ECU CHEVROLET MALIBU 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Storage 73
Umbrella Storage
Slide an umbrella into the opening on the
driver or passenger door.
Additional Storage Features
Cargo Tie-Downs
There are cargo tie-downs in the trunk. The
cargo tie-downs can be used to secure small
loads or the convenience net. See
Convenience Net073.
Convenience Net
For vehicles with a convenience net, it is in
the trunk and used to store small loads. The
net should not be used to store heavy loads.
Attach the loops on each side of the net to
the cargo tie-downs in the trunk. See Cargo
Tie-Downs 073.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
74 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 84
Voltmeter Gauge (Uplevel Cluster Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 86
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 89
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Uplevel Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Instruments and Controls 93
Uplevel
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel
gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns off
when fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security 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 system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does
not start, there could be a problem with the
theft-deterrent system. See
Immobilizer
Operation 020.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer 0105.
IntelliBeam Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam
system, if equipped, is enabled. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0104.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps
are in use, except when only the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) are active. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0104.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the
cruise control is on and ready, and turns
green when the cruise control is set and
active. See Cruise Control 0195.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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94 Instruments and Controls
Adaptive Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when Adaptive Cruise
Control (if equipped) is active. SeeAdaptive
Cruise Control (Advanced) 0197.
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel)
This light comes on when a door is open or
not securely latched. Before driving, check
that all doors are properly closed.
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level)
The DIC displays are shown in the center of
the instrument cluster. See Instrument
Cluster 080. The displays show the status
of many vehicle systems.
worx: Press to move up or down in
a list.
oorp: Press to move between the DIC
menus.
V: Press to open a menu or select a menu
item. Press and hold to reset values on
certain screens.
Trip/Fuel Menu (TRIP) Items
Useworxto scroll through the menu
items. Not all items are available on every
vehicle. The following is a list of all possible
menu items:
Digital Speed : Displays how fast the vehicle
is moving in either kilometers per hour
(km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.
Trip 1 or Trip 2, Average Fuel Economy :
Displays the current distance traveled, in
either kilometers (km) or miles (mi), from
the last reset for the trip odometer. The trip
odometer can be reset to zero by pressing
and holding
Vwhile the trip odometer
display is showing.
Also displays the approximate average liters
per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded since
the last time this menu item was reset. This
number reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the vehicle has
right now, and will change as driving
conditions change. Reset the average
consumption by pressing
Vwhen it is
displayed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Instruments and Controls 99
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.
Blank Page : Shows no information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another. The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Infotainment System 147
2. Select Phones
3. Touch
4next to the phone to be
disconnected.
4. Turn off Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Press
{on the center stack to return to the
Home Page.
Features are subject to change. For further
information on how to set up Android Auto
and Apple CarPlay in the vehicle, see
my.chevrolet.com.
Android Auto is provided by Google and is
subject to Google’s terms and privacy policy.
Apple CarPlay is provided by Apple and is
subject to Apple’s terms and privacy policy.
Data plan rates apply. For Android Auto
support and to see if your phone is
compatible, see https://support.google.com/
androidauto. For Apple CarPlay support and
to see if your phone is compatible, see
www.apple.com/ios/carplay/. Apple or
Google may change or suspend availability
at any time. Android Auto, Android, Google,
Google Play, and other marks are
trademarks of Google Inc.; Apple CarPlay is a
trademark of Apple Inc. Press
{on the center stack to exit Android
Auto or Apple CarPlay. To enter back into
Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, press and
hold
{on the center stack.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be
disabled from the infotainment system. To
do this, touch Home, Settings, and then
touch the Apps tab along the top of the
display. Use the On/Off toggled to turn off
Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Settings
Certain settings can be managed in the
Owner Center sites when an account is
established, and may be modified if other
users have accessed the vehicle or created
accounts. This may result in changes to the
security or functionality of the infotainment
system. Some settings may also be
transferred to a new vehicle, if equipped. For
instructions, in the U.S. see
my.chevrolet.com or in Canada see
mychevrolet.ca or monchevrolet.ca.
Refer to the User Terms and Privacy
Statement for important details. To view,
touch the Settings icon on the Home Page
of the infotainment display. The settings menu may be organized into
three categories. Select the desired category
by touching System, Apps, or Vehicle.
To access the personalization menus:
1. Touch Settings on the Home Page on the infotainment display.
2. Touch the desired category to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch the options on the infotainment display to disable or enable a feature.
5. Touchzto go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
System
The menu may contain the following:
Time / Date
Use the following features to set the clock:
.Automatic Time and Date: Touch Off or
On to enable or disable automatic update
of the time and date. When this feature
is on, the time and date cannot be
manually set.
