Chevrolet Malibu 2018 Owner's Manual
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 31
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . 105
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 165
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 365
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 382
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 392
OnStar .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem,
MALIBU, and the MALIBU Emblem
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Company” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 23378946 B Second Printing
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle,
model variants, country
specifications, features/applications
that may not be available in your
region, or changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner’s manual.
Refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm the
features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
©
2017 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Danger
{
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
Warning
{
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
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
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
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.”
Introduction 3
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.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System (12-Volt
Battery)
I : Cruise Control
` : Do Not Puncture
^ : Do Not Service
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
g : First Responder
_ : Flame/Fire Prohibited
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
4 Introduction
_ : High Voltage
j : ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
O : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Seat Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak
a : Under Pressure
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 13
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . 20
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 21
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . 23
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . 23
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 23
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Automatic Parking
Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Universal Remote System . . . . . 24
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
In Brief 5
High Voltage Safety
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Regenerative Braking
(Hybrid Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L
Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fuel (2.0L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 29
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
6 In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
1. Air Vents 0 207.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0 161.
IntelliBeam System Button (If
Equipped). See Exterior Lamp
Controls 0 157.
3. Instrument Cluster (Base
Level) 0 114 or Instrument
Cluster (Uplevel) 0 116.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer
0 107.
5. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0 160.
6. Infotainment 0 165.
7. Climate Control Systems
0 200.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203 (If Equipped).
8. Hazard Warning Flashers
0 160.
9. Power Outlets 0 110.
10. Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0 248 (If
Equipped).
11. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0 228.
12. Parking Brake 0 232.
13. USB Port 0 179.
14. ENGINE START/STOP Button.
See Ignition Positions 0 220.
15. Steering Wheel Controls 0 106.
Driver Information Center
Buttons.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133.
16. Horn 0 107.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment
0 106.
18. Cruise Control 0 237.
Adaptive Cruise Control 0 240
(If Equipped).
In Brief 7
Heated Steering Wheel 0 107
(If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 252 (If Equipped).
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0 260
(If Equipped).
19. Hood Release. See Hood
0 276.
20. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0 124.
21. Exterior Lamp Controls 0 157.
22. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0 161.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
8 In Brief
Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner’s manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle may have a fuel saving
Stop/Start system to shut off the
engine and help conserve fuel.
When the brakes are applied and
the vehicle is at a complete stop,
the engine may turn off. When the
brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pushed, the
engine will restart. The engine may
restart even while the brake is
applied. See Starting the Engine
0 222.
With Remote Start Shown
K : Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors, depending on the
vehicle personalization setting.
Q : Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.
X : Press twice quickly to open the
trunk.
7 : Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. Press and
hold for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. Press again
to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys 0 31 and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 32.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Press and release Q on the
RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately, press and hold
for at least four seconds or until
the turn signal lamps flash.
3. Start the vehicle normally after
entering.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on.
For the hybrid vehicle, the engine
will only start if needed for warming
functions or high voltage battery
charging.
/
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Remote start can be extended.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.
Press and hold
parking lamps turn off.
.
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start 0 38.
/ until the
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.
Press
Q or K on the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 0 32.
.
Use the key in the driver door.
The key lock cylinder has a
cover. See Door Locks 0 40.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
.
Press
Q or K on the power door
lock switch.
.
Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pulling the
handle again unlatches the door.
See Power Door Locks 0 42.
Trunk Release
To open the trunk:
.
X twice on the RKE
Press
transmitter.
In Brief 9
.
Press the touch pad on the rear
of the trunk after unlocking all
doors.
For Keyless Access, the RKE
transmitter must be within 1 m (3 ft)
of the trunk. Press the touch pad on
the rear of the trunk and lift to open.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 0 32.
See Trunk 0 45.
Windows
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
10 In Brief
The power windows work when the
ignition is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 225.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.
See Power Windows 0 51.
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the
handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Manual Seat Height Adjuster
Seat Adjustment
Manual Front Seats
Move the lever on the outboard side
of the seat up or down to manually
raise or lower the seat.
See Seat Adjustment 0 57.
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.
Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.
.
Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment 0 58.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Lumbar Adjustment
If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.
See Lumbar Adjustment 0 58.
