Chevrolet MALIBU LIMITED Owner's Manual
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 26
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 94
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . 96
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 140
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 177
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 309
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 325
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 335
OnStar .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 339
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
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 Limited” for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 23179986 A First Printing
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 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
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
savant:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
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.
Danger
{
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
©
2015 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
Introduction 3
Warning
{
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
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
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. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
(if equipped)
$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
` : Do Not Puncture
^ : Do Not Service
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
g : First Responder
_ : Flame/Fire Prohibited
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j : LATCH System Child Restraints
* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
O : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
d : Traction Control/StabiliTrak
®
a : Under Pressure
M : Windshield Washer Fluid
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
4 Introduction
2 NOTES
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . .... 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 9
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated Seats . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Windshield Wiper/Washer .... . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . 19
Bluetooth
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 20
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 21
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 21
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 21
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Universal Remote System . . . . . 22
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 22
®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 24
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 24
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy .... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . 24
Roadside Assistance
Program . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
6 In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 7
1. Air Vents 0 174.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0 135.
Driver Information Center
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0 113.
3. Instrument Cluster 0 102.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 113.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 0 98.
5. Storage Area (If Equipped).
See Instrument Panel Storage
0 94.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0 134.
7. Infotainment 0 140.
8. CD Player 0 151.
9. Climate Control Systems
0 168.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 171.
10. Heated Front Seats 0 54 (If
Equipped).
11. Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 203.
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) 0 214 (If Equipped).
12. Power Outlets 0 100.
13. Parking Brake 0 201.
14. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0 198.
15. Hazard Warning Flashers
0 135.
16. Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0 188 or Ignition
Positions (Key Access) 0 190.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 0 97.
18. Horn 0 98.
19. Steering Wheel Adjustment
0 97.
20. Cruise Control 0 205.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 211 (If Equipped).
21. Hood Release. See Hood
0 228.
22. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0 107.
23. Storage Compartment. See
Instrument Panel Storage 0 94.
24. Exterior Lamp Controls 0 133.
Fog Lamps 0 136 (If
Equipped).
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0 136.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
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 manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
With Remote Start Shown
Press the button to extend the key.
The key can be used for all locks.
This key is also used for the
ignition, if the vehicle does not have
pushbutton start.
K : Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors.
Q : Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.
Y : Press and hold 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 26 and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 0 28.
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.
Remote start can be extended.
/
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 9
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 34.
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 28.
.
Use the key in the driver door.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
/ until the
.
.
.
See Door Locks 0 35 or Power Door
Locks 0 36.
Q or K on the door lock
Press
switch.
Push the lock knob on the driver
door to lock all doors. Push the
lock knob on a passenger door
to lock only that door.
Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pulling the
handle again unlatches the door.
Windows
Press the switch down to open the
window. Pull the front of the switch
up to close it.
The power windows only operate
with the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0 195.
Express Window Operation
Windows with an express-down
feature allow the window to be
lowered without holding the switch.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
10 In Brief
If equipped, windows may also have
an express-up feature. Pull a
window switch up or press it down
all the way, release it, and the
window goes up or down
automatically. Stop the window by
pulling or pressing the switch in the
same direction a second time, or by
briefly operating the switch to the
first detent in either direction.
See Power Windows 0 44.
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.
Seat Height Adjuster
Seat Adjustment
Manual Front Seats
Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch to raise or lower the seat.
Release the switch when the
desired height is reached.
To adjust a manual seat:
See Seat Adjustment 0 50.
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 front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
.
Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment 0 51.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 11
Lumbar Adjustment
If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.
See Lumbar Adjustment 0 51.
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.
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.
.
Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.
See Reclining Seatbacks 0 51.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
12 In Brief
Memory Features
placed in OFF. These automatically
stored positions are referred to as
RKE Memory positions.
See Memory Seats 0 53 and
Vehicle Personalization 0 123.
Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.
See Rear Seats 0 55.
Heated Seats
On vehicles with the memory
feature, the 1 and 2 buttons on the
outboard side of the driver seat are
used to manually store and recall
the positions of the driver seat and
outside mirrors. These manually
stored positions are referred to as
Button Memory positions.
The vehicle will also automatically
store driver seat and outside mirror
positions to the current driver
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter when the ignition is
If available, the buttons are on the
climate control panel. To operate,
the engine must be running.
