trunk CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 User Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Storage 73
Umbrella Storage
Slide an umbrella into the opening on the
driver or passenger door.
Additional Storage Features
Cargo Tie-Downs
There are cargo tie-downs in the trunk. The
cargo tie-downs can be used to secure small
loads or the convenience net. See
Convenience Net073.
Convenience Net
For vehicles with a convenience net, it is in
the trunk and used to store small loads. The
net should not be used to store heavy loads.
Attach the loops on each side of the net to
the cargo tie-downs in the trunk. See Cargo
Tie-Downs 073.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
212 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
.Keep children away from the fuel
pump and never let children
pump fuel.
.Before touching the fill nozzle, touch a
metallic object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
.Fuel can spray out if the fill nozzle is
inserted too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather. Insert the
fill nozzle slowly and wait for any hiss
noise to stop before beginning to
flow fuel.
To open the fuel door, push and release the
rearward center edge of the door.
The capless refueling system does not have
a fuel cap. Fully insert and latch the fill
nozzle, begin fueling.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more than
three clicks of a standard fill nozzle may
cause:
.Vehicle performance issues, including
engine stalling and damage to the fuel
system.
.Fuel spills.
.Under certain conditions, fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait five seconds
after you have finished pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0280. Push the fuel door
closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the fill nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately.
Filling the Tank with a Portable Fuel
Container
If the vehicle runs out of fuel and must be
filled from a portable fuel container:
1. Locate the capless funnel adapter from under the carpet in the trunk.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the capless fuel system.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 213
{Warning
Attempting to refuel from a portable fuel
container without using the funnel
adapter may cause fuel spillage and
damage the capless fuel system. This
could cause a fire. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return it to the storage location.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see Transporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0278. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a motor
home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 279.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
requires the proper use of correct
equipment.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
214 Driving and Operating
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before towing a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors on your
vehicle. Even if not required, you should
install extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted while
towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle, or other
parts.
.Perform the first oil change before heavy
towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of trailer
towing,
.Tow in D (Drive). If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear may
be selected using Manual Mode See
Manual Mode0183.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.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.
See
“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0181.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
238 Vehicle Care
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems,
a GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an acoustic
windshield. If the windshield needs to be
replaced, be sure to get an acoustic
windshield so you will continue to have the
benefits an acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut(s)
Your vehicle may be equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting and
holding open the hood/trunk/liftgate system
in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0290.
Hood
Trunk

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
240 Vehicle Care
3. For the passenger side bulb, remove theengine air cleaner housing by gripping
firmly and pulling straight up.
4. Remove the cover from the back of the headlamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Press the retaining tab on the electrical connector to disconnect.
6. Remove the bulb from the lamp assembly by turning counterclockwise.
7. Replace the bulb and reverse Steps 1–6 to reinstall.
Headlamps (Premier)
See your dealer for replacement.
Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
See your dealer for replacement.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT)
Trunk Deck Inboard Taillamp and
Back-Up Lamp
1. Back-Up Lamp
2. Taillamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turning counterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket. 6. Install the bulb socket by turning
clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.
Stoplamp/Taillamp and Turn Signal Lamp
1. Stop/Tail/Turn Signal Lamp
2. Sidemarker Lamp
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 241
To replace any one of these bulbs:1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull the trunk trim away from the taillamp assembly.
3. Remove three hex-nuts from each stud.
4. Remove the lamp by pulling it straight back.
5. Remove the bulb socket from the taillamp assembly by turning it
counterclockwise.
6. Remove the bulb from the socket by turning the bulb counterclockwise
one-quarter turn and pulling it
straight out.
7. Install a new bulb into the socket.
8. Install the bulb socket into the taillamp assembly by turning it clockwise.
9. Install the trunk trim, hex nuts, and push pins.Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps (LT and
Premier)
Caution
Improper lamp assembly removal and
installation can cause leaks and water
intrusion which may cause damage to
the taillamp. Do not remove the taillamp
assembly to replace a bulb. Use the trunk
opening to access the bulb.
The stoplamp/taillamp and trunk deck
inboard taillamp are LEDs. To replace, see
your dealer.
Back-Up Lamp 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Remove the push pins and pull back the trunk deck trim.
3. Remove the bulb socket by turningcounterclockwise and pulling straight out.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the bulb socket.
6. Install the bulb socket by turning clockwise.
7. Install the trunk deck trim.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
270 Vehicle Care
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers 0104.
If your vehicle is loaded at or near
maximum cargo capacity, it may be difficult
to fit the jack under the vehicle due to the
environment (shoulder slope, road debris,
etc.). Removal of some weight may improve
the ability to fit the jack under the vehicle
at the correct jacking location.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Turn the vehicle off and do not restart the vehicle while it is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, onboth sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
1. Jack
2. Wrench
3. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
4. Extension Bolt
5. Insulator Pad
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the spare tire cover.
3. Turn the retainer nut counterclockwise and remove the spare tire. Place the
spare tire next to the tire being changed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Technical Data 297
Technical Data
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . 297
Service Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 298
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Vehicle Identification
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
This legal identifier is in the front corner of
the instrument panel, on the driver side of
the vehicle. It can be seen through the
windshield from outside. The Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) also appears on
the Vehicle Certification label and certificates
of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in the VIN is the
engine code. This code identifies the
vehicle's engine, specifications, and
replacement parts. See“Engine
Specifications” underCapacities and
Specifications 0298 for the vehicle's
engine code.
Service Parts Identification
There may be a large barcode on the
certification label on the center pillar that
you can scan for the following information:
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Model designation
.Paint information
.Production options
If there is not a large barcode on this label,
then you will find this same information on
a label inside of the trunk.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Index 321
Assistance SystemsDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Transmission Shift Lock Control
Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 118
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 108
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235, 275
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Bluetooth
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138, 139
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Buckle To Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 239
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240, 241
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
C
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 221
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 1, 275
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54