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2011 Malibu
2011 Malibu
2011 Malibu
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Introduction iii
Litho in U.S.A.
©
Part No. 20786885 B Second Printing I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
iv Introduction
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
Introduction v
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
vi Introduction
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
In Brief 1-1
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
1-2 In Brief
Instrument Panel
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
In Brief 1-3
A. Air Vents on page 8‑9. J. Cruise Control on page 9‑32. Q. Hazard Warning Flashers on
B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. Driver Information Center (DIC) page 6‑4.
See Turn and Lane-Change Buttons. See Driver Information R. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Signals on page 6‑4. Center (DIC) on page 5‑22. Transmission on page 9‑24.
C. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑9. K. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out S. Front Storage on page 4‑2.
D. Windshield Wiper/Washer on of View). See Malfunction Power Outlets on page 5‑7.
page 5‑3. Indicator Lamp on page 5‑15.
T. Passenger Sensing System on
E. Instrument Panel Storage on L. Steering Wheel Adjustment on page 3‑32.
page 4‑1. page 5‑2.
U. Traction Control System (TCS)
F. Infotainment on page 7‑1. M. Horn on page 5‑3. on page 9‑29.
G. Instrument Panel Illumination N. Steering Wheel Controls on V. Glove Box on page 4‑1.
Control on page 6‑5. page 5‑2 (If Equipped).
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
1-4 In Brief
In Brief 1-5
When the vehicle starts, the parking Door Locks See Trunk on page 2‑9.
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The Manual Locks Windows
doors will be locked and the climate From inside the vehicle slide the
control system may come on. door lock knob to unlock or lock
The engine will continue to run for a door.
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote Power Door Locks
start can be extended only once. On vehicles with power door locks,
the switches are on the front doors.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
": Press to unlock the doors.
. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
Q: Press to lock the doors.
1-6 In Brief
Manual Seats
Seat Position
In Brief 1-7
To return the seatback to the upright Power Seats See Power Seat Adjustment on
position: page 3‑4.
Seat Position
1. Lift the lever fully without Seatback Adjustment
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.
See “Manual Reclining Seatbacks”
under Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑5.
1-8 In Brief
Lumbar Adjustment Second Row Seats Push and pull on the seatback to be
sure it is locked in position. Make
With this feature, either side of the sure that the safety belts are
seatback can be folded down for properly stowed over the seatback
more cargo space. Before folding a in all three positions.
seatback, make sure the front seat
is not reclined. If it is, the rear See Rear Seats on page 3‑8 for
seatback will not fold down all more information.
the way.
Heated Seats
In Brief 1-9
Press the top of the switch again to Safety Belts Sensing System for
go to the low heat setting. The
indicator light “1” will be lit.
Passenger Airbag
Press the bottom of the switch to The passenger sensing system will
turn the feature off. turn off the right front passenger
frontal airbag under certain
The heated seats are canceled conditions. The driver airbags are
when the ignition is turned off. not affected by this.
For more information, see Heated The passenger airbag status
Front Seats on page 3‑7. indicator will be visible on the
instrument panel when the vehicle is
Head Restraint started.
Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and Refer to the following sections for
adjusted properly. important information on how to use
safety belts properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
. Safety Belts on page 3‑9.
recline angle as little as necessary . How to Wear Safety Belts
while keeping the seat and the head Properly on page 3‑13.
restraint height in the proper . Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑18.
position.
. Lower Anchors and Tethers for
For more information see Head
Children (LATCH System) on
Restraints on page 3‑2 and Seat
page 3‑48.
Adjustment on page 3‑3.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
1-10 In Brief
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
In Brief 1-11
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
1-12 In Brief
Exterior Lighting For more information, see: 9: Turns the wipers off.
. Exterior Lamp Controls on &: For intermittent or speed
page 6‑1. sensitive operation. While in this
. Delayed Headlamps on position, turn the x band up or
page 6‑3. down to vary frequency.
. Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) The amount of delay time varies
on page 6‑2. between wiping cycles due to the
delay setting selected or the speed
. Automatic Headlamp System on of the vehicle. As vehicle speed is
P: Briefly turn to this position to page 6‑3. increased or decreased, the wiper
manually turn the automatic lamp . Fog Lamps on page 6‑4. interval also increases or
control off or on.
decreases.
In Canada, this position only works Windshield Wiper/Washer 6 : Slow wipes.
when a vehicle is in the P (Park)
position. When the vehicle is put 1 : Fast wipes.
into D (Drive) the lights come on. 8: Use for a single wiping cycle.
AUTO: Automatically turns on the Windshield Washer: Press the
Daytime Running Lamps during button at the end of the lever until
daytime, and the headlamps, the washers begin.
parking lamps, and taillamps at
night. See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
The windshield wiper lever is page 5‑3.
;: Manual operation of the parking located on the right side of the
lamps and taillamps. steering column.
2: Manual operation of the
headlamps, parking lamps, and
taillamps.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (13,1)
In Brief 1-13
Climate Controls
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
1-14 In Brief
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
In Brief 1-15
2. Press the + (plus) end of the O : Press to turn the system on BAND: Press to choose between
button on the side of the shifter and off. Turn to increase or FM, AM, or XM™, if equipped.
to upshift, or push the − (minus) decrease the volume.
end of the button to downshift. f: Select radio stations.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑25. I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
1-16 In Brief
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
In Brief 1-17
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
1-18 In Brief
Steering Wheel Controls b g : Press to silence the vehicle J: Press to turn the cruise control
speakers only. Press again to turn system on and off.
the sound on. Press and hold longer RES+: Press briefly to make the
than two seconds to interact with vehicle resume a previously set
the OnStar® or Bluetooth systems. speed or press and hold to
x c : Press to reject an accelerate.
incoming call, or to end a call. SET−: Press to set the speed and
For more information, see Steering activate cruise control or make the
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2. vehicle decelerate.
For more information, see Cruise
Cruise Control Control on page 9‑32.
In Brief 1-19
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
1-20 In Brief
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
In Brief 1-21
indicator that the tire pressures are Engine Oil Life System Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure. The engine oil life system calculates Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
engine oil life based on vehicle use and a yellow fuel cap can use either
The TPMS does not replace normal and displays the “Change Oil Soon” unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
monthly tire maintenance. It is the DIC message when it is necessary containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
driver’s responsibility to maintain to change the engine oil and filter. See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
correct tire pressures. The oil life system should be reset page 9‑37. For all other vehicles,
See Tire Pressure Monitor System to 100% only following an oil use only the unleaded gasoline
on page 10‑53. change. described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑35.
