cooling CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 User Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
232 Vehicle Care
1. Turn the pressure cap slowlycounterclockwise. If a hiss is heard, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in)
above the mid-point on the coolant
surge tank. 4. With the coolant surge tank cap off,
start the engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose starts getting hot.
Watch out for the engine cooling fan. By
this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in)
above the mid-point on the coolant
surge tank.
5. Replace the cap tightly.
6. Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling system has cooled down.
If the coolant is not at the proper level,
repeat Steps 1–6 and reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant still is not at
the proper level when the system cools
down again, see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster to warn of engine overheating. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 084.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. Contact your dealer for
additional information.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans
are running. If the engine is overheating,
both fans should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 233
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off. 2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone, the vehicle
can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to
drive normally and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0224 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
248 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
55 –
56 Starter Motor 57 –
58 –
59 High-Beam Headlamps Left/Right
60 Cooling Fan 61 –
62 –
63 –
65 Air Conditioning
67 –
68 –
69 –
70 –
72 Starter Pinion
74 –
75 Engine Control Module Main
76 Engine Control Module Sense Fuses
Usage
78 Horn
79 Washer Pump 81 Transmission Control Module/Engine Control
Module
82 –
83 Ignition Coil
84 Powertrain On Engine 85 Shunt
86 Shunt 87 –
88 Aeroshutter
89 –
91 –
92 –
93 Automatic Headlamp Leveling
95 –
96 –
97 –
99 Coolant Pump Relays
Usage
4 –
20 Rear Window Defogger 25 Front Wiper Control31 Run/Crank
37 Front Wiper Speed
42 –
64 Starter Motor
66 Powertrain 71 –
73 Air Conditioning
80 Starter Pinion
90 –
94 –
98 –

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
268 Vehicle Care
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 245/45R18 or 245/40R19
size tires, do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains used on
a vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Service and Maintenance 291
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 227.
.When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced at the
earliest convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air filter
is replaced. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0228.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle
is driven in areas with heavy traffic, poor
air quality, areas with high dust levels or
are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Filter replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you determine
when it is the right time to replace your
filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0238.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0229.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads. ‐
High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
292 Service and Maintenance
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0234.
Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant every
seven years. The air conditioning system
requires maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air conditioning
system. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐ Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
.Fuel system
.Windshield washer fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
298 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See yourdealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System* –1.5L L4 Engine 7.0 L 7.4 qt
Engine Oil with Filter –1.5L L4 Engine 4.0 L 4.2 qt
Fuel Tank 59.8 L 15.8 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
1.5L L4 Engine (LFV) TAutomatic0.60–0.70 mm (0.024–0.028 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
322 Index
Child Restraints (cont'd)Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 69
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Child Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Connected Services Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 186
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . . 92
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157, 159
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 305
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Customer Assistance
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 308
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 300
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Data Collection
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . 133
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Disabled Vehicle Transporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Driver
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 98
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Index 323
Driving (cont'd)Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 213
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Distracted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . 159
E
ElectricBrake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 245
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 88
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 92
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Exterior
Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Front Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . 205
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29