The display showsthe power being provided by thebattery or charging the battery aswell as the power provided by theengine.
EV Operation (Hybrid) :The barmoves from left to right as the driverrequests more power from thepropulsion system. While in EVmode, maintaining the bar in thegreen zone will allow the driver tomaximize EV operation.
Blank Page :Shows noinformation.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 141
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when theengine oil needs to be changed.When the engine oil is changed, besure to reset the Oil Life System.SeeEngine Oil Life System0291,Driver Information Center (DIC)(Base Level)0131orDriverInformation Center (DIC) (Uplevel)0134,Engine Oil0288,andMaintenance Schedule0369.
ENGINE OIL HOT, IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when theengine oil temperature is too hot.Stop and allow the vehicle to idleuntil it cools down.
OIL PRESSURE LOW—STOP
ENGINE
This message displays if low oilpressure levels occur. Stop thevehicle as soon as safely possibleand do not operate it until the causeof the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon aspossible and have the vehicleserviced by your dealer.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when thevehicle's engine power is reduced.Reduced engine power can affectthe vehicle's ability to accelerate.If this message is on, but there is noreduction in performance, proceedto your destination. Theperformance may be reduced thenext time the vehicle is driven. Thevehicle may be driven at a reducedspeed while this message is on, butmaximum acceleration and speedmay be reduced. Anytime thismessage stays on, or displaysrepeatedly, the vehicle should betaken to your dealer for service assoon as possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when thevehicle is low on fuel. Refuel assoon as possible.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when thefuel cap is not on tight. Tighten thefuel cap.
Key and Lock Messages
NO REMOTE KEY WAS
DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE
This message displays when tryingto start the vehicle if an RKEtransmitter is not detected. Thetransmitter battery may be weak.See“Starting the Vehicle with a LowTransmitter Battery”underRemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation032.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
278 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 279California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279California PerchlorateMaterials Requirements . . . . . 279Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281Engine CompartmentOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 291Automatic TransmissionFluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 292Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 293Cooling System (PowerElectronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 297Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Battery - North America . . . . . . 301Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 303Automatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303Park Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 303Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 304
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and ParkingLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 307Ta i l l a m p s , T u r n S i g n a l ,Stoplamps, and Back-UpLamps (LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 308Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices andWiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309Electrical System Overload . . . 310
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311Instrument Panel FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 320Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325Tire Pressure for High-SpeedOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326Tire Pressure MonitorSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327Tire Pressure MonitorOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331When It Is Time for NewTires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
288 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0292.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. SeeEngine Oil0288.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. SeeEngine Oil0288.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out ofView). SeeCooling System(Engine)0293orCoolingSystem (PowerElectronics)0294.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. SeeBrakes0299.
6. Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. SeeEngineCoolant0295.
7.Battery - North America0301.
8. Remote Positive (+) BatteryTe r m i n a l ( U n d e r C o v e r ) . S e eJump Starting - NorthAmerica0352.
9.Engine Compartment FuseBlock0311.
10. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. SeeWasherFluid0299.
11 . R e m o t e N e g a t i v e ( - ) B a t t e r yTe r m i n a l . S e eJump Starting -North America0352.
Engine Oil
To e n s u r e p r o p e r e n g i n eperformance and long life, carefulattention must be paid to engine oil.Following these simple, butimportant steps will help protectyour investment:
.Use engine oil approved to theproper specification and of theproper viscosity grade. See“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”in this section.
.Check the engine oil levelregularly and maintain theproper oil level. See“CheckingEngine Oil”and“When to AddEngine Oil”in this section.
.Change the engine oil at theappropriate time. SeeEngine OilLife System0291.
.Always dispose of engine oilproperly. See“What to Do withUsed Oil”later in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly(every 650 km (400 mi), especiallyprior to a long trip. The engine oildipstick handle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview0283for 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 theoil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To g e t a n a c c u r a t e r e a d i n g , p a r kthe vehicle on level ground.Check the engine oil level afterthe engine has been off for atleast two hours. Checking theengine oil level on steep gradesor too soon after engine shutoffcan result in incorrect readings.Accuracy improves when