Resetting the Oil Life System
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, Driving for Better Fuel
with the engine off.
Economy
This vehicle may come with a jack 2. Press and hold the DIC INFO
and spare tire or a tire sealant and and reset buttons, on the left Driving habits can affect fuel
compressor kit. The kit can be used side of the steering wheel, mileage. Here are some driving tips
to temporarily seal small punctures at the same time to enter the to get the best fuel economy
in the tread area of the tire. personalization menu. The “Oil possible.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor Life Reset” message displays. . Avoid fast starts and accelerate
Kit on page 10‑67 for complete 3. Press and hold the reset button smoothly.
operating information. until the DIC display shows . Brake gradually and avoid
If the vehicle came with a jack and “Acknowledged.” abrupt stops.
spare tire, see If a Tire Goes Flat on 4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF. . Avoid idling the engine for long
page 10‑65. periods of time.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
1-22 In Brief
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
Roadside Assistance Roadside Assistance and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
cruise control. Program
If you have an active OnStar
. Always follow posted speed U.S.: 1-800-243-8872
subscription, press the Q button
limits or drive more slowly when TTY Users (U.S.): 1-888-889-2438 and the current GPS location will be
conditions require.
Canada: 1-800-268-6800 sent to an OnStar advisor who will
. Keep vehicle tires properly assess your problem, contact
inflated. Mexico: 01-800-466-0800 Roadside Assistance, and relay
. Combine several trips into a As the owner of a new Chevrolet, your exact location to get the help
single trip. you are automatically enrolled in the you need.
Roadside Assistance program.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with Online Owner Center (U.S. and
the same TPC Spec number See Roadside Assistance Program Canada)
molded into the tire's sidewall (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑8 or
The Online Owner Center is a
near the size. Roadside Assistance Program
complimentary service that includes
(Mexico) on page 13‑10 for more
. Follow recommended scheduled online service reminders, vehicle
information.
maintenance. maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
www.chevyownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
In Brief 1-23
1-24 In Brief
hardware. The vehicle has to have a See Radio Frequency Statement on Your Responsibility
working electrical system and page 13‑19 for information
Increase the volume of the radio if
adequate battery power for the regarding Part 15 of the Federal
the OnStar Advisor cannot be
OnStar equipment to operate. Communications Commission (FCC)
heard.
OnStar service may not work if the rules and Industry Canada
OnStar equipment isn’t properly Standards RSS-210/220/310. If the light next to the OnStar
installed or you haven’t maintained buttons is red, the system may not
it and the vehicle is in good working OnStar Steering Wheel be functioning properly. Push the
order and in compliance with all Controls Q button and request a vehicle
government regulations. If you try to This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute diagnostic check. If the light
add, connect, or modify any button that can be used to interact appears clear (no light appears),
equipment or software in the with OnStar Hands-Free calling. your OnStar subscription has
vehicle, OnStar service may not See Steering Wheel Controls on expired and all services have been
work. Other problems OnStar can’t page 5‑2 for more information. deactivated. Push the Q button to
control may prevent service to you, confirm that the OnStar equipment
such as hills, tall buildings, tunnels, On some vehicles, the Talk button
can be used to dial numbers into is active.
weather, electrical system design
and architecture of the vehicle, voice mail systems, or to dial phone
damage to important parts of the extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone Guide for more information.
network congestion or jamming.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
See “EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS” under Programming Transmitters to Notice: When replacing the
Vehicle Personalization on the Vehicle battery, do not touch any of the
page 5‑30 for additional information. circuitry on the transmitter. Static
Only RKE transmitters programmed from your body could damage the
Pressing K on the RKE transmitter to the vehicle will work. If a transmitter.
disarms the anti-theft alarm system. transmitter is lost or stolen, a
See Anti-Theft Alarm System on replacement can be purchased and
page 2‑11. programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
V (Remote Trunk Release): programmed to the vehicle, all
Press and hold for about
remaining transmitters must also be
one second to unlock the trunk. The
programmed. Any lost or stolen
trunk can be opened with the
transmitters no longer work once the
transmitter when the vehicle speed
new transmitter is programmed.
is less than 3 km/h (2 mph) or when
Each vehicle can have up to four
the ignition is off.
transmitters programmed to it.
L (Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to Battery Replacement
locate the vehicle. The horn sounds Replace the battery if the KEY FOB
three times and the headlamps and BATT (Battery) LOW message To replace the battery:
turn signals flash three times. displays in the DIC. See “KEY FOB 1. Separate the transmitter with a
BATT (Battery) LOW” under Key
Press and hold L for more than flat, thin object inserted into the
and Lock Messages on page 5‑27 notch on the side.
two seconds to initiate the panic for additional information.
alarm. The horn sounds and the 2. Remove the old battery. Do not
headlamps and turn signals flash for use a metal object.
30 seconds. Press L again to
cancel the panic alarm.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
3. Insert the new battery, positive doing so. Check local regulations for To start the vehicle using the remote
side facing up. Replace with a any requirements on remote starting start feature:
CR2032 or equivalent battery. of vehicles. 1. Aim the transmitter at the
4. Snap the transmitter back Do not use the remote start feature vehicle.
together. if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your 2. Press and release the
vehicle may run out of fuel. transmitter's lock button, then
Remote Vehicle Start If your vehicle has the remote start immediately press and hold the
Your vehicle may have a remote feature, the RKE transmitter transmitter's remote start button
starting feature that allows you to functions will have an increased for about four seconds or until
start the engine from outside the range of operation. However, the the vehicle's turn signal lamps
vehicle. It may also start the range may be less while the vehicle flash. The doors will lock.
vehicle's heating or air conditioning is running. When the vehicle starts, the
systems and rear window defogger. There are other conditions which parking lamps turn on and
When the remote start system is can affect the performance of the remain on while the engine is
active and the vehicle has an transmitter, see Remote Keyless running.
automatic climate control system, it Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2 for
will automatically regulate the inside The remote start feature provides
additional information. two separate starts per ignition
temperature. Normal operation of
these systems will return after the / (Remote Start): This button will cycle, each with 10 minutes of
ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. be on the RKE transmitter if the engine running time, or one start
vehicle has remote start. with a time extension. The first start
Laws in some communities may must expire or be canceled to get
restrict the use of remote starters. two separate 10 minute starts.