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
In Brief 11
To return the seatback to the upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback,
if available:
.
Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
12 In Brief
.
Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.
See Reclining Seatbacks 0 58.
Memory Features
If equipped, memory seats allow two
drivers to store and recall their
unique seat positions for driving the
vehicle, and a shared exit position
for getting out of the vehicle. Other
feature positions may also be set,
such as power mirrors, if equipped.
Memory positions are linked to RKE
transmitter 1 or 2 for automatic
memory recalls.
Before storing, adjust all available
memory feature positions. Turn the
ignition on and then press and
release SET; a beep will sound.
Then immediately press and hold 1,
2, or
B (Exit) on the driver door
until two beeps sound. To manually
recall these positions, press and
hold 1, 2, or
position is reached.
When Auto Memory Recall is
enabled in vehicle personalization,
positions previously stored to
memory buttons 1 and 2 are
recalled when the ignition is
changed from off to on or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
When Easy Exit Options is enabled
in vehicle personalization, the
feature automatically recalls the
previously stored exit position when
exiting the vehicle. See Memory
Seats 0 60.
B until the saved
Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.
See Rear Seats 0 64.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
If available, the buttons are on the
climate control panel. To operate,
the engine must be running.
To heat the driver or passenger seat
cushion and seatback, press
L or
M. Indicator lights on the button
show the current setting.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
To ventilate the driver or passenger
seat, press
on the button show the current
setting.
Press the heated or ventilated
button once for the highest setting.
With each press of the button, the
heated or ventilated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 0 62.
{ or C. Indicator lights
See Head Restraints 0 56 and Seat
Adjustment 0 57.
Seat Belts
In Brief 13
Passenger Sensing System
United States and Canada
Head Restraint Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
seat belts properly:
.
Seat Belts 0 66.
.
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
0 68.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 69.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 0 92.
Mexico
The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag under certain conditions. No
other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System 0 79.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
14 In Brief
The passenger airbag status
indicator will light on the overhead
console when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0 123.
Mirror Adjustment
Interior Mirror
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind your
vehicle.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, the mirror will
automatically reduce the glare of the
headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the
vehicle is started.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror 0 50.
Exterior Mirrors
To adjust a mirror:
1. Press
2. Press the arrows on the control
See Power Mirrors 0 49.
} or | to choose the
driver or passenger mirror.
pad to move each mirror in the
desired direction.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Pull the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp controls are in the
overhead console.
To operate, press the following
buttons:
+ ON/OFF : Press to turn the dome
lamps on manually.
j OFF : Press to turn off the
dome lamps when a door is open.
An indicator light on the button will
turn on when the dome lamp
override is activated. Press
OFF again to deactivate this feature
j
and the indicator light will turn off.
The dome lamps will come on when
doors are opened.
Reading Lamps
There may be front and rear reading
lamps.
If equipped, the front reading lamps
are in the overhead console.
Press the lamp lenses to turn the
reading lamps on or off.
In Brief 15
If equipped, the rear reading lamps
are in the headliner.
Press the button near each lamp to
turn reading lamps on or off.
For more information on interior
lighting, see Instrument Panel
Illumination Control 0 161.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
16 In Brief
Exterior Lighting
5 : Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights.
See:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls 0 157
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
0 159
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering column.
O : Turns the exterior lamps off and
deactivates the AUTO mode. Turn
to
O again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate when the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
AUTO : Turns the exterior lamps on
and off automatically depending on
outside lighting.
; : Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.
With the ignition on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, move the lever to
select the wiper speed.
HI : Use for fast wipes.
LO : Use for slow wipes.
INT : Move the lever up to INT for
intermittent wipes, then adjust the
band to control the frequency of
wipes.
OFF : Use to turn the wipers off.
1X : For a single wipe, briefly move
the lever down. For several wipes,
hold the lever down.
f : Pull the lever toward you to
spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer
0 107.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Climate Controls
If equipped with one of these systems, it controls the heating, cooling, and
ventilation.
