automatic transmission fluid CHEVROLET MALIBU 2019 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
186 Driving and Operating
{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.
You could lose control and hit
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 will
always be off while in N (Neutral).
The vehicle cannot charge the high
voltage battery while the shift leveris in N (Neutral). Only use
N (Neutral) when required. If the
high voltage battery state of charge
is low, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display a message
to shift out of N (Neutral). Shift to
P (Park), R (Reverse), D (Drive),
or L (Low) depending on the
situation. If the high voltage battery
is depleted too far, the vehicle will
shut down, requiring a shift to
P (Park) to restart the vehicle.
D :This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
L :This position allows you to
change gears similar to a manual
transmission. If the vehicle has this
feature, seeManual Mode0186.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a
lower gear than normal to improve
vehicle performance. The engine
speed may be higher and there may
be an increase in noise during the
following conditions:
.
When climbing a grade.
.
When driving downhill.
.
When driving in hot
temperatures or at high altitude.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Driving and Operating 227
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks
under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, gradually release the
brake pedal to allow the chocks
to absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake
pedal.
.
Start the engine.
.
Shift into a gear.
.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.3. Drive slowly until the trailer is
clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule0329. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
0253.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Before towing a trailer, always
separately weigh:

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
232 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements . . . . . 234
Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 245
Automatic Transmission
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Filter Life
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 247
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 248
Cooling System (Power
Electronics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 253
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Battery - North America . . . . . . 257
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 260
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 260
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 261
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 262
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 264
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps (LT and Premier) . . . . . 266
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 266
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Electrical System Overload . . . 267
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 268
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
240 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0247.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil0242.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0242.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes0255.
6. Automatic Transmission Fluid
Fill Cap. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Fluid0246.
7. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System (Power Electronics)
0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0312.9. Power Electronics Coolant
Reservoir. SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
10.Engine Compartment Fuse
Block0268.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid
0254.
12. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. SeeJump Starting -
North America0312.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
246 Vehicle Care
2. PressVon the DIC controls
and hold down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off and the REMAINING
OIL LIFE message is displayed.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leakoccurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage
the vehicle, and the damage may
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the correct
automatic transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0338.
Change the fluid at the intervals
listed inMaintenance Schedule
0329, and be sure to use the fluid
listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants0338.
Engine Air Filter Life
System
When to Change Engine Air
Filter
If equipped, this feature provides an
indication of when to change the
engine air filter. It is based on
driving conditions, which can cause
when to change to vary greatly. It is
possible an air filter change may not
be indicated for up to four years.
When the "Replace at Next Oil
Change" message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the time of the next engine oil
change. When the "Replace Engine
Air Filter Now" message displays,
the engine air filter should be
replaced as soon as possible. Reset
the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See
your dealer for service and to reset
the system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
272 Vehicle Care
Fuses Usage
46 Engine control
module/Ignition
47–
48 Electric brake
boost–HEV/
Cooling fan
49 DC DC battery 2
50–
51–
52–
53–
54–
55–
56 Starter motor
57 Diesel exhaust fluid
heater
58–
59 High-beam
headlamps
60 Cooling fan
61–Fuses Usage
62–
63–
65 Air conditioning–HEV
67–
68–
69–
70–
72 Starter pinion
74–
75 Engine control
module main
76 Engine control module
sense
78 Horn
79 Washer pump
81 Transmission control
module/Engine control
module
82–
83 Ignition coil
84 Powertrain on engineFuses Usage
85 Shunt
86 Shunt
87–
88 Aeroshutter
89–
91–
92 Traction power
inverter module/Motor
generator unit
pump–HEV/
Transmission oil
pump–non HEV
93 Automatic headlamp
leveling
95–
96–
97–
99 Coolant pump
Relays Usage
4–

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
314 Vehicle Care
3. Set the parking brake firmly on
both vehicles. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off and switch
off all lights and accessories in
both vehicles, except the
hazard warning flashers if
needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
6. Connect the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) or
remote positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
7. Connect the other end of the
positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the
good battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
8. Connect one end of the black
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the
good battery.
9. Connect the other end of the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (–) ground terminal for
the discharged battery.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Service and Maintenance 331
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi
180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @ @
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@ @ @
Change automatic transmission fluid. (1.8L
Hybrid only.)@
Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspect
spark plug wires.@
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)
Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power
Electronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Service and Maintenance 333
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi
180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @ @ @ @ @
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @ @
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@ @ @
Change automatic transmission fluid.@ @ @
Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspect
spark plug wires.@
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)
Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power
Electronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts.@ @

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
338 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (1.8L and
2.0L Engines)DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (1.5L Engine) Continuously Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Fluid. (GM Part No.
19355873, in Canada 19355874).
Engine Coolant (Except 1.8L Hybrid) 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
Engine Coolant and Power
Electronics Cooling System (1.8L
Hybrid Only)Use Only Premix DEX-COOL Coolant (GM Part No. 12378390, in
Canada 10953456). SeeCooling System (Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)0248.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. SeeEngine Oil
0242.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary
Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release PawlLubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in
Canada 19353127).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door
HingesMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).