For example, some laws may
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view when
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
When an alarm event has finished, Immobilizer the system. Only the correct key
the system will re-arm itself starts the vehicle. The vehicle may
automatically. See Radio Frequency Statement on not start if the key is damaged.
page 13‑19 for information
How to Turn Off the System regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Alarm Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
To turn off the system alarm:
Standards RSS-210/220/310.
. Press the lock button on the
RKE transmitter. The system will Immobilizer Operation
then re-arm itself.
This vehicle has a passive The security light, located in the
. Press the unlock button on the theft-deterrent system. instrument panel cluster, comes on
RKE transmitter. This will also if there is a problem with arming or
disarm the system. The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed. disarming the theft-deterrent
. Insert the key in the ignition and system.
turn it on. This will also disarm The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the key is When trying to start the vehicle, the
the system. security light comes on briefly when
removed from the ignition.
How to Detect a Tamper the ignition is turned on.
The system is automatically
Condition disarmed when the vehicle is If the engine does not start and the
started with the correct key. The key security light stays on there is a
If three chirps are heard when the
uses a transponder that matches an problem with the system. Turn the
unlock or lock button is pressed on
immobilizer control unit in the ignition off and try again.
the RKE transmitter, it means that
the system alarm was previously vehicle and automatically disarms
triggered.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (13,1)
If the engine still does not start, and 3. After the engine has started, turn Exterior Mirrors
the key appears to be undamaged the key to LOCK/OFF, and
or the light continues to stay on, try remove the key.
another ignition key. If the engine Convex Mirrors
4. Insert the key to be programmed
does not start with the other key, the and turn it to ON/RUN within
vehicle needs service. If the vehicle five seconds of the original key { WARNING
does start, the first key may be being turned to LOCK/OFF in
damaged. See your dealer who can A convex mirror can make things,
Step 3. like other vehicles, look farther
service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made. The security light will turn off away than they really are. If you
once the key has been cut too sharply into the right lane,
It is possible for the theft-deterrent programmed. It may not be
system decoder to learn the you could hit a vehicle on the
apparent that the security light right. Check the inside mirror or
transponder value of a new or went on due to how quickly the
replacement key. Up to 10 keys can glance over your shoulder before
key is programmed. changing lanes.
be programmed for the vehicle. The
following procedure is for 5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
programming additional keys only. additional keys are to be The passenger side mirror is convex
programmed. shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
To program the new key:
Do not leave the key or device that curved so more can be seen from
1. Verify that the new key has a 1 disarms or deactivates the theft the driver seat.
stamped on it. deterrent system in the vehicle.
2. Insert the already programmed
key in the ignition and start the
engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer for service.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
Power Windows To stop the window while it is To program the driver window, follow
lowering, pull the front of the switch these steps:
momentarily. To raise the window, 1. With the ignition in ACC/
pull and hold the front of the switch. ACCESSORY, ON/RUN,
Express-Up Window or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active, close all
On windows with this feature, pull doors.
the switch up to the second position
and release the switch to activate 2. Press and hold the power
the express-up feature. To stop the window switch until the window
window as it is going up, pull up or is fully open.
press down briefly on the switch 3. Pull the power window switch up
again. until the window is fully closed.
Programming the Power 4. Continue holding the switch up
The power window switches are Windows for approximately two seconds
located on the armrest on the after the window is completely
If the battery on the vehicle has closed.
driver's door. In addition, there is a been recharged, disconnected,
switch on each passenger door. or is not working, the driver The window is now reprogrammed.
Express-Down Window power window will need to be
re-programmed for the express-up
The driver window has an feature to work. Replace or
express-down feature. This switch is recharge the vehicle's battery
labeled AUTO. Press the front all before reprogramming.
the way down and release, to
automatically lower.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
Express Window Anti-Pinch Express Window Anti‐Pinch In this mode, the window can still
Feature Override close on an object in its path. Use
care when using the override mode.
If any object is in the path of the
window when the express‐up is { WARNING Window Lockout
active, the window stops at the
If express override is activated, The driver power window controls
obstruction and auto‐reverse to a
the window will not reverse also include a lockout button.
preset factory position. Weather
conditions such as severe icing automatically. You or others could o (Window Lockout): Press the
may also cause the window to be injured and the window could lockout button to stop the rear
auto‐reverse. The window returns be damaged. Before you use passengers from using their window
to normal operation once the express override, make sure that switches. The driver and front
obstruction or condition is removed. all people and obstructions are passenger can still operate all the
clear of the window path. windows with the lock on. When the
red part of the switch is visible, you
have returned to normal window
In an emergency, the anti‐pinch operation.
feature can be overridden in a
supervised mode. Hold the window
switch all the way up to the second
position. The window rises for as
long as the switch is held. Once the
switch is released, the express
mode is re‐activated.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
Head Restraints
The vehicle's front and rear seats
have adjustable head restraints in
the outboard seating positions.
{ WARNING
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not Adjust the head restraint so that the To lower the head restraint, press
drive until the head restraints for top of the restraint is at the same the button located on top of the
all occupants are installed and height as the top of the occupant's seatback, and push the head
adjusted properly. head. This position reduces the restraint down. Try to move the
chance of a neck injury in a crash. head restraint after the button is
The height of the head restraint can released to make sure that it is
be adjusted. Pull the head restraint locked in place.
up to raise it. Try to move the head The vehicle's front and rear seat
restraint to make sure that it is outboard head restraints are not
locked in place. designed to be removed.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Seat Adjustment
Seat Position
{ WARNING
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust a
manual driver seat while the
vehicle is moving. The sudden
movement could startle and
confuse you, or make you push a
pedal when you do not want to. 1. Lift the bar under the front of the If available, press and hold the top
Adjust the driver seat only when seat cushion to unlock the seat. or bottom of the switch to raise or
the vehicle is not moving. 2. Slide the seat to the desired lower the seat. Release the switch
position and release the bar. when the desired height is reached.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to make sure it is locked in
place.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
{ WARNING
You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust the
seat while the vehicle is moving.
