keyless CHEVROLET MALIBU 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
6 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . 7
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) SystemOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . 22
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Keys and Locks
Keys
{Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
dangerous and children or others could
be seriously injured or killed. They could
operate the power windows or other
controls or make the vehicle move. The
windows will function with the RKE
transmitter in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave children in
a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 7
The key that is part of the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all
locks.
To remove the key, press the button near
the bottom of the transmitter, and pull the
key out. Never pull the key out without
pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
See your dealer if a new key is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0323.
With an active OnStar or connected service
plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar Overview
0 331.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0328.
If there is a decrease in the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) operating range:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may
be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or
objects may be blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See
“Battery Replacement” later in this
section.
.If the transmitter is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a qualified
technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle
entry when the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless
Access Operation” following.
The transmitter functions may work up to
60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can impact the
performance of the transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System 07.
With Remote Start Shown

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Q:Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash and/or
the horn may sound on the second press to
indicate locking. See Vehicle Personalization
0 100.
If the driver door is open when
Qis pressed
and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all
doors will lock and then the driver door will
immediately unlock. See Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
If the passenger door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the alarm system.
See Vehicle Alarm System 019.
K:Press to unlock the driver door. Press
again within five seconds to unlock all
doors. The RKE transmitter can be
programmed to unlock all doors on the first
button press. See Vehicle Personalization
0 100.
The turn signal indicators may flash to
indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
Pressing
Kwill disarm the alarm system.
See Vehicle Alarm System 019.
X:Press twice quickly to release the
trunk.
7: Press and release one time to initiate
vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and
the horn chirps three times.
Press and hold
7for at least three seconds
to sound the panic alarm. The horn sounds
and the turn signals flash for about
30 seconds until
7is pressed again or the
vehicle is started.
/: If equipped, pressQand release and
then press and hold
/for at least
four seconds to start the engine from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Vehicle Start 013.
Keyless Access Operation
The Keyless Access system lets you lock and
unlock the doors and access the trunk
without removing the RKE transmitter from
your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The RKE
transmitter should be within 1 m (3 ft) of the
trunk or door being opened. If equipped,
there will be buttons on the outside door
handles. Keyless Access can be programmed to
unlock all doors on the first unlock/lock
button press from the driver door. See
Vehicle Personalization
0100.
If equipped with memory seats, RKE
transmitters 1 and 2 are linked to seating
positions of memory 1 or 2. See Memory
Seats 032.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the
Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the driver
door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button
on the driver door handle will unlock the
driver door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds, all
passenger doors will unlock. Pull the door
handle to unlatch the door.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 9
Driver Side Shown, Passenger Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
all doors to lock if any of the following
occur:
.It has been no more than five seconds
since the first lock/unlock button press.
.Two lock/unlock button presses were
used to unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has opened and all
doors are now closed.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from Passenger
Door(s)
When the doors are locked and the RKE
transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door
handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on that door handle will unlock the front doors
or all doors. See
“Passive Door Unlock” in
Vehicle Personalization 0100.
Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause
the front doors or all doors to lock if any of
the following occur:
.The lock/unlock button was used to
unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has opened and all
doors are now closed.
Disable/Enable Keyless Unlocking of Exterior
Door Handles and Trunk
If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior
door handles and trunk can be disabled and
enabled.
Disabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the RKE transmitter at the same time
for approximately three seconds. The turn
signal lamps will flash four times quickly to
indicate access is disabled. Using any
exterior handle to unlock the doors or open
the trunk will cause the turn signal lamps to
flash four times quickly, indicating access is
disabled. If disabled, disarm the alarm
system before starting the vehicle. Enabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold
Qand
Kon the RKE transmitter at the same time
for approximately three seconds. The turn
signal lamps will flash twice quickly to
indicate access is enabled.
Passive Locking
This feature will lock the vehicle several
seconds after all doors are closed, if the
vehicle is off and at least one RKE
transmitter has been removed from the
interior or none remain in the interior.
If other electronic devices interfere with the
RKE transmitter signal, the vehicle may not
detect the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle.
If passive locking is enabled, the doors may
lock with the RKE transmitter inside the
vehicle. Do not leave the RKE transmitter in
an unattended vehicle.
To customize the doors to automatically lock
when exiting the vehicle, see Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
Temporary Disable of Passive Locking
Temporarily disable passive locking by
pressing and holding
Kon the interior door
switch with a door open for at least
four seconds, or until three chimes are

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
heard. Passive locking will then remain
disabled until
Qon the interior door is
pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.
Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an RKE
transmitter is left in the vehicle, the horn
will chirp three times after all doors are
closed. To turn on or off see Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and
then all doors are closed, the vehicle will
check for an RKE transmitter inside. If an
RKE transmitter is not detected, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display NO
REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp
three times.
This occurs only once each time the vehicle
is driven. See Vehicle Personalization 0100.
Keyless Trunk Opening
Press the touch pad on the rear of the trunk
to open it if the RKE transmitter is within
1 m (3 ft) of the trunk.
Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak transmitter
battery, see Door Locks014.
Programming Transmitters to the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or
stolen, a replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer. The
vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or
stolen transmitters no longer work. Any
remaining transmitters will need to be
reprogrammed. Each vehicle can have up to
eight transmitters matched to it.
Programming with Recognized Transmitters
A new transmitter can be programmed to
the vehicle when there are two recognized
transmitters. To program, the vehicle must
be off and all of the transmitters, both
currently recognized and new, must be
with you.
1. Place the two recognized transmitters in the cupholder.
2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks014.
