brake light CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Introduction 3
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints
Q:Keep Fuse Block Covers Properly
Installed
|: Lane Change Alert
@:Lane Departure Warning
A:Lane Keep Assist
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
X:Park Assist
~:Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
O:Power
7:Rear Cross Traffic Alert
I:Registered Technician
/:Remote Vehicle Start
h:Risk of Electrical Fire
>:Seat Belt Reminders
I:Side Blind Zone Alert
h:Stop/Start
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)
a: Under Pressure
k: Vehicle Ahead Indicator

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Introduction 5
1.Air Vents 0162.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0105.
IntelliBeam System Button (If Equipped).
See Exterior Lamp Controls 0102.
3. Instrument Cluster 080.
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 075.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic Headlamp
System 0104.
6. Infotainment. See Overview0110.
7. Climate Control Systems 0157.
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
0 159 (If Equipped).
8. Hazard Warning Flashers 0104.
Stop/Start Disable Button (If Equipped).
See Stop/Start System 0177.
9. Power Outlets 076.
10. Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0186.
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
0 198 (If Equipped). 11. Shift Lever. See
Automatic Transmission
0 182.
12. Electric Parking Brake 0185 (If Equipped).
13. USB Port 0118.
14. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition
Positions 0175.
15. Steering Wheel Controls 075.
Driver Information Center Buttons. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98.
16. Horn 075.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment 075 (Out
of View).
18. Cruise Control 0188.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) 0190
(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 075 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 202 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0209 (If
Equipped).
19. Hood Release. See Hood0222. 20. Data Link Connector (Out of View). See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 088.
21. Exterior Lamp Controls 0102.
22. Instrument Panel Illumination Control
0105.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Seats and Restraints 39
If the vehicle is on and the brake pedal is
pressed with the vehicle in P (Park) but the
driver seat belt is not buckled, a message
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) and the vehicle will be delayed
from shifting out of P (Park). Buckle the
driver seat belt to clear the message and
shift out of P (Park). Shifting from P (Park)
will be delayed once for each time the
vehicle is started.
For some fleet vehicles, the feature is
always ON and cannot be turned OFF in the
infotainment system. The vehicle will be
delayed from shifting from P (Park) each
time the driver attempts to do so while the
driver seat belt is not buckled. Turning the
vehicle off then on will not change this
condition.
On some models, Buckle to Drive may also
delay shifting out of P (Park) if a front
passenger seat belt is unbuckled. A message
displays in the DIC. Buckle the front
passenger seat belt to shift out of P (Park).
This feature may delay the vehicle from
shifting out of P (Park) if an object, such as
a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device, is on the frontpassenger seat. If this happens, remove the
object from the seat or buckle the seat belt
to shift out of P (Park).
If the driver, or on some vehicles, the
present front passenger remains unbuckled,
the DIC message will turn off after several
seconds and the vehicle can be shifted out
of P (Park). See
“Seat Belts”and“Child
Restraints” in the Index for information
about the importance of proper
restraint use.
If the driver seat belt or the front passenger
seat belt is unbuckled when driving, the seat
belt reminder chime and light(s) will come
on. See Seat Belt Reminders 085. This
feature may not function properly if the
airbag readiness light is on. See Airbag
Readiness Light 086.
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
Follow these rules for everyone's protection.
There are additional things to know about
seat belts and children, including smaller
children and infants. If a child will be riding
in the vehicle, see Older Children054 or
Infants and Young Children 056. Review
and follow the rules for children in addition
to the following rules. It is very important for all occupants to
buckle up. Statistics show that unbelted
people are hurt more often in crashes than
those who are wearing seat belts.
There are important things to know about
wearing a seat belt properly.
.Sit up straight and always keep your feet
on the floor in front of you (if possible).
.Wear the lap part of the belt low and
snug on the hips, just touching the
thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the
strong pelvic bones and you would be
less likely to slide under the lap belt.