The sudden movement could
startle and confuse you, or make
you push a pedal when you do
not want to. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not
moving. To adjust a power seat, if available:
. Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control A. Increase Lumbar Support
forward or rearward. Control
. Raise or lower the front or rear B. Decrease Lumbar Support
part of the seat cushion by Control
moving the front or rear of the If available, press the front (A) or
control up or down. rear (B) of the control to increase or
. Raise or lower the entire seat by decrease lumbar support. Release
moving the entire control up the control when the desired level of
or down. support is reached.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
{ WARNING
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures. To
reduce the risk of burns, people
with such a condition should use
care when using the seat heater,
especially for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on If available, press the top of the
the seat that insulates against switch to turn the heat feature on to
To adjust a power seatback, heat, such as a blanket, cushion, the high heat setting. The indicator
if equipped: cover, or similar item. This may light “2” will be lit.
. Tilt the top of the control cause the seat heater to Press the top of the switch again to
rearward to recline. overheat. An overheated seat go to the low heat setting. The
heater may cause a burn or may indicator light “1” will be lit.
. Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise. damage the seat. Press the bottom of the switch to
turn the feature off.
The heated seats are canceled
when the ignition is turned off.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
A few crashes are mild, and some Why Safety Belts Work
crashes can be so serious that even
When you ride in or on anything,
buckled up, a person would not
you go as fast as it goes.
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.
After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot! Put someone on it.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
Get it up to speed. Then stop the The person keeps going until or the instrument panel...
vehicle. The rider does not stop. stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...
With safety belts, you slow down as Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why Q: If I am a good driver, and I
the vehicle does. You get more time should I have to wear safety never drive far from home,
to stop. You stop over more belts? why should I wear safety
distance, and your strongest bones A: Airbags are supplemental belts?
take the forces. That is why safety systems only; so they work with A: You may be an excellent driver,
belts make such good sense. safety belts — not instead of but if you are in a crash — even
Questions and Answers About them. Whether or not an airbag one that is not your fault — you
Safety Belts is provided, all occupants still and your passenger(s) can be
have to buckle up to get the hurt. Being a good driver does
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle most protection. That is true not not protect you from things
after a crash if I am wearing a only in frontal collisions, but beyond your control, such as
safety belt? especially in side and other bad drivers.
A: You could be — whether you are collisions. Most accidents occur within
wearing a safety belt or not. But 40 km (25 mi) of home. And the
your chance of being conscious greatest number of serious
during and after an accident, so injuries and deaths occur at
you can unbuckle and get out, is speeds of less than
much greater if you are belted. 65 km/h (40 mph).
And you can unbuckle a safety Safety belts are for everyone.
belt, even if you are
upside down.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (13,1)
How to Wear Safety Belts First, before you or your to slide under the lap belt. If you slid
passenger(s) wear a safety belt, under it, the belt would apply force
Properly there is important information you on your abdomen. This could cause
This section is only for people of should know. serious or even fatal injuries. The
adult size. shoulder belt should go over the
shoulder and across the chest.
Be aware that there are special
These parts of the body are best
things to know about safety belts
able to take belt restraining forces.
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and The shoulder belt locks if there is a
infants. If a child will be riding in the sudden stop or crash.
vehicle, see Older Children on
page 3‑39 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑41. Follow those
rules for everyone's protection.
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 Sit up straight and always keep your
wearing safety belts. feet on the floor in front of you. The
lap part of the belt should be worn
Occupants who are not buckled up low and snug on the hips, just
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a touching the thighs. In a crash, this
crash. And they can strike others in applies force to the strong pelvic
the vehicle who are wearing safety bones and you would be less likely
belts.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
A: The shoulder belt is too loose. A: The lap belt is too loose. It will
It will not give as much not give nearly as much
protection this way. protection this way.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
3. Push the latch plate into the To unlatch the belt, push the button
buckle until it clicks. on the buckle. The belt should
Pull up on the latch plate to return to its stowed position. Slide
make sure it is secure. If the belt the latch plate up the safety belt
is not long enough, see Safety webbing when the safety belt is not
Belt Extender on page 3‑23. in use. The latch plate should rest
5. To make the lap part tight, pull on the stitching on the safety belt,
Position the release button on up on the shoulder belt. near the guide loop on the side wall.
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if It may be necessary to pull Before a door is closed, be sure the
necessary. stitching on the safety belt safety belt is out of the way. If a
through the latch plate to fully door is slammed against a safety
4. If equipped with a shoulder belt tighten the lap belt on smaller belt, damage can occur to both the
height adjuster, move it to the occupants. safety belt and the vehicle.
height that is right for you.
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adjustment could reduce the I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
{ WARNING
A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.
3. Be sure that the belt is not 4. Buckle, position, and release the
twisted and it lies flat. The safety belt as described
elastic cord must be under the previously in this section. Make
belt and the guide on top. sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (25,1)
See your dealer to have the safety Airbag System For frontal airbags, the word
belt assemblies inspected or AIRBAG will appear on the middle
replaced. The vehicle has the following part of the steering wheel for the
airbags: driver and on the instrument panel
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt . A frontal airbag for the driver. for the right front passenger.
system was not being used at the . A frontal airbag for the right front With seat-mounted side impact
time of the crash. passenger. airbags, the word AIRBAG will
Have the safety belt pretensioners appear on the side of the seatback
. A seat-mounted side impact closest to the door.
checked if the vehicle has been in a airbag for the driver.
crash, or if the airbag readiness light With roof-rail airbags, the word
stays on after you start the vehicle . A seat-mounted side impact AIRBAG will appear along the
or while you are driving. See Airbag airbag for the right front headliner or trim.
Readiness Light on page 5‑13. passenger.
Airbags are designed to supplement
. A roof-rail airbag for the driver the protection provided by safety
and the passenger seated belts. Even though today's airbags
directly behind the driver. are also designed to help reduce
. A roof-rail airbag for the right the risk of injury from the force of an
front passenger and the inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
passenger seated directly very quickly to do their job.
behind the right front passenger.
All of the airbags in your vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
WARNING (Continued)
or even death. The path of an
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that
Driver Side shown, Passenger Driver Side shown, Passenger block the inflation path of a
Side similar Side similar seat-mounted side impact airbag.
The seat-mounted side impact The roof-rail airbags for the driver, Never secure anything to the roof
airbags for the driver and right front right front passenger, and second of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
passenger are in the side of the row outboard passengers are in the by routing a rope or tie down
seatbacks closest to the door. ceiling above the side windows. through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
{ WARNING inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
(Continued)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (29,1)
When Should an Airbag Frontal airbags may inflate at Frontal airbags are not intended to
different crash speeds. For inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
Inflate? example: impacts, or in many side impacts.
