check oil CHEVROLET MALIBU 2019 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Instruments and Controls 107
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 108
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 108
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 108
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Pedestrian Safety Signal
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 109
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Instrument Cluster (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Tachometer (Non-Hybrid) . . . . . 119Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Power Indicator Gauge . . . . . . . 121
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . 122
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . 123
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Charging System Light . . . . . . . 124
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . 124
Brake System Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 128
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . 128
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . 129
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
(Uplevel Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 131
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Vehicle Ready Light
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 132
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 132
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . 133
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . . 133
Information Displays
Power Flows (Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . 133
Energy Information
(Hybrid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine Power Messages . . . . . 141
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . 141
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 142

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Instruments and Controls 131
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 as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer.If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem. See
your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Base Level)
Metric Shown
This light comes on for a few
seconds when the ignition is turned
on as a check to indicate it is
working. If it does not come on,
have it fixed.The low fuel warning light comes on
and a chime sounds when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The light turns
off when fuel is added to the
fuel tank.
Low Fuel Warning Light
(Uplevel)
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank
is low on fuel. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
136 Instruments and Controls
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or Driver Information Center
(DIC) message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Air Filter Life :Shows an estimate
of the engine air filter’s remaining
useful life and the state of the
system. Engine Air Filter Life 95%
means 95% of the current air filter
life remains. Messages will display
based on the engine air filter life and
the state of the system. When the
REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time
of the next oil change. When the
REPLACE NOW message displays,
the engine air filter should be
replaced as soon as possible.The Air Filter Life display must be
reset after the engine air filter
replacement. To reset, seeEngine
Air Filter Life System0246.
Tire Pressure :Displays a vehicle
with the approximate pressures of
all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
0285and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0286.
Battery Voltage :Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. SeeCharging System
Light0124. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature :Shows the
engine coolant temperature in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Speed Warning :This display is
used to set the vehicle speed at
which the speed warning chime
sounds and the alert is displayed.The speed can be set by pressing
Vwhile the speed warning display
is showing.
Units :Move
worxto change
between Metric or US when the Unit
display is active. Press
Vto confirm
the setting. This will change the
displays on the DIC to the type of
measurements you select.
ECO Drive Assist Menu (ECO)
Items
Useworxto scroll through the
menu items. Not all items are
available on every vehicle.
Best Average Fuel Economy :The
bottom displays the best average
fuel economy (AFE) that is achieved
for a selected distance. The top
displays a running average of fuel
economy for the most recently
traveled selected distance. The
center bar graph displays the
instantaneous fuel economy.
Quickly press
Vto change the
settings for the distance options.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
140 Instruments and Controls
Speed Limit :Shows the current
speed limit on vehicles with the
navigation system. The information
for this page comes from a roadway
database.
Follow Distance :When Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC) is not
engaged, the current follow time to
the vehicle ahead is displayed as a
time value on this page. When ACC
has been engaged, the display
switches to the gap setting page.
This page shows the current gap
setting along with the vehicle ahead
indicator.
Battery Voltage :Displays the
current battery voltage, if equipped.
Battery voltage changes are normal
while driving. SeeCharging System
Light0124. If there is a problem
with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message.
Coolant Temperature :Shows the
engine coolant temperature in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).Oil Pressure :Oil pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa)
or in pounds per square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, and oil
viscosity. On some models, the oil
pump will vary engine oil pressure
according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the
engine speed or load varies. This is
normal. If the oil pressure warning
light or Driver Information Center
(DIC) message indicates oil
pressure outside the normal
operating range, check the vehicle's
oil as soon as possible.
Drive Cycle Info (Hybrid) :This
screen displays the distance
traveled and average fuel economy
for the current trip. The screen will
also be shown when the vehicle is
turned off displaying the previous
trip’s information.
Efficiency Gauge (Hybrid) :This
gauge is a guide to driving in an
efficient manner by keeping the
indicator in the center of the gauge..
Accel: If the indicator moves to
the right of the gauge,
acceleration is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.
.
Brake: If the indicator moves to
the left side of the gauge,
braking is too aggressive to
optimize efficiency.
Total Power Display (Hybrid) :
Provides a numeric display of the
total power being used to propel or
stop the vehicle. The display shows
the power being provided by the
battery or charging the battery as
well as the power provided by the
engine.
EV Operation (Hybrid) :The bar
moves from left to right as the driver
requests more power from the
propulsion system. While in EV
mode, maintaining the bar in the
green zone will allow the driver to
maximize EV operation.
Blank Page :Shows no
information.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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242 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter0247.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil0242.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine Oil0242.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). SeeCooling System
(Power Electronics)0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See
Brakes0255.
6. Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System (Power Electronics)
0253or
Cooling System (Engine)
0248.
7.Battery - North America0257.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery
Terminal (Under Cover). See
Jump Starting - North America
0312.
9.Engine Compartment Fuse
Block0268.10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid
0254.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery
Terminal. SeeJump Starting -
North America0312.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.
Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See“Checking
Engine Oil”and“When to Add
Engine Oil”in this section.
.
Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. SeeEngine Oil
Life System0245..
Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See“What to Do with
Used Oil”later in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0237for 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 the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.
To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12461813) - 2019 - crc - 12/11/18
Vehicle Care 243
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
.
If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out
the dipstick, wipe it with a clean
paper towel or cloth, then push it
back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and
check the level.When to Add Engine Oil
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine
1.8L L4 Hybrid Engine
2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and
the engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil”later in this section for
an explanation of what kind of oil to
use. For engine oil crankcase
capacity, seeCapacities and
Specifications0343.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 245
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message displays.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system may indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system mustbe reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on the
right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE
on the DIC. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level)0134or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel)0137. When
remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the
display.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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.