Press
M or L to heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the
button show the current setting.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated 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 Front Seats 0 54.
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.
See Head Restraints 0 49 and Seat
Adjustment 0 50.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 13
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly:
.
Safety Belts 0 57.
.
How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly 0 58.
.
Lap-Shoulder Belt 0 59.
.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 0 82.
Passenger Sensing System
United States
Canada
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 69.
The passenger airbag status
indicator will light on the overhead
console when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0 105.
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 44.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
14 In Brief
Exterior Mirrors
1. Turn the selector switch to L
(Left) or R (Right) to choose
the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the
mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to
to deselect the mirror.
(
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. Push the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The interior lamps control in the
overhead console controls both the
front and rear interior lamps.
To operate, press the buttons:
E : Turns the lamps off.
1 : Turns the lamps on when any
door is opened.
+ : Keeps the lamps on all
the time.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 15
Reading Lamps
There are front and rear reading
lamps in the overhead console and
the headliner.
Front Reading Lamps
Rear Reading Lamps
# or $ : Press the button near
each lamp to turn it on or off.
For more information, see
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0 136.
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel on the left side of
the steering wheel.
O : Turns off the exterior lamps.
The knob returns to the AUTO
position after it is released. Turn to
O again to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate once the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
AUTO : Automatically turns the
exterior lamps on and off,
depending on outside lighting.
; : Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.
2 : Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights.
See:
.
Exterior Lamp Controls 0 133.
.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
0 134.
.
Fog Lamps 0 136.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
16 In Brief
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is on the right side of the steering
column.
With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
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 turn the
INT band up for more frequent
wipes or down for less frequent
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.
x
n L : Pull the lever toward you to
spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer 0 98.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
Climate Controls
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
Climate Control System
In Brief 17
1. Fan Control
2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/
Eco Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. Temperature Control
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Recirculation
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
18 In Brief
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
1. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/
Eco Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. SYNC
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Fan Control
9. Recirculation
10. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
See Climate Control Systems 0 168
or Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0 171 (If Equipped).
Transmission
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC allows you to change gears
similar to a manual transmission. To
use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual).
2. Press the + (plus) end of the
button on the top of the shift
lever to upshift, or press the −
(minus) end of the button to
downshift.
See Manual Mode 0 200.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 19
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, navigation system,
and voice or speech recognition.
It also includes information on
settings.
Radio(s)
VOL/ O : Press to turn the system
on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
RADIO/BAND : Press to choose
between FM, AM, or SiriusXM
if equipped.
TUNE/MENU : Turn to select radio
stations. Press to select a menu.
© SEEK ¨ : Press to seek the
previous or next station or track.
INFO : Press to show available
information about the current station
or track.
See Overview 0 141.
®
,
Satellite Radio
If equipped, vehicles with a
SiriusXM
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:
.
.
See Satellite Radio 0 148.
®
satellite radio tuner and a
www.siriusxm.com or call
1-866-635-2349 (U.S.).
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-209-0079 (Canada).
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
port in the center console. External
devices such as iPods
computers, MP3 players, and USB
storage devices may be connected.
See Auxiliary Devices 0 152.
Bluetooth
The Bluetooth®system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile
phone to make and receive
hands-free calls using the vehicle
audio system and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled mobile
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 (Infotainment
Controls) 0 158 or Bluetooth (Voice
Recognition) 0 162 or Bluetooth
(Overview) 0 157.
®
®
, laptop
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
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20 In Brief
Steering Wheel Controls
Press SRC to change between
radio and CD.
Press and hold SRC to interact with
the navigation system, if equipped.
+
x − : Press + to increase or − to
decrease the volume.
See Steering Wheel Controls 0 97.
Cruise Control
b / g : Press to interact with
OnStar, Bluetooth, or navigation,
if equipped.
$ / i : Press to mute. Press
again to turn the sound on. Press to
reject an incoming call, or to end a
current call.
_ SRC ^ : Use to select a radio
band or audio source.
Use
_ or ^ to select the next or
previous favorite radio station, CD
track, or MP3 track.
1 : Press to turn the cruise control
on or off. A white indicator comes
on in the instrument cluster.
* : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
RES/+ : If there is a set speed in
memory, press the control up briefly
to resume to that speed or hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed.
SET/− : Press the control down
briefly to set the speed and activate
cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease
speed.