Frontal airbags are designed to . If the vehicle hits a stationary In addition, the vehicle has
inflate in moderate to severe frontal object, the airbags could inflate dual-stage frontal airbags.
or near-frontal crashes to help at a different crash speed than if Dual-stage airbags adjust the
reduce the potential for severe the vehicle hits a moving object. restraint according to crash severity.
injuries mainly to the driver's or right The vehicle has electronic frontal
front passenger's head and chest. . If the vehicle hits an object that
deforms, the airbags could sensors, which help the sensing
However, they are only designed to system distinguish between a
inflate if the impact exceeds a inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object moderate frontal impact and a more
predetermined deployment severe frontal impact. For moderate
threshold. Deployment thresholds that does not deform.
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
are used to predict how severe a . If the vehicle hits a narrow object inflate at a level less than full
crash is likely to be in time for the (like a pole), the airbags could deployment. For more severe frontal
airbags to inflate and help restrain inflate at a different crash speed impacts, full deployment occurs.
the occupants. than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall). The vehicle has seat-mounted side
Whether the frontal airbags will or impact and roof-rail airbags. See
should deploy is not based on how . If the vehicle goes into an object Airbag System on page 3‑25.
fast your vehicle is traveling. at an angle, the airbags could Seat-mounted side impact and
It depends largely on what you hit, inflate at a different crash speed roof-rail airbags are intended to
the direction of the impact, and how than if the vehicle goes straight inflate in moderate to severe side
quickly your vehicle slows down. into the object. crashes. Seat-mounted side impact
Thresholds can also vary with and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the
specific vehicle design. crash severity is above the system's
designed threshold level. The
threshold level can vary with
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
Seat-mounted side impact and What Makes an Airbag How Does an Airbag
roof-rail airbags are not intended to
inflate in frontal impacts, near-frontal
Inflate? Restrain?
impacts, rollovers, or rear impacts. In a deployment event, the sensing In moderate to severe frontal or
A seat-mounted side impact airbag system sends an electrical signal near frontal collisions, even belted
is intended to deploy on the side of triggering a release of gas from the occupants can contact the steering
the vehicle that is struck. A roof-rail inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the wheel or the instrument panel. In
airbag is intended to deploy on the airbag causing the bag to break out moderate to severe side collisions,
side of the vehicle that is struck. of the cover and deploy. The inflator, even belted occupants can contact
In any particular crash, no one can the airbag, and related hardware are the inside of the vehicle.
say whether an airbag should have all part of the airbag module. Airbags supplement the protection
inflated simply because of the Frontal airbag modules are located provided by safety belts. Frontal
damage to a vehicle or because of inside the steering wheel and airbags distribute the force of the
what the repair costs were. For instrument panel. For vehicles with impact more evenly over the
frontal airbags, inflation is seat‐mounted side impact airbags, occupant's upper body, stopping
determined by what the vehicle hits, there are airbags modules in the the occupant more gradually.
the angle of the impact, and how side of the front seatbacks closest Seat-mounted side impact and
quickly the vehicle slows down. For to the door. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags distribute the force
seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags, there are airbag of the impact more evenly over the
roof-rail airbags, deployment is modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, occupant's upper body.
determined by the location and near the side windows that have But airbags would not help in many
severity of the side impact. occupant seating positions. types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See When
Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑29 for more information.
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Airbags should never be regarded the windshield or being able to steer fuel system after the airbags inflate.
as anything more than a supplement the vehicle, nor does it prevent You can lock the doors, turn off the
to safety belts. people from leaving the vehicle. interior lamps and hazard warning
flashers by using the controls for
What Will You See After { WARNING those features.
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and
When an airbag inflates, there { WARNING
may be dust in the air. This dust
seat-mounted side impact airbags could cause breathing problems A crash severe enough to inflate
inflate, they quickly deflate, so for people with a history of the airbags may have also
quickly that some people may not asthma or other breathing trouble. damaged important functions in
even realize an airbag inflated. To avoid this, everyone in the the vehicle, such as the fuel
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least vehicle should get out as soon as system, brake and steering
partially inflated for some time after systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
it is safe to do so. If you have
they deploy. Some components of appears to be drivable after a
breathing problems but cannot
the airbag module may be hot for
get out of the vehicle after an moderate crash, there may be
several minutes. For location of the
airbag inflates, then get fresh air concealed damage that could
airbag modules, see What Makes
an Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑30. by opening a window or a door. make it difficult to safely operate
If you experience breathing the vehicle.
The parts of the airbag that come problems following an airbag
into contact with you may be warm, Use caution if you should attempt
deployment, you should seek to restart the engine after a crash
but not too hot to touch. There may
medical attention. has occurred.
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not The vehicle has a feature that may In many crashes severe enough to
prevent the driver from seeing out of automatically unlock the doors, turn inflate the airbag, windshields are
on the interior lamps and hazard broken by vehicle deformation.
warning flashers, and shut off the
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (33,1)
4. Reinstall the child restraint If the on indicator is still lit with enable the right front passenger
following the directions provided an infant present in a child frontal airbag and seat-mounted
by the child restraint restraint, secure the child side impact airbag:
manufacturer and refer to restraint in a rear seat position in 1. Turn the vehicle off.
Securing Child Restraints (Rear the vehicle and see your dealer.
Seat) on page 3‑55 or Securing 2. Remove any additional material
Child Restraints (Front If the Off Indicator is Lit for an from the seat, such as blankets,
Passenger Seat) on page 3‑57. Adult-Size Occupant cushions, seat covers, seat
heaters, or seat massagers.