.Set Time: Touch to manually set the time
using the controls on the infotainment
display.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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150 Infotainment System
prompt and recognize your command.
Background noise may cause accidental
interruptions. Touch Off or On.
Favorites
Touch and the following may display:
.Manage Favorites: Touch to display a list
of Audio, Phone, and Navigation favorites.
Favorites can be moved, renamed,
or deleted.
To move, touch and hold the favorite, and
then drag up or down to rearrange the
position.
.Set Number of Audio Favorites: Touch to
select how many favorites pages can be
viewed from the audio application. The
Auto setting will automatically adjust this
number based on the number of favorites
you have saved. Touch Auto, 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30, 35, or 40.
Updates
If equipped, the vehicle can download and
install select software updates over a
wireless connection. The system will prompt
for certain updates to be downloaded and
installed. There is also an option to check
for updates manually. To manually check for updates, touch
Settings on the Home Page and select the
System tab. Go to the Vehicle Software
section and touch Updates. Follow the
on-screen prompts. The steps to check for,
download, and install updates may vary by
vehicle.
The vehicle can be used normally during the
software download. Once the download is
complete, there may be a prompt to accept
the installation of the update upon the next
ignition cycle or the next time the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park). For most updates, the
vehicle will be disabled and cannot be driven
during the installation. The system will
deliver messages indicating success or error
during and after the download and
installation processes.
Downloading Over-the-Air vehicle software
updates requires Internet connectivity, which
can be accessed through the vehicle’s
built-in 4G LTE connection, if equipped and
active. If required, data plans are provided
by a third party. Optionally, a secure Wi-Fi
hotspot such as a compatible mobile device
hotspot, home hotspot, or public hotspot
can be used. Applicable data rates may
apply.To connect the infotainment system to a
secured mobile device hotspot, home
hotspot, or public hotspot, touch Settings on
the Home Page, select the System tab,
followed by Wi-Fi Networks. Select the
appropriate Wi-Fi network, and follow the
on-screen prompts. Download speeds
may vary.
On most compatible mobile devices,
activation of the Wi-Fi hotspot is in the
Settings menu under Mobile Network
Sharing, Personal Hotspot, Mobile Hotspot,
or similar.
Availability of Over-the-Air software updates
varies by vehicle and country. Features are
subject to change. For more information on
this feature, see my.chevrolet.com/learn.
Preferences
Touch the controls on the infotainment
display to disable or enable the download of
new updates in the background.
About
Touch to view the infotainment system
software information.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Infotainment System 155
.The gap setting for the Forward Collision
Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control,
if equipped, cannot be changed.
.When trying to change a safety feature
that is not configurable in Teen Driver,
the DIC displays a message indicating
that Teen Driver is active and the action
is not available.
.Super Cruise, if equipped, is not available.
.Enhanced Low Fuel Warning (if equipped)
–When the vehicle is low on fuel, the
low fuel light on the instrument cluster
flashes and the DIC low fuel warning
cannot be dismissed.
.Do not tow a trailer.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is only recorded when a
registered Teen Driver key is used to
operate the vehicle.
The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven –the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed detected.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts –the number of
times the driver was notified when
approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly
and at potential risk for a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.
.Traction Control –the number of times
the Traction Control System activated to
reduce wheel spin or loss of traction.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.Antilock Braking System Active –The
number of Antilock Brake System
activations.
.Tailgating Alerts –the number of times
the driver was alerted for following a
vehicle ahead too closely.
Report Card Data
Cumulative Data is saved for all trips until
the Report Card is reset or until the
maximum count is exceeded. If the
maximum count is exceeded for a Report
Card line item, that item will no longer be
updated in the Report Card until it is reset.
Each item will report a maximum of
1,000 counts. The distance driven will report
a maximum of 64,374 km (40,000 mi).
To delete Report Card data, do one of the
following:
.From the Report Card display, touch
Reset.
.Touch Clear All Teen Keys and PIN from
the Teen Driver menu. This will also
unregister any Teen Driver keys and
delete the PIN.
Forgotten PIN
See your dealer to reset the PIN.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 181
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight =
0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information label for specific
information about the vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never
exceed the vehicle's capacity weight. Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification label is
attached to the vehicle's center pillar
(B-pillar). The label may show the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle, called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and
cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put
them as far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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222 Driving and Operating
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0188. Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment
0225. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check that the trailer
brakes work. During the trip, occasionally
check that the cargo and trailer are secure
and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are working.Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.