radio antenna CHEVROLET MALIBU 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
110 Infotainment System
Infotainment System
Introduction
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Multi-Band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . 120
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
OnStar System
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Navigation
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . 124
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Navigation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . 135
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . 136
Voice Recognition
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Phone
Bluetooth (Overview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Bluetooth (Pairing and Using a
Phone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . 146
Settings
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Trademarks and License Agreements
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Introduction
Read the following pages to become familiar
with the features.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road for too
long or too often while using any
infotainment feature can cause a crash.
You or others could be injured or killed.
Do not give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving. Limit
your glances at the vehicle displays and
focus your attention on driving. Use voice
commands whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid distraction
by disabling some features when driving.
These features may gray out when they are
unavailable. Many infotainment features are
also available through the instrument cluster
and steering wheel controls.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Infotainment System 119
SiriusXM with 360L
SiriusXM with 360L interface has enhanced
in-vehicle listening experience for
subscribers. The experience now offers more
categories and system learned
recommendations toward discovering more
personalized content.
To use the full SiriusXM 360L program,
including streaming content and listening
recommendations, OnStar Connected Access
is required. Connected vehicle services vary
by model and require a complete working
electrical system, cell reception, and GPS
signal. An active connected plan is required.
Reference the SiriusXM user guide for use
and subscription information.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the accessory
power outlets if there is interference or
static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to 65 km (10
to 40 mi). Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically works toreduce interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble on the
radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making or
receiving calls, charging, or just having the
mobile device on may cause static
interference in the radio. Unplug the mobile
device or turn it off if this happens.
Backglass Antenna
The AM-FM antenna is integrated with the
rear window defogger in the rear window.
Do not scratch the inside surface or damage
the lines in the glass. If the inside surface is
damaged, it could interfere with radio
reception. For proper radio reception, the
antenna connector needs to be properly
attached to the post on the glass.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window antenna and/or the rear
window defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
clear the inside rear window with sharp
objects.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
120 Infotainment System
Caution
Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting
with metallic film. The metallic film in
some tinting materials will interfere with
or distort the incoming radio reception.
Any damage caused to the backglass
antenna due to metallic tinting materials
will not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna is for SXM, OnStar, and
GPS (Global Positioning System). Keep clear
of obstructions for clear reception. If the
vehicle has a sunroof, and it is open,
reception can also be affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
When using media devices such as SD cards,
USB devices, and mobile devices, consider
the source. Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system operation or
performance. Avoid use if the content or
origin cannot be trusted.
USB Port
Audio stored on a USB device may be
listened to.
The vehicle may be equipped with two USB
ports in the center console. These ports are
for data and charging. There may also be
two USB ports for charging only at the rear
of the center console.
Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all accessory
cables from the vehicle when not in use.
Accessory cables left plugged into the
vehicle, unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical short if
the unconnected end comes in contact
with liquids or another power source such
as the accessory power outlet.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be connected
to the USB port.
Audio extensions supported by the USB may
include:
.MP3
.AAC
.OGG
.3GP
Gracenote
When plugging in a USB device, Gracenote
service builds voice tags for music. Voice
tags allow artists, albums with hard to
pronounce names, and nicknames to be used
to play music through voice recognition,
if equipped.
While indexing, infotainment features may
be available.
My Media Library
MyMedia is only available when more than
one indexed device is connected. It allows
access to content from all indexed media
sources. MyMedia will show as an available
source in the Source page.
USB MP3 Player and USB Devices
The USB MP3 players and USB devices
connected must comply with the USB Mass
Storage Class specification (USB MSC).
To play a USB device: 1. Connect the USB.
2. Touch Audio from the Home Page.
3. Touch the More option and then touch the USB device.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Climate Controls 165
0:Clears the windows of fog or moisture.
Air is directed to the windshield.
{: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
z: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield
and the fan runs at a higher speed. This
mode overrides the previous mode selected
and clears fog or frost from the windshield
more quickly. When the button is pressed
again, the system returns to the previous
mode setting and fan speed. The current
mode setting and fan speed appear in the
display screen.
For best results, clear all snow and ice from
the windshield before defrosting.
A/C : Press to turn the air conditioning
system on or off. This status appears in the
display screen. If the fan control is turned
off or the outside temperature falls below
freezing, the air conditioner will not run.