Climate Control System
In Brief 17
1. Fan Control
2. MAX Defrost
3. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/
Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/
Start Only)
4. TEMP (Temperature Control)
5. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
6. Recirculation
7. Air Delivery Mode Controls
8. Rear Window Defogger
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
18 In Brief
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
1. Driver and Passenger
Ventilated Seats (If Equipped)
2. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
3. MAX Defrost
4. Air Delivery Mode Controls
5. A/C (Air Conditioning) or Max/
Eco Air Conditioning (Stop/
Start Only)
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
See Climate Control Systems 0 200
or Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 203 (If Equipped).
Transmission
Electronic Range Select
(ERS) Mode
ERS mode allows you to choose the
top-gear limit of the transmission
and the vehicle's speed while
driving downhill or towing a trailer.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
position indicator within the
instrument cluster. When using the
ERS mode a number will display
next to the L, indicating the current
gear that has been selected.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
L (Manual Mode).
2. Press + (Plus) or − (Minus) on
the shift lever to increase or
decrease the gear range
available.
See Manual Mode 0 230.
Hybrid Low Mode
When descending steep grades or
in stop-and-go traffic, L (Low)
provides the ability to slow the
vehicle with regenerative braking
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
when lifting off the accelerator
pedal. L2 provides moderate
braking and L1 provides maximum
braking below 80 km/h (50 mph).
When the battery reaches full
charge the engine may run to
maintain braking.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to L (Low).
The transmission will enter L2.
2. Press + (Plus) or − (Minus) on
the shift lever to shift between
L2 and L1.
See Manual Mode 0 230.
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
Base radio information is included in
this manual. See the infotainment
manual for information on other
available infotainment systems.
Read the following pages to
become familiar with the features.
{
Taking your eyes off the road for
too long or too often while using
any infotainment feature can
cause a crash. You or others
could be injured or killed. Do not
give extended attention to
infotainment tasks while driving.
Limit your glances at the vehicle
displays and focus your attention
on driving. Use voice commands
whenever possible.
The infotainment system has built-in
features intended to help avoid
distraction by disabling some
Warning
In Brief 19
functions when driving. These
functions may gray out when they
are unavailable. Many infotainment
features are also available through
the instrument cluster and steering
wheel controls.
Before driving:
.
Become familiar with the
operation, center stack controls,
and infotainment display
controls.
.
Set up the audio by presetting
favorite stations, setting the
tone, and adjusting the
speakers.
.
Set up phone numbers in
advance so they can be called
easily by pressing a single
control or by using a single voice
command if equipped with
Bluetooth phone capability.
See Defensive Driving 0 211.
To play the infotainment system with
the ignition off, see Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0 225.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
20 In Brief
Radio(s)
Radio without Touchscreen
O : Press and hold to turn the
system on and off. Turn to increase
or decrease the volume.
RADIO : Press to choose between
AM or FM.
MENU : Turn to select radio
stations. Press to select a menu.
7 or 6 : Press to seek the
previous or next station or file.
See Overview 0 167.
Radio with Touchscreen
O : Press to turn the system on.
Press and hold to turn the system
off. Turn to increase or decrease the
volume.
g : Press and release to go to the
previous station, channel, or track.
Press and hold to fast seek the
previous track or strongest previous
station or channel.
d : Press and release to go to the
next station, channel, or track.
Press and hold to fast seek the next
track or strongest station or
channel.
Source : Touch to choose between
available sources.
Menu : Touch to choose between
available menus.
S or T : Touch to view saved
favorite stations or channels.
See Overview 0 167.
Satellite Radio
If equipped, a SiriusXM satellite
radio tuner and a valid SiriusXM
satellite radio subscription can
receive SiriusXM programming.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
SiriusXM service.
Refer to:
.
www.siriusxm.com or call
1-888-601-6296 (U.S.).
.
www.siriusxm.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
See Satellite Radio 0 176.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle has a USB port in the
center stack below the climate
controls. External devices such as
iPods, MP3 players, and USB
storage devices may be connected.
See USB Port 0 179.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
to make and receive hands-free
calls using the vehicle audio system
and controls.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
The Bluetooth-enabled cell phone
must be paired with the in-vehicle
Bluetooth system before it can be
used in the vehicle. Not all phones
will support all functions.
See Bluetooth (Overview) 0 185 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio with Touchscreen) 0 190 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio without Touchscreen) 0 186.