5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the 3. Place the seatback in the fully
vehicle, the on indicator is still lit, upright position.
turn the vehicle off. Then slightly 4. Have the person sit upright in
recline the vehicle seatback and the seat, centered on the seat
adjust the seat cushion, cushion, with legs comfortably
if adjustable, to make sure that extended.
the vehicle seatback is not
pushing the child restraint into 5. Restart the vehicle and have the
the seat cushion. person remain in this position for
two to three minutes after the on
Also make sure the child indicator is lit.
restraint is not trapped under the
vehicle head restraint. If this
If a person of adult-size is sitting in
happens, adjust the head
the right front passenger seat, but
restraint. See Head Restraints
the off indicator is lit, it could be
on page 3‑2.
because that person is not sitting
6. Restart the vehicle. properly in the seat. If this happens,
use the following steps to allow the
system to detect that person and
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Adding Equipment to the seat. The passenger sensing manual. See Customer
system may not operate properly Satisfaction Procedure
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle if the original seat trim is (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑1
Q: Is there anything I might add replaced with non-GM covers, or Customer Satisfaction
to or change about the vehicle upholstery or trim, or with Procedure (Mexico) on
that could keep the airbags GM covers, upholstery or trim page 13‑3.
from working properly? designed for a different vehicle. Q: Because I have a disability,
Any object, such as an I have to get my vehicle
A: Yes. If you add things that
aftermarket seat heater or a modified. How can I find out
change the vehicle's frame,
comfort enhancing pad or whether this will affect my
bumper system, height, front end
device, installed under or on top airbag system?
or side sheet metal, they may
of the seat fabric, could also
keep the airbag system from A: If you have questions, call
interfere with the operation of
working properly. Changing or Customer Assistance. The
the passenger sensing system.
moving any parts of the front phone numbers and addresses
This could either prevent proper
seats, safety belts, the airbag for Customer Assistance are in
deployment of the passenger
sensing and diagnostic module, Step Two of the Customer
airbag(s) or prevent the
steering wheel, instrument Satisfaction Procedure in this
passenger sensing system from
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, manual. See Customer
properly turning off the
ceiling headliner or pillar garnish Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and
passenger airbag(s). See
trim, front sensors, side impact Canada) on page 13‑1 or
Passenger Sensing System on
sensors, or airbag wiring can Customer Satisfaction
page 3‑32.
affect the operation of the airbag Procedure (Mexico) on
system. If you have any questions, call
Customer Assistance. The page 13‑3.
In addition, the vehicle has a
phone numbers and addresses
passenger sensing system for
for Customer Assistance are in
the right front passenger
Step Two of the Customer
position, which includes sensors
Satisfaction Procedure in this
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In addition, your dealer and the Replacing Airbag System If an airbag inflates, you will need to
service manual have information replace airbag system parts. See
about the location of the airbag
Parts After a Crash your dealer for service.
sensors, sensing and diagnostic If the airbag readiness light stays on
module and airbag wiring. { WARNING after the vehicle is started or comes
A crash can damage the on when you are driving, the airbag
Airbag System Check system may not work properly. Have
airbag systems in the vehicle.
The airbag system does not need A damaged airbag system the vehicle serviced right away. See
regularly scheduled maintenance or Airbag Readiness Light on
may not work properly and
replacement. Make sure the airbag page 5‑13 for more information.
may not protect you and your
readiness light is working. See passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
Airbag Readiness Light on in serious injury or even death. To
page 5‑13 for more information. help make sure the airbag
Notice: If an airbag covering is systems are working properly
damaged, opened, or broken, the after a crash, have them
airbag may not work properly. Do inspected and any necessary
not open or break the airbag replacements made as soon as
coverings. If there are any possible.
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules,
see What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? on page 3‑30. See your
dealer for service.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (40,1)
{ WARNING { WARNING
Never do this.
Never do this.
Never allow a child to wear the
Never allow two children to wear
safety belt with the shoulder belt
the same safety belt. The safety
behind their back. A child can be
belt can not properly spread the
seriously injured by not wearing
impact forces. In a crash, the two
the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a
children can be crushed together
crash, the child would not be
and seriously injured. A safety
restrained by the shoulder belt.
belt must be used by only one
The child could move too far
person at a time.
forward increasing the chance of
head and neck injury. The child
(Continued)
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{ WARNING { WARNING
Never do this.
Children can be seriously injured
or strangled if a shoulder belt is Never hold an infant or a child
wrapped around their neck and while riding in a vehicle. Due to
the safety belt continues to crash forces, an infant or a child
tighten. Never leave children will become so heavy it is not
unattended in a vehicle and never possible to hold it during a crash.
allow children to play with the For example, in a crash at only
safety belts. 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb)
infant will suddenly become a
(Continued)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (44,1)
{ WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly secured in
the vehicle. Secure the child
restraint properly in the vehicle
using the vehicle safety belt or
LATCH system, following the
(B) Forward-Facing Child Seat (C) Booster Seats instructions that came with that
A forward-facing child seat (B) A booster seat (C) is a child restraint child restraint and the instructions
provides restraint for the child's designed to improve the fit of the in this manual.
body with the harness. vehicle's safety belt system.
A booster seat can also help a child To help reduce the chance of injury,
to see out the window. the child restraint must be secured
in the vehicle. Child restraint
systems must be secured in vehicle
seats by lap belts or the lap belt
portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by
the LATCH system. See Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) on page 3‑48 for
more information. Children can be
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endangered in a crash if the child Administration (NHTSA) website to Where to Put the
restraint is not properly secured in locate the nearest child safety seat
the vehicle. inspection station. For CPST
Restraint
When securing an add-on child availability in Canada, check with According to accident statistics,
restraint, refer to the instructions Transport Canada or the Provincial children and infants are safer when
that come with the restraint which Ministry of Transportation office. properly restrained in a child
may be on the restraint itself or in a restraint system or infant restraint
Securing the Child Within the system secured in a rear seating
booklet, or both, and to this manual. Child Restraint
The child restraint instructions are position.
important, so if they are not We recommend that children and
available, obtain a replacement { WARNING child restraints be secured in a rear
copy from the manufacturer. A child can be seriously injured or seat, including: an infant or a child
Keep in mind that an unsecured killed in a crash if the child is not riding in a rear-facing child restraint;
child restraint can move around in a a child riding in a forward-facing
properly secured in the child
collision or sudden stop and injure child seat; an older child riding in a
restraint. Secure the child
people in the vehicle. Be sure to booster seat; and children, who are
properly following the instructions large enough, using safety belts.
properly secure any child restraint that came with that child restraint.
in the vehicle — even when no child
is in it.
In some areas of the United States
and Canada, Certified Child
Passenger Safety Technicians
(CPSTs) are available to inspect
and demonstrate how to correctly
use and install child restraints. In
the U.S., refer to the National
Highway Traffic Safety
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A label on your sun visor says, Child restraints and booster seats
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in WARNING (Continued) vary considerably in size, and some
the front.” This is because the risk to may fit in certain seating positions
the rear-facing child is so great, deploy under some unusual better than others. Always make
if the airbag deploys. circumstance, even though it is sure the child restraint is properly
turned off. secured.