See Cruise Control 0 205.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC display is in the center of
the instrument cluster. It shows the
status of many vehicle systems. The
controls for the DIC are on the turn
signal lever.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 21
vehicle much too closely. When
approaching a vehicle ahead too
quickly, FCA provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps.
1. SET/CLR: Press to set,
or press and hold to clear, the
menu item displayed.
2.
w / x : Use the band to
scroll through the items in
each menu.
3. MENU: Press to display the
DIC menus. This button is also
used to return to or exit the last
screen displayed on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 113.
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
V, when a vehicle
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 211.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
unintentional lane departures at
speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. LDW uses a camera sensor
to detect the lane markings. The
LDW light,
marking is detected. If the vehicle
departs the lane without using a turn
signal in that direction, the light will
change to amber and flash. In
addition, beeps will sound.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
0 214.
@, is green if a lane
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, SBZA will detect
moving vehicles in the next lane
over in the vehicle's side blind zone
area. When this happens, the SBZA
display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror
and will flash if the turn signal is on.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
0 212.
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC displays a view of
the area behind the vehicle, on the
center stack display, when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
0 207.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System
If equipped, the RCTA system uses
a triangle with an arrow displayed
on the RVC screen to warn of traffic
behind your vehicle that may cross
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
22 In Brief
your vehicle's path while in
R (Reverse). In addition, beeps will
sound.
See “Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA)” under Rear Vision Camera
(RVC) 0 207.
Parking Assist
If equipped, Rear Parking Assist
(RPA) uses sensors on the rear
bumper to assist with parking and
avoiding objects while in
R (Reverse). It operates at speeds
less than 8 km/h (5 mph) and uses
audible beeps to provide distance
and system information.
Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See Parking Assist 0 209.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two accessory power
outlets: one on the center stack
below the climate control and one
under the armrest inside the center
console storage.
Open the protective cover to use the
accessory power outlet.
See Power Outlets 0 100.
Universal Remote System
If equipped, this system provides a
way to replace up to three remote
control transmitters used to activate
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
0 129.
Sunroof
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
switches used to operate it are on
the headliner above the rearview
mirror. The ignition must be in ON/
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to
operate the sunroof. See Ignition
Positions (Keyless Access) 0 188 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
0 190 and Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0 195.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 23
The sunroof cannot be opened or
closed if the vehicle has an
electrical failure.
Anti-Pinch Feature
If an object is in the path of the
sunroof when it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature detects the object
and stops the sunroof from closing
at the point of the obstruction. The
sunroof then returns to the full-open
position.
Open/Close : Press and hold the
front or rear of the switch (1) to open
or close the sunroof. The sunshade
automatically opens with the
sunroof, but must be closed
manually.
Express Open/Close : Press and
release the front or rear of the
switch (1) to express-open or
express-close the sunroof.
Vent/Close : Press and hold the
rear of the switch (2) to vent the
sunroof. Press and hold the front of
the switch to close.
See Sunroof 0 46.
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control
The traction control system limits
wheel spin. The system turns on
automatically every time the vehicle
is started.
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.
.
To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/StabiliTrak
button
g on the center stack. i
illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
.
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on traction control.
.
To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
the TCS/StabiliTrak button
g on
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
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24 In Brief
the center stack, until i and g
illuminate in the instrument
cluster.
.
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button again to turn
on both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 203.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
Vehicle Load Limits 0 184. 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
0 270.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
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
Loading Information label. See
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. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN
with the engine off.
2. Press the DIC MENU button on
the turn signal lever to enter
the Vehicle Information Menu.
Use the thumbwheel to scroll
through the menu items until
you reach REMAINING
OIL LIFE.
3. Press the SET/CLR button to
reset the oil life at 100%.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System 0 233.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving tips
to get the best fuel economy
possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.
Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
.
Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
.
Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
.
Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.
Replace the vehicle's tires with
the same TPC Spec number
molded into the tire's sidewall
near the size.
.
Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
New Chevrolet owners are
automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance Program.
See Roadside Assistance Program
0 329.
