CHEVROLET MALIBU 2018 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
50 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming
reduces the glare of headlamps
from behind. The dimming feature
comes on when the vehicle is
started.
Windows
{Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless
adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows
closed in warm or hot weather.
They can be overcome by the
extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in apulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Never
leave keys in a vehicle with
children. When there are children
in the rear seat, use the window
lockout button to prevent
operation of the windows. See
Keys
031.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Keys, Doors, and Windows 51
Power windows work when the
vehicle is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0221.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear door
passenger window switches from
working.
Press
2to engage the rear
window lockout feature. The
indicator light is on when engaged.
Press
2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without
holding the window switch. Press
the switch down fully and quickly
release to express open the
window. If equipped, pull the window switch
up fully and quickly release to
express close the window.
Briefly press or pull the window
switch in the same direction to stop
that window’s express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal
System
The express-close feature will
reverse window movement if it
comes in contact with an object.
Extreme cold or ice could cause the
window to auto-reverse. The
window will operate normally after
the object or condition is removed.
Obstacle Detection Override
{Warning
If obstacle detection override is
activated, the window will not
reverse automatically. You or
others could be injured and the
window could be damaged.
Before you use obstacle detection
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
52 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Warning (Continued)
override, make sure that all
people and obstructions are clear
of the window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling
and holding the window switch if
conditions prevent it from closing.
Programming the Power
Windows
Programming may be necessary if
the vehicle's battery has been
disconnected or discharged. If the
window is unable to express-up,
program each express-close
window: 1. Close all doors.
2. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
3. Partially open the window to be programmed. Then close it and
continue to pull the switch
briefly after the window has
fully closed. 4. Open the window and continue
to press the switch briefly after
the window has fully opened.
Sun Visors
Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod,
if available.
The vehicle may have mirror lamps.
The lamps turn on and off when the
cover is opened and closed.
Roof
Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be on
or in ACC/ACCESSORY, or when
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is
active to operate the sunroof.
See Ignition Positions 0216 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 221.
1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Keys, Doors, and Windows 53
Sunroof Express Operation
Press and release
~(1) to vent.
Press and release again to
express-open. Press the switch at
any time to stop movement.
Press
g(1) to express-close.
Sunroof Manual Operation
The sunroof can change to manual
mode by holding
~(1) while
opening. The sunroof will now open
as long as the switch is held. Press
and release again to change back to
express operation.
Power Sunshade
Press
C(2) to express-open the
power sunshade. Press
Q(2) to
express-close the power sunshade.
Press again at any time to stop
movement.
The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
Automatic Reversal System
The sunroof has an automatic
reversal system that is only active
when the sunroof is operated in
express-close mode.
If an object is in the path while
express closing, the reversal system
will detect an object, stop, and open
the sunroof again.
If frost or other conditions prevent
closing, override the feature by
closing the sunroof in manual
mode. To stop movement, release
the switch.
Dirt and debris may collect on the
sunroof seal or in the track. This
could cause an issue with sunroof
operation or noise. It could also plug
the water drainage system. Periodically open the sunroof and
remove any obstacles or loose
debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and
roof sealing area using a clean
cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not
remove grease from the sunroof.
If water is seen dripping into the
water drainage system, this is
normal.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
54 Seats and Restraints
Seats and
Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Front Seats
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . 57
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated and Ventilated FrontSeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 71
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . 74
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Passenger Sensing System . . . 78
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 83
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . 83
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Infants and Young Children . . . . 86
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . 88
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . 90
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) . . . . 91 Replacing LATCH System Parts
After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the
Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the
Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Seats and Restraints 55
Head Restraints
{Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.
Front Seat
The vehicle's front seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.
To raise or lower the head restraint,
press the button located on the side
of the head restraint and pull up or
push the head restraint down and
release the button.Pull and push on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.
The front seat outboard head
restraints are not removable.
Rear Seat
The vehicle's rear seats have
adjustable head restraints in the
outboard seating positions.
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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
56 Seats and Restraints
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.
Rear outboard head restraints are
not removable.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.
Manual Seat Height Adjuster
Move the lever on the outboard side
of the seat up or down to manually
adjust the seat height.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Seats and Restraints 57
Power Seat Adjustment
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
. Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
. Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.
To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining Seatbacks 057.
Lumbar Adjustment
If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.
Reclining Seatbacks
{Warning
Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the seat belts cannot do
their job.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
The shoulder belt will not be
against your body. Instead, it will
be in front of you. In a crash, you
could go into it, receiving neck or
other injuries.
The lap belt could go up over
your abdomen. The belt forces
would be there, not at your pelvic
bones. This could cause serious
internal injuries.
For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
seat belt properly.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
58 Seats and Restraints
Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
{Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.
To recline a manual seatback:1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position: 1. Lift the lever fully without applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position. 2. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback,
if available:
.Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.
. Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Seats and Restraints 59
Memory Seats
If equipped, memory seats allow two
drivers to store and recall their
unique seat positions for driving the
vehicle, and a shared exit position
for getting out of the vehicle. Other
feature positions may also be set,
such as power mirrors, if equipped.
Memory positions are linked to RKE
transmitter 1 or 2 for automatic
memory recalls.
Before storing, adjust all available
memory feature positions. Turn the
ignition on and then press and
release SET; a beep will sound.
Then immediately press and hold 1,2, or
B(Exit) on the driver door
until two beeps sound. To manually
recall these positions, press and
hold 1, 2, or
Buntil the saved
position is reached.
The vehicle identifies the current
driver ’s RKE transmitter number
(1–8). See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 032. Only
RKE transmitters 1 and 2 can be
used for automatic memory recalls.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
welcome message indicating the
transmitter number may display for
the first few ignition cycles following
a transmitter change. For Auto
Memory Recall to work properly,
save the positions to the memory
button (1 or 2) matching the RKE
transmitter number displayed in the
DIC welcome message. Carry the
linked RKE transmitter when
entering the vehicle.
Vehicle Personalization Settings
. To have the Auto Memory Recall
movement begin when the
vehicle is started, select the
Settings menu, then Vehicle,
then Comfort and Convenience, and then Auto Memory Recall.
Select On or Off. See
“Auto
Memory Recall” later in this
section.
. To begin Easy Exit Recall
movement when the ignition is
turned off and the driver door is
opened, or when the ignition is
turned off with the driver door
already opened, select the
Settings menu, then Vehicle,
then Comfort and Convenience,
and then Easy Exit Options.
Select On or Off. See “Easy Exit
Recall” later in this section.
. See Vehicle Personalization
0 138 for additional setting
information.
Identifying Driver Number
To identify the driver number: 1. Start the vehicle with the other key or RKE transmitter. The
DIC should display the driver
number; 1 or 2. Turn the
ignition off and remove the key
or RKE transmitter from the
vehicle.