transmission CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
220 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 221
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 222
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 239
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT) . . . . . . . . . . 240
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LT and Premier) . . . . . 241
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 242
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 245
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 255
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 260
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 264
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 266
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 266
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 268
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 275
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 278
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
228 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0294.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0290, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0294.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine air
filter is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next engine air filter change.
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select Engine Air Filter Life on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98. 3. Press
Vto move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press
V.
Then press Yes to confirm the reset.
4. 100% Air Filter Life will be displayed when the Engine Air Filter Life System is
successfully reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 224.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
.For intervals on changing and inspecting
the engine air filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0290.
.If equipped with Engine Air Filter Life
System, see Engine Air Filter Life System
0 228.
.If driving in very dusty areas, follow the
engine air filter inspecting and changing
intervals, see Maintenance Schedule
0 290.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
236 Vehicle Care
Stop/Start System
Your vehicle is a equipped with a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. SeeStop/Start System 0177.
Your vehicle may be equipped with 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 can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
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. Always wear
eye protection. See Jump Starting - North
America 0275 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.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 237
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis. When worn,
or when cleaning is ineffective, replace the
wiper blade. For proper windshield wiper
blade length and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0295.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the wiper blade: 1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of thewiper blade where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end of
the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Vehicle Care 247
The vehicle may not be equipped with all of
the fuses, relays, and features shown.Fuses Usage
1 –
2 –
3 Antilock Brake System Pump/Electric Brake
Booster
5 –
6 Rear Closure 7 –
8 Memory Seat Module
9 –
10 –
11 DC DC Converter 1
12 Rear Window Defogger
13 Heated Mirrors
14 –
15 Passive Entry/Passive Start
16 Front Wiper 17 Passenger Power Seat Fuses
Usage
18 Antilock Brake System Valve
19 Driver Power Seat 21 Sunroof
22 Parking Lamp
23 Automatic Headlamp Leveling/Adaptive Forward
Lighting
24 –
26 Transmission Control Module/Ignition
27 Instrument Panel/Body/ Ignition
28 –
29 Rear Vision Camera/ Ventilated Seats
30 Malfunction Indicator Lamp/Ignition
32 Canister Vent Solenoid/ Evap Leak Check Module
33 Front Heated Seat
34 – Fuses
Usage
35 Body Control Module 6/ Body Control Module 7
36 Fuel Module
38 –
39 –
40 Steering Column Lock 41 –
43 Heated Steering Wheel
44 Headlamp Leveling 45 –
46 Engine Control Module/ Ignition
47 –
48 –
49 DC DC Converter 2 50 –
51 –
52 –
53 –
54 –

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
250 Vehicle Care
FusesUsage
F10 Body Control Module 2 (With Stop/Start Option)
F11 –
F12 –
F13 –
F14 –
F15 Transmission Control Module (With Stop/Start
Option)
F16 Amplifier F17 Seat Power Lumbar
F18 –
F19 –
F20 Body Control Module 1 (Without Stop/Start
Option)
F21 Body Control Module 4
F22 –
F23 Electric Steering Column Lock Fuses
Usage
F24 Sensing and Diagnostic Module/Automatic
Occupant Sensing (Airbag)
F25 Data Link Connector
F26 –
F27 AC DC Inverter
F28 –
F29 Body Control Module 8
F30 Overhead Console F31 Steering Wheel Controls
F32 –
F33 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
F34 Central Gateway Module F35 –
F36 Wireless Charger/USB Charger
F37 –
F38 OnStar Fuses
Usage
F39 Display
F40 Obstacle Detection F41 Body Control Module 1 (With Stop/Start Option)
F42 Radio
F43 –
F44 Console Accessory Power Outlet–Rear
Relays Usage
K1 –
K2 Interruptible Retained Accessory Power
K3 –
K4 –
K5 –

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 277
3. Set the parking brake firmly on bothvehicles. Put an automatic transmission
in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral before setting the parking brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or plugged
in during the jump starting procedure,
they could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn off or
unplug all accessories on either vehicle
when jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning flashers if
needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running and can injure
you. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery
positive (+) terminal. 7. Connect one end of the black negative
(−) cable to the good battery negative
(−) terminal.
8. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the discharged battery
negative (–) grounding point.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the discharged battery. If it will not start
after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
278 Vehicle Care
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or a
mechanical transmission range select
shifter. In the event of a loss of 12-volt
battery power, the electric parking brake
cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary. If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or
electric parking brake is not released, the
vehicle will not move. Try to jump start
the vehicle with a known good 12-volt
battery, shift the car into N (Neutral), and
release the electric parking brake. Refer to
Jump Starting - North America
0275.
.If unsuccessful, the vehicle will not move.
Tire skates or dollies must be used under
the non-rolling tires to prevent vehicle
damage.

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