Steering Wheel Controls
See OnStar Overview 0 396,
Bluetooth (Overview) 0 185 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio with Touchscreen) 0 190 or
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls
Radio without Touchscreen) 0 186,
or “Bluetooth (Overview)” in the
infotainment manual.
c : Press to reject an incoming
call or end a current call. Press to
mute or unmute the infotainment
system when not on a call.
In Brief 21
1. Favorite: When on a radio
source, press to select the next
or previous favorite. When on a
media source, press to select
the next or previous track.
2. Volume: Press to increase or
decrease the volume.
See Steering Wheel Controls 0 106.
Cruise Control
g : If equipped with OnStar
Bluetooth
with those systems.
®
system, press to interact
®
or a
The favorite and volume switches
are on the back of the steering
wheel.
5 : Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off. A white indicator
comes on in the instrument cluster
when cruise is turned on.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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22 In Brief
* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
+RES : If there is a set speed in
memory, press to resume that
speed or press and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.
−SET : Press briefly to set the
speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active,
use to decrease vehicle speed.
See Cruise Control 0 237 or
Adaptive Cruise Control 0 240 (If
Equipped).
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC display is in the instrument
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems.
w or x : Press to move up or
down in a list, or on the main view
press to cycle through the different
Info app pages.
o or p : Press o to open
application menus on the left. Press
p to open interaction menus on the
right. Or on the base cluster, press
to move between the DIC menus.
V : Press to select a menu item.
Press and hold to reset values on
certain screens, or on the main view
reset info pages to the original
setting.
See Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
0 114 or Instrument Cluster
(Uplevel) 0 116 and Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 136 or Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0 133.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
If equipped, FCA may help avoid or
reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. FCA provides a
green indicator,
is detected ahead. This indicator
displays amber if you follow a
vehicle much too closely. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 252.
V, when a vehicle
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision
Alert (FCA), it also has FAB, which
includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA). When the system
detects a vehicle ahead in your path
that is traveling in the same
direction that you may be about to
crash into, it can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the
vehicle. This can help avoid or
lessen the severity of crashes when
driving in a forward gear.
See Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB) 0 254.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
If equipped, the FPB system may
help avoid or reduce the harm
caused by front-end crashes with
nearby pedestrians when driving in
a forward gear. FPB displays a
pedestrian ahead indicator when a
nearby pedestrian is detected
directly ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly,
FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps.
FPB can provide a boost to braking
or automatically brake the vehicle.
See Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System 0 256.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal
in that direction. It may also provide
a Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
alert as the lane marking is crossed.
The system will not assist or alert if
it detects that you are actively
steering. Override LKA by turning
the steering wheel. LKA uses a
camera to detect lane markings
between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph).
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
0 260 and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
0 260.
In Brief 23
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding lane change
crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone (or
spot) areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from
behind. The LCA warning display
will light up in the corresponding
outside mirror and will flash if the
turn signal is on. The Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system is
included as part of the LCA system.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0 258 and Lane Change Alert (LCA)
0 258.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC shows a view of
the area behind the vehicle on the
infotainment display when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse) to
aid with parking and low-speed
backing maneuvers.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
24 In Brief
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0 248.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System
If equipped, the RCTA system uses
a triangle with an arrow on the
infotainment display to warn of
traffic behind your vehicle that may
cross your vehicle's path while in
R (Reverse). In addition, beeps will
sound.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0 248.
Parking Assist
If equipped, Front and Rear Parking
Assist (FRPA) uses sensors on the
front and rear bumpers to assist
with parking and avoiding objects
during low-speed parking
maneuvers. It operates at speeds
less than 8 km/h (5 mph). The
system may show a warning triangle
on the infotainment display and a
graphic on the instrument cluster to
provide the object distance. In
addition, multiple beeps may occur
if very close to an object.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing 0 248.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, the APA system helps
to search for and maneuver the
vehicle into parallel or perpendicular
parking spots using automatic
steering, DIC displays, and beeps.
When the vehicle speed is below
30 km/h (18 mph), press
enable the system.
See “Automatic Parking Assist
(APA)” under Assistance Systems
for Parking or Backing 0 248.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
O to
There are two accessory power
outlets:
.
One on the center stack below
the climate control system.
.
One on the rear of the center
console.
Open the protective cover to use the
accessory power outlet.