{ WARNING Secure rear-facing child Depending on where you place the
restraints in a rear seat, even if child restraint and the size of the
A child in a rear-facing child the airbag is off. If you secure a child restraint, you may not be able
restraint can be seriously forward-facing child restraint in to access adjacent safety belt
injured or killed if the right front the right front seat, always move assemblies or LATCH anchors for
passenger airbag inflates. the front passenger seat as far additional passengers or child
This is because the back of the back as it will go. It is better to restraints. Adjacent seating
rear-facing child restraint would secure the child restraint in a positions should not be used if the
be very close to the inflating rear seat. child restraint prevents access to or
airbag. A child in a forward-facing interferes with the routing of the
child restraint can be seriously See Passenger Sensing System safety belt.
injured or killed if the right front on page 3‑32 for additional
information. Wherever you install a child
passenger airbag inflates and the restraint, be sure to secure the child
passenger seat is in a forward restraint properly.
position. When securing a child restraint in a
rear seating position, study the Keep in mind that an unsecured
Even if the passenger sensing child restraint can move around in a
instructions that came with your
system has turned off the right child restraint to make sure it is collision or sudden stop and injure
front passenger frontal airbag, no compatible with this vehicle. people in the vehicle. Be sure to
system is fail-safe. No one can properly secure any child restraint in
guarantee that an airbag will not your vehicle — even when no child
(Continued) is in it.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (47,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (48,1)
Lower Anchors and When installing a child restraint with Lower Anchors
a top tether, you must also use
Tethers for Children either the lower anchors or the
(LATCH System) safety belts to properly secure the
The LATCH system holds a child child restraint. A child restraint must
restraint during driving or in a crash. never be installed using only the top
This system is designed to make tether and anchor.
installation of a child restraint easier. In order to use the LATCH system in
The LATCH system uses anchors in your vehicle, you need a child
the vehicle and attachments on the restraint that has LATCH
child restraint that are made for use attachments. The child restraint
with the LATCH system. manufacturer will provide you with Lower anchors (A) are metal bars
instructions on how to use the child built into the vehicle. There are two
Make sure that a LATCH-compatible lower anchors for each LATCH
child restraint is properly installed restraint and its attachments. The
following explains how to attach a seating position that will
using the anchors, or use the accommodate a child restraint with
vehicle's safety belts to secure the child restraint with these
attachments in your vehicle. lower attachments (B).
restraint, following the instructions
that came with that restraint, and Not all vehicle seating positions or
also the instructions in this manual. child restraints have lower anchors
and attachments or top tether
anchors and attachments.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (49,1)
Top Tether Anchor Your child restraint may have a Lower Anchor and Top Tether
single tether (A) or a dual Anchor Locations
tether (C). Either will have a
single attachment (B) to secure
the top tether to the anchor.
Some child restraints with top
tethers are designed for use with or
without the top tether being
attached. Others require the top
tether always to be attached. In
Canada, the law requires that
A top tether (A, C) anchors the forward-facing child restraints have
top of the child restraint to the a top tether, and that the tether be
vehicle. A top tether anchor is built attached. Be sure to read and follow
into the vehicle. The top tether the instructions for your child
attachment (B) on the child restraint Rear Seat
restraint.
connects to the top tether anchor in i (Top Tether Anchor): Seating
the vehicle in order to reduce the positions with top tether anchors.
forward movement and rotation of
the child restraint during driving or in j (Lower Anchor): Seating
a crash. positions with two lower anchors.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (50,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (51,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (54,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (55,1)
Replacing LATCH System If the vehicle has the LATCH system Children (LATCH System) on
and it was being used during a page 3‑48 for top tether anchor
Parts After a Crash crash, new LATCH system parts locations.
may be needed. Do not secure a child seat in a
{ WARNING New parts and repairs may be position without a top tether anchor
A crash can damage the LATCH necessary even if the LATCH if a national or local law requires
system in the vehicle. A damaged system was not being used at the that the top tether be anchored, or if
LATCH system may not properly time of the crash. the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
secure the child restraint,
resulting in serious injury or even Securing Child Restraints must be anchored.
death in a crash. To help make (Rear Seat) In Canada, the law requires that
sure the LATCH system is forward-facing child restraints have
When securing a child restraint in a
working properly after a crash, a top tether, and that the tether be
rear seating position, study the
see your dealer to have the attached.
instructions that came with the child
system inspected and any restraint to make sure it is If the child restraint does not have
necessary replacements made as compatible with this vehicle. the LATCH system, you will be
soon as possible. using the safety belt to secure the
If the child restraint has the LATCH
child restraint in this position. Be
system, see Lower Anchors and
sure to follow the instructions that
Tethers for Children (LATCH
came with the child restraint. Secure
System) on page 3‑48 for how and
the child in the child restraint when
where to install the child restraint
and as the instructions say.
using LATCH. If a child restraint is
secured in the vehicle using a
safety belt and it uses a top tether,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers for
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (56,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (57,1)
A label on the sun visor says, If the child restraint has the LATCH
“Never put a rear-facing child seat in WARNING (Continued) system, see Lower Anchors and
the front.” This is because the risk to Tethers for Children (LATCH
the rear-facing child is so great, Even if the passenger sensing System) on page 3‑48 for how and
if the airbag deploys. system has turned off the right where to install the child restraint
front passenger frontal airbag, no using LATCH. If a child restraint is
system is fail-safe. No one can
{ WARNING guarantee that an airbag will not
secured using a safety belt and it
uses a top tether, see Lower
A child in a rear-facing child deploy under some unusual Anchors and Tethers for Children
restraint can be seriously injured circumstance, even though it is (LATCH System) on page 3‑48 for
or killed if the right front turned off. top tether anchor locations.
passenger airbag inflates. This is Secure rear-facing child Do not secure a child seat in a
because the back of the restraints in a rear seat, even if position without a top tether anchor
rear-facing child restraint would the airbag is off. If you secure a if a national or local law requires
be very close to the inflating forward-facing child restraint in that the top tether be anchored, or if
airbag. A child in a forward-facing the right front seat, always move the instructions that come with the
child restraint can be seriously the front passenger seat as far child restraint say that the top strap
injured or killed if the right front back as it will go. It is better to must be anchored.