Insert the vehicle key of the new
transmitter into the key lock cylinder on
the outside of the driver door and turn
the key counterclockwise five times
within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2,
3, 4 or 5.
3. Place the first new transmitter into the transmitter pocket with the buttons
facing the rear of the vehicle. The
transmitter pocket is inside the center
console storage area.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the transmitter is learned, the DIC will show
that it is ready to program the next
transmitter.
5. Remove the transmitter from the transmitter pocket and press
KorQ.
To program additional transmitters,
repeat Steps 3–5 for each new
transmitter.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the bottom center of the transmitter. Do
not use the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the transmitter. Do not use a metal
object.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, this feature allows the engine
to be started from outside the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will determine
the best mode and temperature setting for
operation during the remote start. Once the
vehicle is started with the Engine Start/Stop
button, the climate control system will
begin to operate at the last customer
selected operating mode and temperature.
The rear window defogger may come on
during a remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator light
does not come on during a remote start. If the vehicle has heated seats, they may
come on during a remote start. See
Heated
and Ventilated Front Seats 034.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the
remote start feature. The vehicle may run
out of fuel.
Starting the Engine Using Remote Start
To start the engine using the remote start
feature:
1. Press and release
Q.
2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold
/for at least
four seconds or until the turn signal
lamps flash. The turn signal lamps
flashing confirms the request to remote
start the vehicle has been received.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 15
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.PressQorKon the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation 07.
.In the case of a dead battery, use the key
in the driver door. The key lock cylinder is
covered with a cap.
To lock or unlock the doors from the inside:
.PressQorKon the power door lock
switch.
.Pull the door handle once to unlock the
door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it.
Keyless Access
The RKE transmitter must be within 1 m
(3 ft) of the trunk or door being opened.
Press the button on the door handle to
open. See “Keyless Access Operation” in
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In
Case of Dead Battery)
To access the driver door key lock cylinder:
1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
removal is complete.
2. Insert the key into the slot (3) on the bottom of the cap (2) and lift the key
upward. 3. Move the cap (2) rearward and remove.
4. Use the key in the cylinder.
To replace the cap: 1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap
installation is complete.
2. Insert the two tabs (6) at the back of the
cap between the seal (5) and the metal
base (4).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 17
Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all
doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then
opened and closed, the doors will lock either
when your foot is removed from the brake
or the vehicle speed becomes faster than
13 km/h (8 mph).
To unlock the doors:
.PressKon the power door lock switch.
.Shift the transmission into P (Park).
Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be
programmed. See Vehicle Personalization
0 100.
Lockout Protection
If the ignition is on or in ACC/ACCESSORY
and the power door lock switch is pressed
with the driver door open, all the doors will
lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested
while a door is open, when all doors are
closed the vehicle will check for RKE
transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is
detected and the number of RKE transmitters inside has not reduced, the
driver door will unlock and the horn will
chirp three times.
Lockout Protection can be manually
overridden with the driver door open by
pressing and holding
Qon the power door
lock switch.
Open Door Anti-Lockout
If Open Door Anti-Lockout has been turned
on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is
open, and locking is requested, all the doors
will lock and the driver door will remain
open. The Open Door Anti-Lockout feature
can be turned on or off. See Vehicle
Personalization 0100.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear doors
from inside the vehicle.
Manual Safety Locks
If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside
edge of the rear doors. To use the
safety lock:
1. Move the lever forward to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.
To open a rear door when the safety lock
is on: 1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock
switch, or by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter.
2. Open the door from the outside.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and
older children will not be able to open the
rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety
locks to enable the doors to open from the
inside.
To cancel the safety lock:1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever rearward to unlock. Do the same for the other door.
Doors
Trunk
{Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it
is driven with the liftgate, hatch/trunk
open, or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the body and
the hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle must be driven with the
liftgate or hatch/trunk open:
.Close all of the windows.
.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
and set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems”
in the Index.
.If the vehicle is equipped with a
power liftgate, disable the power
liftgate function.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0188.
Trunk Release
To open the trunk the vehicle must be off or
the shift lever must be in P (Park).
.PressXtwice quickly on the RKE
transmitter.
.Press the touch pad on the rear of the
trunk after unlocking all doors.
The trunk may be opened while the vehicle
is locked by pressing the touch pad on the
rear of the trunk while the RKE transmitter
is within 1 m (3 ft) of the rear of the vehicle.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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20 Keys, Doors, and Windows
.Use the Keyless Access system,
if equipped.
.With a door open, press the
inside
Q.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to
slowly flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the RKE
transmitter a second time will bypass
the 30-second delay and immediately
arm the alarm system.
The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the
doors are locked with the key.
If the driver door is opened without first
unlocking with the RKE transmitter, the horn
will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started,
or the door is not unlocked by pressing
K
on the RKE transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
If a door, the hood, or the trunk is opened
without first disarming the system, the turn
signals will flash and the horn will sound for
about 30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor for the next
unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
Do one of the following to disarm the alarm
system or turn off the alarm if it has been
activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless
Access system, if equipped.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all occupants have
left the vehicle and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the RKE
transmitter or use the Keyless Access
system, if equipped.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will
not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper Condition
IfKis pressed on the RKE transmitter and
the horn chirps and the lights flash three
times, an alarm occurred previously while
the alarm system was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message
will appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement 0328.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent
system.
The system does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the transmitter leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is disarmed
when the ignition button is pushed in and a
valid transmitter is in the vehicle.
The security light on the instrument cluster
comes on when there is a problem with
arming or disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
The system has one or more transmitters
matched to an immobilizer control unit in
the vehicle. Only a correctly matched