climate control CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 User Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
146 Infotainment System
Apps
The menu may contain the following:
Android Auto
Allows interacting directly with a mobile
device on the infotainment display. See
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto0142.
Apple CarPlay
This feature allows you to interact directly
with your mobile device on the infotainment
display. See Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
0 142.
Apps
Shows app settings and information.
Audio
Adjusts different audio settings.
Climate
Adjusts different climate settings.
Navigation
Adjusts different navigation settings.
See Using the Navigation System 0122.
Phone
Adjusts different phone settings.
Vehicle
The menu may contain the following:
Rear Seat Reminder
Allows for a chime and a message when the
rear door has been opened before or during
operation of the vehicle.
Buckle to Drive
This feature can prevent shifting out of Park
when the driver, and if applicable the front
passenger, seat belt is not buckled. See
Buckle To Drive 038.
Climate and Air Quality
Adjusts different climate settings.
Collision/Detection Systems
Adjusts different driver assistance system
settings.
Comfort and Convenience
Adjusts different comfort and convenience
settings.
Lighting
Adjusts different lighting settings.
Power Door Locks
Adjusts different door lock settings. Remote Lock, Unlock, and Start
Adjusts different remote lock settings.
Seating Position
Adjusts different seat settings.
Teen Driver
See
Teen Driver 0147.
Valet Mode
This will lock the infotainment system and
steering wheel controls. It may also limit
access to vehicle storage locations,
if equipped.
To enable valet mode: 1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.
2. Select Enter to go to the confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.
Personal
If equipped, this menu allows adjustment of
different user profile settings. See “Users”in
Using the System 0112 for information on
setting up user profiles.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Climate Controls 157
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 163
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Climate Control Systems
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Fan Control
2. MAX Defrost
3. A/C (Air Conditioning)
4. TEMP (Temperature Control)
5. Recirculation
6. Air Delivery Mode Controls
7. Rear Window Defogger TEMP :
Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature setting.
^: Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
fan speed or turn the fan off. The fan speed
appears in the display screen.
Air Delivery Mode Controls : Press the air
delivery mode buttons to change the
direction of the airflow. The indicator light
in the selected button will turn on. The
current mode appears in the display screen.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
158 Climate Controls
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following modes:
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.
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 vehicle is turned to off or to
accessory mode.
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. To turn Auto Defog off
or on, select Settings > Climate and Air
Quality > Auto Rear Defog > Select ON or
OFF. 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-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Climate Controls 159
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with this system.
1. Driver and Passenger Ventilated Seats (IfEquipped)
2. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
3. MAX Defrost
4. Air Delivery Mode Controls
5. A/C (Air Conditioning) 6. Driver and Passenger Heated Seats (If
Equipped)
7. SYNC
8. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
9. Fan Controls
10. Power (On/Off)
11. Recirculation
12. Rear Window Defogger
Climate Control Display
1. Driver and Passenger Temperature Settings
2. Fan Control
3. Driver and Passenger Temperature Controls
4. Sync (Synchronized Temperature)
5. Recirculation
6. Air Delivery Mode Controls
7. Auto (Automatic Operation)
8. A/C (Air Conditioning)
9. On/Off (Power)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
160 Climate Controls
The fan, air delivery mode, air conditioning,
driver and passenger temperatures, and Sync
settings can be controlled by touching
CLIMATE on the infotainment Home Page or
the climate button in the climate control
display application tray. A selection can then
be made on the front climate control page
displayed. See the infotainment manual.
Climate Control Status Display
The climate control status display appears
briefly when the center stack climate
controls are adjusted.Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the fan
speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and
recirculation in order to heat or cool the
vehicle to the desired temperature.
When AUTO is lit, all four functions operate
automatically. Each function can also be
manually set and the selected setting is
displayed. Functions not manually set will
continue to be automatically controlled,
even if the AUTO indicator is not lit.
For automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Adjust the temperature
as needed for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster with A/C on, the system will
automatically turn on recirculation in warm
weather. The recirculation light will not
be lit.
Press@to manually select recirculation
and the indicator light will turn on. Press it
again to select outside air and the indicator
light will turn off. Driver and Passenger Temperature
Controls :
The temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and the passenger.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the driver or
passenger temperature setting.
