air filter CHEVROLET MALIBU 2020 User Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
Vehicle Care 225
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place
when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine
2.0L L4 Turbo Engine
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0313 and
Maintenance Schedule 0304.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0228.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
304 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil0219.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 257.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0264.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 229.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0221.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the next engine oil change. When
the REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER
SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the earliest convenience. Reset
the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See
Engine Air Filter Life System 0223.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See
Tire
Rotation 0265.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0219 and
Engine Oil Life System 0221.
. If equipped with the engine air
filter life system, check the air
filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine
air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air
Filter Life System 0223. If the
vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system,
inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0223.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
306 Service and Maintenance
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. Check
engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air
filter life system, replace engine air cleaner
filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires
and/or boots.@ @
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. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 307
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0223.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 225. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0231.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0235.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0236.
(9) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
308 Service and Maintenance
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. Check
engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air
filter life system, replace engine air cleaner
filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (Except
1.5L engine.)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.
(1.5L engine only.)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires
and/or boots.@ @
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. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 309
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0223.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 225. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0231.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0235.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0236.
(9) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.Special Application
Services
. Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every oil change.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
0 292.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
314 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
1.5L L4 Engine 23430312 A3208C
2.0L L4 Engine 23430313 A3210C
Engine Oil Filter 1.5L L4 Engine 12696048 PF64
2.0L L4 Engine 12696048 PF64
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 13508023 CF185
Spark Plugs 1.5L L4 Engine 12683541 41-156
2.0L L4 Engine 12647827 41-125
Wiper Blades Driver Side –650 mm (25.6 in) 23353586 —
Passenger Side –450 mm (17.7 in) 23353587 —

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Technical Data 317
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under thehood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System* 1.5L L4 Engine (LFV) 6.5 L 6.9 qt
2.0L L4 Engine (LTG) 6.8 L 7.2 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 1.5L L4 Engine 4.0 L 4.2 qt
2.0L L4 Engine 4.7 L 5.0 qt
Fuel Tank 1.5L L4 Engine 59.8 L 15.8 gal
2.0L L4 Engine 59.8 L15.8 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y 100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
346 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . 162
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 174
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 210
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 223
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 59
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 55
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 103
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 193
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 166 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Index 349
DrivingAssistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 188
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 144
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 149
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 151
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 168
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 106
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247 Electrical System (cont'd)
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 216
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 163
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 223
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 332
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 127
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
F
Filter,Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 128
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 222
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35