If you slid under it, the belt would apply
force on your abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
74 Instruments and Controls
Instruments and Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . 84
Voltmeter Gauge (Uplevel Cluster Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . 87
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 90
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Uplevel Cluster Only) . . . . . . . . . . 92
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Instruments and Controls 89
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to
the left of the steering wheel. Connecting
devices that are not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect vehicle
operation. SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
0 219. See your dealer if assistance is
needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.
.The light does not come on when the
ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed. If this
happens, the vehicle would not be ready
for inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the
system is ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass
or cannot be made ready for the test.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on to show that the light is
working. If it does not come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem. If the light comes on and stays on, there is
a brake problem. Have the brake system
inspected right away. This light may come
on if the brake fluid is low. See
Brake Fluid
0 234.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake
system has electric brake boost. Vehicle
speed may be limited when the brake
system warning light comes on. The brake
pedal might be harder to push, or the brake
pedal may go closer to the floor. It could
take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. See
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0278.
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
90 Instruments and Controls
Electric Parking Brake Light
MetricEnglish Base Level
English Uplevel
This light comes on when the parking brake
is applied. If the light continues flashing
after the parking brake is released, or while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains
flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If this light stays on or comes on while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a
dealer as soon as possible. In addition to the
parking brake, other safety functions that
utilize the EPB may also be degraded.
A message may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See Electric Parking
Brake 0185.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is turned on to show that the light is
working. If it does not come on then, have
it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when the
light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is
not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake
system warning light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
See Brake System Warning Light 089.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
100 Instruments and Controls
Timer :This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press
Vwhile this
display is active. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since the
timer was last reset. To stop the timer,
press
Vbriefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset the timer
to zero, press and hold
Vwhile this display
is active, or press
pand select reset.
Speed Limit : Shows the current speed limit
on vehicles with the navigation system. The
information for this page comes from a
roadway database.
Follow Distance : When Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) is not engaged, the current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page. When ACC has
been engaged, the display switches to the
gap setting page. This page shows the
current gap setting along with the vehicle
ahead indicator.
Battery Voltage : Displays the current
battery voltage, if equipped. Battery voltage
changes are normal while driving. See
Charging System Light 087. If there is a
problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message. Coolant Temperature :
Shows the engine
coolant temperature in either degrees
Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).
Oil pressure can vary with engine speed,
outside temperature, and oil viscosity. On
some models, the oil pump will vary engine
oil pressure according to engine needs. Oil
pressure may change quickly as the engine
speed or load varies. This is normal. If the
oil pressure warning light or Driver
Information Center (DIC) message indicates
oil pressure outside the normal operating
range, check the vehicle's oil as soon as
possible.
Blank Page : Shows no information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another. The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 169
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid—wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues
—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
176 Driving and Operating
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) :When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0179.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition will
turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle
is moving. This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and steering systems and
disable the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force. 2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can
be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition off. The
shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0185.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
Accessory (Amber Indicator Light) : This
mode allows you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off. With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from accessory
mode to off after five minutes to prevent
battery run down.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :
This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will turn the
ignition on. Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts. See Starting
the Engine 0177. The ignition will then
remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do with the ignition on,
but the vehicle will not be able to be driven.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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184 Driving and Operating
2. Press + (Plus) or−(Minus) on the shift
lever to increase or decrease the gear
range available.
When you shift from D (Drive) to L (Low),
the transmission will shift to a
pre-determined lower gear range. The
highest gear available for this
pre-determined range is displayed next to
the L in the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) (Base Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98. The number displayed in the DIC is
the highest gear that the transmission will
be allowed to operate in. This means that
all gears below that number are available.
For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next
to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears
are automatically shifted by the vehicle. The
transmission will not shift into 5 (Fifth) until
the + (Plus) button is used or you shift back
into D (Drive).
While in L (Low), the transmission will
prevent shifting to a lower gear range if the
engine speed is too high. You have a brief
period of time to slow the vehicle. If vehicle
speed is not reduced within the time
allowed, the lower gear range shift will not be completed. You must further slow the
vehicle, then press
−(Minus) to the desired
lower gear range.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
shutdown. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 090.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.