ABS CHEVROLET MALIBU 2022 User Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Driving and Operating 223
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0241.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer on a
level surface when possible.
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
Schedule 0304. 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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
244 Vehicle Care
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0231 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 088.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0304.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0312.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
The vehicle has a standard 12-volt battery
under the hood. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0231.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new 12-volt
battery is needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 245
Stop/Start System
If equipped with the 1.5L L4 engine, the
vehicle has a Stop/Start system to shut off
the engine to help conserve fuel. SeeStop/
Start System 0184.
Vehicles with a 1.5L engine have an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will
result in reduced 12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger on the
12-volt AGM battery, some chargers have an
AGM battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on the
charger, to limit charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle. See
California Proposition 65 Warning 0228
and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0290 for tips
on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the 12-volt
battery black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the 12-volt
battery black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the battery when
ready to drive the vehicle.
Negative Battery Cable Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative battery
cable, turn off all features, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key,
if equipped, from the vehicle. If this is
not done, you or others could be injured,
and the vehicle could be damaged.
Caution
If the battery is disconnected with the
ignition on or the vehicle in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP), the OnStar
back-up battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features, and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key, if equipped.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
258 Vehicle Care
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse block is on the
driver side of the instrument panel. To
access the fuses:1. Pull out at the center of the right edge, and swing the cover out and to the left.
2. Remove the cover.
To reinstall the cover, line up the tabs on
the left edge, and press the cover into place.
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown. Fuses Usage
F1 Left power windows
F2 Right power windows
F3 –
F4 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning blower
F5 Body control module 2 (without Stop/Start option) Fuses
Usage
F6 Left rear heated seat F7 Right rear heated seat
F8 Body control module 3
F9 –
F10 Body control module 2 (with Stop/Start option)
F11 –
F12 –

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 289
2. Screw the extension bolt onto the end ofthe spare tire stow bolt by hand.
3. Replace the foam, jack, and tools in their original storage location.
4. Remove the insulator pad and place it over the foam holder to protect the
wheel of the flat tire from the jack.
5. Place the tire facing down over the extension bolt.
6. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to secure the tire.
7. Place the floor cover on the wheel.
The compact spare is for temporary use
only. Replace the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as you can.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 295
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0312.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,

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

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
344 Index
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 105
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 109
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Malfunction Indicator (CheckEngine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . 89
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Lights (cont'd)
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312