brakes CHEVROLET MALIBU 2019 Service Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
256 Vehicle Care
proper sequence to torque
specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specifications0343.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview0237for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up..
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the 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 are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
294 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause
loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System0285.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0172.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, tractioncontrol, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
SeeBuying New Tires0293and
Accessories and Modifications
0234.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 297
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 245/45R18 or
245/40R19 size tires, do not use
tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount
of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension,
or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels. If
traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a
tire size other than 245/45R18 or
245/40R19, use tire chains only
where legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile chains
that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Service and Maintenance 327
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 327
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 329
Special Application Services
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Maintenance Replacement
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 341
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the placefor routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage
the vehicle, requiring expensive
repairs that are not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Service and Maintenance 335
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories..
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
.
Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
.
Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
.
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping..
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0338for GM approved
fluids.
.
Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
.
Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Customer Information 355
.
Vehicle make, model, and
model year
.
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
.
Insurance company and policy
number
.
General description of the
damage to the other vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See“Collision Parts”earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, seeWhat
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates?079.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycledoriginal GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Publication Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engine, transmission, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical
system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written
specifically for owners and are
intended to provide basic
operational information about the
vehicle. The owner’s manual
includes the Maintenance Schedule
for all models.
Customer literature publications
available for purchase include
owner’s manuals, warranty
manuals, infotainment manuals, and
portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner’s manual, warranty manual,
infotainment manual, if applicable,
and zip lock bag or pouch.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Index 373
Assistance Program,
Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Assistance Systems for
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Assistance Systems for
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 205
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
B
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Battery - North America . . . . 257, 312
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 261Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . 126
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 191
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 213
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 176
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 266
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . 264, 266
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
California
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .234, 257, 312,
Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . 105
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 124
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Index 375
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 209
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 28
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 170
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 172
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 189
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 127
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 268
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273Electrical System (cont'd)
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Check Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 237
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . 248, 253
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 184
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 246
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 358Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 147
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 149
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 150
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 246
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 211
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356