overheating CHEVROLET MALIBU 2017 9.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 6/1/16
26 In Brief
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
The hybrid vehicle combinesgasoline and electric propulsion todrive the vehicle. The gas enginewill automatically start to providepower. It will shut off to save fuel.The engine may remainrunning when:
.There is aggressive accelerationor climbing hills.
.Vehicle speed is greater than88 km/h (55 mph).
.The high voltage battery ischarging.
.The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission worktogether to provide the requiredpower at the highest efficiency. Thismay result in higher engine speeds.SeeDriving for Better FuelEconomy029.
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 voltagebattery and a standard 12-voltbattery.
If the vehicle is in a crash, thesensing system may shut down thehigh voltage system. When thisoccurs, the high voltage battery isdisconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLESOON message in the DriverInformation Center (DIC) will bedisplayed. Before the vehicle can beoperated again, it must be servicedat 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.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
SeeCustomer Assistance
Offices0385.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Instruments and Controls 119
Power Indicator Gauge
(Hybrid)
The power gauge indicates thevehicle's power usage in propellingor slowing the vehicle. The greenarea indicates regenerative braking.The white area indicates powerprovided by the engine and/orbattery. The yellow area shows highpower usage. Operating the vehiclecloser to the zero power positionboth during acceleration and brakingwill result in higher efficiency.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric Uplevel Shown
English Uplevel Shown
This gauge shows the enginecoolant temperature.
If the pointer moves toward thewarning area at the high end of thegauge, the engine is too hot.
This reading indicates the samething as the warning light. It meansthat the engine coolant hasoverheated. If the vehicle has beenoperating under normal drivingconditions, pull off the road, stop thevehicle, and turn off the engine assoon as possible. SeeEngineOverheating0297.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 219
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Watercan build up under the vehicle'stires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road iswet enough and you are going fastenough. When the vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or nocontact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule abouthydroplaning. The best advice is toslow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wetweather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wipingequipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluidreservoir filled.
.Have good tires with propertread depth. SeeTires0317.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or throughmountains is different than drivingon flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and ingood shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,tires, cooling system, andtransmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when goingdown steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
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.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep thevehicle in its own lane. Do notswing wide or cross thecenter line.
.Be alert on top of hills;something could be in your lane(e.g., stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special roadsigns (e.g., falling rocks area,winding roads, long grades,passing or no-passing zones)and take appropriate action.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
274 Driving and Operating
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steeringwheel with one hand. To move thetrailer to the left, move your hand tothe left. To move the trailer to theright, move your hand to the right.Always back up slowly and,if possible, have someoneguide you.
Making 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, makewider turns than normal so thetrailer will not strike soft shoulders,curbs, road signs, trees, or otherobjects. Use the turn signal well inadvance and avoid jerky or suddenmaneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on theinstrument cluster flash wheneversignaling a turn or lane change.Properly hooked up, the trailerlamps also flash, telling otherdrivers the vehicle is turning,changing lanes, or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows onthe instrument cluster flash for turnseven if the bulbs on the trailer areburned out. Check occasionally tobe sure the trailer bulbs are stillworking.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lowergear before starting down a long orsteep downgrade. If thetransmission is not shifted down, thebrakes might have to be used somuch that they would get hot and nolonger work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).Use a lower gear if the transmissionshifts too often.
When towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, engine coolantboils at a lower temperature than atnormal altitudes. If the engine isturned off immediately after towingat high altitude on steep uphillgrades, the vehicle could showsigns similar to engine overheating.To a v o i d t h i s , l e t t h e e n g i n e r u nwhile parked, preferably on levelground, with the transmission inP(Park) for a few minutes beforeturning the engine off. If theoverheat warning comes on, seeEngine Overheating0297.
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Driving and Operating 275
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but donot shift into P (Park) yet. Turnthe wheels into the curb iffacing downhill or into traffic iffacing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the brake pedaluntil the chocks absorbthe load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Thenapply the parking brake andshift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedalwhile you:
1.1. Start the engine.
1.2. Shift into a gear.
1.3. Release the parkingbrake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pickup and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service moreoften when pulling a trailer. See theMaintenance Schedule0369.Things that are especially importantin trailer operation are automatictransmission fluid, engine oil, axlelubricant, belts, cooling system, andbrake system. Inspect these beforeand during the trip.
Check periodically to see that allhitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarilyoverheat during severe operatingconditions. SeeEngineOverheating0297.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, threeimportant considerations have to dowith weight:
.Weight of the trailer.
.Weight of the trailer tongue.
.To t a l w e i g h t o n y o u r v e h i c l e ' stires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that canbe too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.For example, speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature, andhow much the vehicle is used to pullatrailerareallimportant.Itcandepend on any special equipmenton the vehicle, and the amount oftongue weight the vehicle can carry.See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculatedassuming the tow vehicle has thedriver, a front seat passenger and

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
Vehicle Care 295
Check to see if coolant is visible inthe power electronics coolantreservoir. If coolant is visible but thecoolant level is below the cold fillline, there could be a leak in thecooling system.
The power electronics coolantshould only be serviced by aqualified technician.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle isfilled with DEX-COOL®enginecoolant mixture. SeeRecommendedFluids and Lubricants0377andMaintenance Schedule0369.
The following explains the coolingsystem and how to check and addcoolant when it is low. If there is aproblem with engine overheating,seeEngine Overheating0297.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
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.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOLcoolant. If using this mixture,nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection downto✓37 °C (✓34 °F), outsidetemperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to129 °C (265 °F), enginetemperature.
.Protects against rust andcorrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper enginetemperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 297
The coolant surge tank pressurecap can be removed when thecooling system, including the surgetank pressure cap and upperradiator hose, is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise. If a hiss isheard, wait for that to stop.Ahissmeansthereisstillsome pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap andremove it.
1.5L L4 Turbo and 2.0L L4 Turbo
Coolant Surge Tank
1.8L L4 Hybrid Coolant
Surge Tank
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the markpointed to on the coolantsurge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tankcap off, start the engine and letit run until the upper radiatorhose starts getting hot. Watchout for the engine cooling fan.By this time, the coolant levelinside the coolant surge tankmay be lower. If the level islower, add more of the propermixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches themark pointed to on the coolantsurge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolanttemperature gauge on theinstrument cluster to warn of engineoverheating. SeeEngine CoolantTe m p e r a t u r e G a u g e011 9.
If the decision is made not to lift thehood when this warning appears,get service help right away. Contactyour dealer for additionalinformation.
If the decision is made to lift thehood, make sure the vehicle isparked on a level surface.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
298 Vehicle Care
Then check to see if the enginecooling fans are running. If theengine is overheating, both fansshould be running. If they are not,do not continue to run the engineand have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning isdisplayed but no steam can be seenor heard, the problem may not betoo serious. Sometimes the enginecan get a little too hot when thevehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayedwith no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to thehighest temperature and to thehighest fan speed. Open thewindows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull offthe road, shift to P (Park) orN(Neutral), and let theengine idle.
If the engine coolant temperaturegauge is no longer in the overheatzone, the vehicle can be driven.Continue to drive the vehicle slowlyfor about 10 minutes. Keep a safedistance from the vehicle in front.If the warning does not come backon, continue to drive normally andhave the cooling system checkedfor proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,stop, and park the vehicleright away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle theengine for three minutes whileparked. If the warning is stilldisplayed, turn off the engine until itcools down.

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.