SYNC : Press to link the passenger
temperature settings to the driver setting.
The SYNC indicator light will turn on. When
the passenger settings are adjusted, the
SYNC indicator light turns off.
Manual Operation
O: Press to turn the fan off or on. If on is
selected, or any other button is pressed or
knob turned, the climate control system will
turn on and return to delivering airflow as
set. The temperature control and air delivery
mode can still be adjusted.
^: Press the large fan symbol to increase
the fan speed. Press the small fan symbol to
decrease the fan speed. The fan speed
setting appears on the main display. When
the fan speed is decreased completely, the
fan turns off. Pressing either button cancels
automatic fan control and the fan is
controlled manually. Press AUTO to return
to automatic operation.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Climate Controls 161
Air Delivery Mode Controls :PressX,Y,
or
[to change the direction of the
airflow. Any combination of the three
buttons can be selected. The indicator light
in the button will turn on. The current mode
appears in the display screen. Pressing any
button cancels automatic air delivery control
and the direction of the airflow is controlled
manually. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation.
To change the current mode, select one or
more of the following modes:
X: Air is directed to the windshield.
Y:Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor outlets.
0MAX : Air is directed to the windshield,
the fan runs at a higher speed, and the
temperature of the air is increased if not
already at maximum. 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. 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. If the fan control is turned
off or the outside temperature falls below
freezing, the air conditioner will not run.
Pressing this button cancels automatic air
conditioning and turns off the air
conditioner. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation and the air conditioner
runs automatically as needed. When the
indicator light is on, the air conditioner runs
automatically to cool the air inside the
vehicle or to dry the air needed to defog
the windshield faster.
M: Press to turn on recirculation. An
indicator light comes on. Air is recirculated
to quickly cool the inside of the vehicle or
to reduce the entry of outside air and odors.
If selected during cool or cold weather, the
windshield and windows may fog. Turn off
recirculation to help clear the windshield
and windows. Auto Defog :
The climate control system
may have a sensor to automatically detect
high humidity inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate control
system may adjust to outside air supply and
turn on the air conditioner. The fan speed
may slightly increase to help prevent
fogging. If the climate control system does
not detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation.
To turn Auto Defog off or on, select
Settings > Climate and Air Quality > Auto
Defog > Select ON or OFF.
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 rear window defogger
only works when the vehicle is on. The
defogger turns off when the vehicle is
turned off or to accessory mode.
The upper lines on the rear window are
antenna grids and are not intended to
defrost the glass.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
162 Climate Controls
The rear window defogger can be set to
automatic operation. To turn Auto Defog off
or on, select Settings > Climate and Air
Quality > Auto Rear Defog > Select ON or
OFF. 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 (45 °F) and below. The auto rear
defogger turns off automatically.
If 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 Mirrors022.
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. Driver and Passenger Heated and Ventilated
Seats :
If equipped, press
LorMto heat
the driver or passenger seat.
If equipped, press
{orCto ventilate the
driver or passenger seat. See Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 034.
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.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield, monitors the
solar heat. The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the
automatic climate control system may not
work properly.
Afterblow Feature
If equipped, under certain conditions, the
fan may stay on or may turn on and off
several times after you turn off and lock the
vehicle. This is normal.
Air Vents

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Climate Controls 163
Use the louvers on the air vents to change
the direction of the airflow.
On the center air vents, move the sliding
knob down to close off airflow.
On the side air vents, move the sliding knob
to the outboard side of the vehicle to close
off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever possible
for best system performance.
.Keep the path under all seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle, which may
improve long term system performance.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system.
.Do not attach any devices to the air vent
slats; this restricts airflow and may cause
damage to the air vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air that is
pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance; see
Maintenance Schedule0290. To find out
what type of filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0295.
1. Open the glove box completely.
2. Disconnect the glove box door dampener arm from the glove box door assembly. 3. Squeeze both sides of the glove box door
to open beyond the stops.
4. Release the retainer clips holding theservice door. Open the service door and
remove the old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Close the service door and retainer clips.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
164 Climate Controls
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 290.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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166 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 037.