@: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on and the status
appears in the display screen. Air is
recirculated to quickly cool the inside of the
vehicle or to reduce the entry of outside air
and odors. Ionizer :
If equipped, this feature helps to
clean the air inside the vehicle and remove
contaminants such as pollen, odors, and
dust. If the climate control system is on and
the ionizer is enabled, the ionizer status
indicator will be lit on the climate control
display. To turn the ionizer on or off, see
“Climate and Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0100.
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on. The defogger turns off when
the ignition is turned to off or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The upper lines on the rear window are
antenna grids and are not intended to
defrost the glass.
The rear window defogger can be set to
automatic operation. See “Climate and Air
Quality” underVehicle Personalization 0100.
When Auto Rear Defog is selected, the rear
window defogger turns on automatically
when the interior temperature is cold and
the outside temperature is about 7 °C (44 °F)
and below. The auto rear defogger turns off
automatically. If the vehicle is equipped with heated
outside mirrors, they turn on when the rear
window defogger button is on and help to
clear fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror. See
Heated Mirrors 022.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other material
from the inside of the front windshield
and rear window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window defogger grid
and affect the radio's ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
If equipped with remote start, the climate
control system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. The system will determine
the best mode and temperature setting for
operation. 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. If equipped with heated or
ventilated seats, they may come on
during a remote start. See Remote Vehicle
Start 013 and
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 034.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
182 Driving and Operating
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
The RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle
for the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in Service Mode, and the brake pedal
must be applied. Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0186.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition will
turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
334 OnStar
Languages
The vehicle can be programmed to respond
in multiple languages. Press
Qand ask for
an Advisor. Advisors are available in English,
Spanish, and French. Available languages
may vary by country.
Potential Issues
OnStar cannot perform Remote Door Unlock
or Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the vehicle
has been off continuously for 10 days
without an ignition cycle. If the vehicle has
not been started for 10 days, OnStar can
contact Roadside Assistance or a locksmith
to help gain access to the vehicle.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
.Obstruction of the GPS can occur in a
large city with tall buildings; in parking
garages; around airports; in tunnels and
underpasses; or in an area with very
dense trees. If GPS signals are not
available, the OnStar system should still
operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar
could have difficulty identifying the exact
location.
.In emergency situations, OnStar can use
the last stored GPS location to send to
emergency responders. A temporary loss of GPS can cause loss of
the ability to send a Turn-by-Turn
Navigation route. The Advisor may give a
verbal route or may ask for a call back after
the vehicle is driven into an open area.
Cellular and GPS Antennas
Cellular reception is required for OnStar to
send remote signals to the vehicle. Do not
place items over or near the antenna to
prevent blocking cellular and GPS signal
reception.
Unable to Connect to OnStar Message
If there is limited cellular coverage or the
cellular network has reached maximum
capacity, this message may come on. Press
Qto try the call again or try again after
driving a few miles into another
cellular area.
Vehicle and Power Issues
OnStar services require a vehicle electrical
system, wireless service, and GPS satellite
technologies to be available and operating
for features to function properly. These
systems may not operate if the battery is
discharged or disconnected.
Add-on Electrical Equipment
The OnStar system is integrated into the
electrical architecture of the vehicle. Do not
add any electrical equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0226. Added electrical
equipment may interfere with the operation
of the OnStar system and cause it to not
operate.
Vehicle Software Updates
OnStar or GM may remotely deliver
software updates or changes to the vehicle
without further notice or consent. These
updates or changes may enhance or
maintain safety, security, or the operation
of the vehicle or the vehicle systems.
Software updates or changes may affect or
erase data or settings that are stored in the
vehicle, such as saved navigation
destinations or pre-set radio stations.
Neither OnStar nor GM is responsible for
any affected or erased data or settings.
These updates or changes may also collect
personal information. Such collection is
described in the OnStar privacy statement or
separately disclosed at the time of
installation. These updates or changes may
also cause a system to automatically
communicate with GM servers to collect
information about vehicle system status,

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Index 339
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 309
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164, 166
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . 170
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 48
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 48
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 47
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 53
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 53
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Alarm
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . 146
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 209
Assistance Systems for Parking and
Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205