Roadside Assistance Program
U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
TTY Users (U.S. Only):
1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
In Brief 25
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
26 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . 34
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Delayed Locking . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 36
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 36
Lockout Protection . . . . . .. . . . . . . 36
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . 37
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 43
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . 43
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Interior Mirrors
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . 43
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . 43
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 44
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . 44
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . 46
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 46
Doors
Trunk . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . .... . . . . . 39
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . 39
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Immobilizer Operation (Key
Access) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless
Access) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Keys and Locks
Keys
Warning
{
Leaving children in a vehicle with
an ignition key or Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is
dangerous and children or others
could be seriously injured or
killed. They could operate the
power window or other controls or
make the vehicle move. The
windows will function with the key
in the ignition or with the RKE
transmitter in the vehicle, and
children or others could be caught
in the path of a closing window.
Do not leave children in a vehicle
with the ignition key or an RKE
transmitter.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
Warning (Continued)
impacted, and airbags may not
deploy. To reduce the risk of
unintentional rotation of the
ignition key, do not change the
way the ignition key and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter,
if equipped, are connected to the
provided key rings.
Keys, Doors, and Windows 27
Warning
{
If the key is unintentionally
rotated while the vehicle is
running, the ignition could be
moved out of the RUN position.
This could be caused by heavy
items hanging from the key ring,
or by large or long items attached
to the key ring that could be
contacted by the driver or
steering wheel. If the ignition
moves out of the RUN position,
the engine will shut off, braking
and steering power assist may be
(Continued)
If the vehicle is equipped with a
keyed ignition, the ignition key, key
rings, and RKE transmitter,
if equipped, are designed to work
together. As a system, it reduces
the risk of unintentionally moving
the key out of the RUN position.
If replacements or additions are
required, see your dealer. Limit
added items to a few essential keys
or small, light items no larger than
an RKE transmitter.
The key that is part of the RKE
transmitter can be used for the
ignition and all locks if the vehicle is
a Key Access vehicle. If the vehicle
has the keyless ignition, the key can
be used for the locks.
Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
If the vehicle has an ignition and it
becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see
Roadside Assistance Program
0 329.
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview 0 339.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 335.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows
for vehicle entry when the
transmitter is within range. See
“Keyless Access Operation”
following.
The transmitter functions may work
up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the
vehicle.
Other conditions, such as those
previously stated, can impact the
performance of the transmitter.
With Remote Start Shown
Q (Lock) : Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound on the
second press to indicate locking.
See Vehicle Personalization 0 123.
If the driver door is open when
pressed, all doors lock except the
driver door, if enabled through
vehicle personalization. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 123.
If the passenger door is open when
Q is
Q is pressed, all doors lock.
Pressing
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 39.
Q may also arm the alarm
K (Unlock) : Press to unlock the
driver door or all doors. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 123.
The turn signal indicators may flash
to indicate unlocking. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 123.
Pressing
system. See Vehicle Alarm System
0 39.
Memory seat positions may be
recalled when unlocking the vehicle.
See Memory Seats 0 53 and
Vehicle Personalization 0 123.
K will disarm the alarm
Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
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Keys, Doors, and Windows 29
Y (Remote Trunk Release) :
Press and hold to open the trunk.
7 (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm) : Press and release one
time to initiate vehicle locator. The
exterior lamps flash and the horn
chirps three times.
Press and hold
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. The horn sounds and the
turn signals flash for about
30 seconds until
or the vehicle is started.
7 for at least
7 is pressed again
/ (Remote Vehicle Start) : For
vehicles with this feature, press
and release and then press and
/ for at least four seconds to
hold
start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start 0 34.
The RKE transmitter buttons will not
operate when the key is in the
ignition.
Q
Keyless Access Operation
If equipped, the Keyless Access
system allows the door and trunk to
be locked and unlocked without
pressing the RKE transmitter button.
The RKE transmitter must be within
1 m (3 ft) of the door being opened.
If the vehicle has this feature, there
will be a button on the outside front
door handles.
The Keyless Access can be
programmed to unlock all doors on
the first unlock/lock button press
from the driver door. See Vehicle
Personalization 0 123.
Keyless Unlocking/Locking from
the Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft)
of the driver door handle, pressing
the lock/unlock button on the driver
door handle will unlock the driver
door. If the lock/unlock button is
pressed again within five seconds,
all passenger doors will unlock. Pull
the door handle to unlatch the door.
Driver Side Shown, Passenger
Similar
Pressing the lock/unlock button will
cause all doors to lock if any of the
following occur:
.
It has been more than
five seconds since the first lock/
unlock button press.
.
Two lock/unlock button presses
were used to unlock all doors.
.
Any vehicle door has opened
and all doors are now closed.
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