See Power Outlets 0 110.
Universal Remote System
If equipped, this system provides a
way to replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.
Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
Universal Remote system. Because
of the steps involved, it may be
helpful to have another person
available to assist with programming
the Universal Remote system.
See Universal Remote System
0 153.
Sunroof
If equipped, the ignition must be on
or in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
must be active to operate the
sunroof.
See Ignition Positions 0 220 and
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 225.
1. Sunroof Switch
2. Sunshade Switch
Sunroof Express Operation
Press and release
Press and release again to
express-open. Press the switch at
any time to stop movement. Press
g (1) to express-close.
Sunroof Manual Operation
The sunroof can change to manual
mode by holding
opening. The sunroof will now open
as long as the switch is held. Press
and release again to change back to
express operation.
~ (1) to vent.
~ (1) while
In Brief 25
Power Sunshade
Press
C (2) to express-open the
power sunshade. Press
express-close the power sunshade.
Press again at any time to stop
movement.
The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
See Sunroof 0 53.
Q (2) to
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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26 In Brief
Hybrid Features
Hybrid Vehicle Operation
The hybrid vehicle combines
gasoline and electric propulsion to
drive the vehicle. The gas engine
will automatically start to provide
power. It will shut off to save fuel.
The engine may remain
running when:
.
There is aggressive acceleration
or climbing hills.
.
Vehicle speed is greater than
88 km/h (55 mph).
.
The high voltage battery is
charging.
.
The heater is being used.
The engine and transmission work
together to provide the required
power at the highest efficiency. This
may result in higher engine speeds.
See Driving for Better Fuel
Economy 0 30.
High Voltage Safety Information
Warning
{
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.
If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.
Warning
{
Damage to the high voltage
battery or high voltage system
can create a risk of electric shock,
overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood,
fire, or other event, the vehicle
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Warning (Continued)
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
See Customer Assistance Offices
0 384.
See Battery - North America 0 297
for important safety information.
If an airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 0 78.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery
needs service.
contributing to increased energy
efficiency. See Regenerative
Braking (Hybrid Only) 0 235.
Battery
This vehicle has a standard 12-volt
battery and a high voltage hybrid
battery. When a new standard
12-volt battery is needed, see your
dealer for one that has the
replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. Only a
trained service technician with the
proper knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the hybrid
battery. See your dealer if the high
voltage hybrid battery needs
service. See Battery - North
America 0 297.
Regenerative Braking (Hybrid Only)
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored in
the high voltage battery system,
In Brief 27
Service
Warning
{
Never try to do your own service
on hybrid components. You can
be seriously injured and the
vehicle can be damaged if you try
to do your own service work.
Service and repair of hybrid
components should only be
performed by a trained service
technician with the proper
knowledge and tools. See Doing
Your Own Service Work 0 276.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
28 In Brief
.
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel spin. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is started and begins
to move.
The StabiliTrak system assists with
directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is started and
begins to move.
.
To turn off TCS, press and
release
i illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g on the center console.
g.
To turn off both TCS and
StabiliTrak, press and hold
the center console, until
g illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
.
Press and release
turn on both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 235.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and
g on
i and
g again to
Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0 216. The
warning light will remain on until the
tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and
the tires need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 323.
Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L Engines)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 9/6/17
Regular Fuel
Use only unleaded gasoline rated
87 octane or higher in your vehicle.
Do not use gasoline with an octane
rating lower as it may result in
vehicle damage and lower fuel
economy. See Fuel 0 262.
Fuel (2.0L Engine)
E85 or FlexFuel
No E85 or FlexFuel
Gasoline-ethanol fuel blends greater
than E15 (15% ethanol by volume),
such as E85, cannot be used in this
vehicle.
Engine Oil Life System
Premium Recommended Fuel
Use premium 93 octane unleaded
gasoline in your vehicle. Unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating as
low as 87 may be used, but it will
reduce performance and fuel
economy. See Fuel 0 262.
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on the
right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE
In Brief 29
on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0 136 or Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 0 133. When remaining
oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
will appear on the display.
2. Press
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off and the REMAINING
OIL LIFE 100% message is
displayed.
See Engine Oil Life System 0 286.
V on the DIC controls
and hold down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
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