passenger airbag inflates and the secure the child restraint in a In Canada, the law requires that
passenger seat is in a forward rear seat. forward-facing child restraints have
position. a top tether, and that the tether be
See Passenger Sensing System
(Continued) attached.
on page 3‑32 for additional
information.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (60,1)
Storage 4-1
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
4-2 Storage
Front Storage
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Storage 4-3
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
4-4 Storage
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
The amount of delay time varies As an added safety feature, if the Compass
between wiping cycles due to the wipers are on for more than
delay setting selected or the speed 15 seconds, the vehicle's Compass Operation
of the vehicle. As vehicle speed is headlamps turn on automatically.
increased or decreased, the wiper They turn off 15 seconds after the Press O on the rearview mirror to
interval also increases or wipers are turned off. turn the compass display on or off.
decreases. When the ignition and the compass
Windshield Washer
6 (Low Speed): Slow wipes. feature are on, the compass
Press the button at the end of the displays the current compass
1 (High Speed): Fast wipes. windshield wiper lever until the direction after a few seconds.
8 (Mist): Single wipe, move the washers begin.
Compass Calibration
lever down, then release it. Several
wipes, hold the lever down. { WARNING If after a few seconds the display
does not show a compass direction,
Clear ice and snow from the wiper In freezing weather, do not use (N for North for example), there may
blades before using them. the washer until the windshield is be a strong magnetic field
If frozen to the windshield, carefully warmed. Otherwise the washer interfering with the compass.
loosen or thaw them. Damaged fluid can form ice on the Interference can be caused by a
wiper blades should be replaced. windshield, blocking your vision. magnetic antenna mount, note pad
Heavy snow or ice can overload the holder, or similar object. If the
wiper motor. A circuit breaker stops letter C appears in the compass
When the button is released, the window, the compass may need to
the motor until it cools. If the motor washers stop, but the wipers
gets stuck, turn the wipers off, clear be reset or calibrated.
continue to wipe about three times
away the snow or ice, and then turn or resume the previous speed. The mirror can be calibrated by
the wipers back on. driving the vehicle very slowly, in
circles, until the display reads a
direction.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
4. Press the H button again until 2. Press the H button and the HR, The date does not automatically
the clock display stops flashing MIN, MM, DD, YYYY (hour, display. To see the date press H
to set the currently displayed minute, month, day, and year) while the radio is on. The date
time; otherwise, the flashing displays. with display times out after a
stops after five seconds and the 3. Press the softkey located below few seconds and goes back to the
current time displayed is any one of the tabs that you normal radio and time display.
automatically set. want to change. To change the time default setting
To change the time default setting 4. To increase the time or date do from 12 hour to 24 hour or to
from 12 hour to 24 hour, press one of the following: change the date default setting from
the H button until 12H or 24H is month/day/year to day/month/year:
displayed. Once 12H or 24H is
. Press the softkey located
below the selected tab. 1. Press the H button and then the
displayed, turn the f knob to the softkey located below the
desired option to select the setting. . Press the ¨ SEEK, or forward arrow label. Once the
Press the H button again to apply \ FWD button. time 12H and 24H, and the date
the setting, or let the screen MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, and
time out.
. Turn the f knob clockwise. year) and DD/MM/YYYY (day,
5. To decrease the time or date do month, and year) displays.
With Date Display one of the following: 2. Press the softkey located below
Radio with CD (MP3) and USB the desired option.
Port, and Radio with Single CD
. Press the © SEEK or
(MP3) Player s REV button. 3. Press the H button again to
apply the selected default, or let
To set the time and date: . Turn the f knob
the screen time out.
counterclockwise.
1. Turn the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
Press the O knob to turn the
radio on. I
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If you try to connect equipment Warning Lights, Gauges can indicate when there
using more than 150 watts or a could be a problem with a vehicle
system fault is detected, a Gauges, and function. Often gauges and warning
protection circuit shuts off the power lights work together to indicate a
supply and the indicator light turns
Indicators problem with the vehicle.
off. To reset the circuit, unplug the Warning lights and gauges can When one of the warning lights
item and plug it back in or turn the signal that something is wrong comes on and stays on while
Remote Accessory Power (RAP) off before it becomes serious enough driving, or when one of the gauges
and then back on. See Retained to cause an expensive repair or shows there may be a problem,
Accessory Power (RAP) on replacement. Paying attention to the check the section that explains what
page 9‑20. The power restarts when warning lights and gauges could to do. Follow this manual's advice.
equipment that operates within the prevent injury. Waiting to do repairs can be costly
limit is plugged into the outlet and a Warning lights come on when there and even dangerous.
system fault is not detected. could be a problem with a vehicle
The power outlet is not designed for function. Some warning lights come
and may not work properly if the on briefly when the engine is started
following are plugged in: to indicate they are working.
. Equipment with high initial peak
wattage such as:
compressor-driven refrigerators
and electric power tools.
. Other equipment requiring an
extremely stable power supply
such as:
microcomputer-controlled
electric blankets, touch sensor
lamps, etc.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
Instrument Cluster
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
The front passenger safety belt If there is a problem with the airbag
reminder light and chime may turn system, an airbag Driver Information
on if an object is put on the seat Center (DIC) message can also
such as a briefcase, handbag, come on. See Airbag System
grocery bag, laptop, or other Messages on page 5‑29 for more
electronic device. To turn off the information.
reminder light and/or chime, remove The airbag readiness light flashes
the object from the seat or buckle for a few seconds when the engine Passenger Airbag Status
the safety belt is started. If the light does not come Indicator
on then, have it fixed immediately.
Airbag Readiness Light The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
The system checks the airbag's { WARNING Sensing System on page 3‑32 for
electrical system for possible important safety information. The
malfunctions. If the light stays on it If the airbag readiness light stays
instrument panel has a passenger
indicates there is an electrical on after the vehicle is started or
airbag status indicator.
problem. The system check comes on while driving, it means
includes the airbag sensor, the the airbag system might not be
pretensioners, the airbag modules, working properly. The airbags in
the wiring and the crash sensing the vehicle might not inflate in a
and diagnostic module. For more crash, or they could even inflate
information on the airbag system, without a crash. To help avoid
see Airbag System on page 3‑25. injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
costly repairs not covered by the If the light continues to flash, when
. Make sure the electrical system
vehicle warranty. This could also it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. is not wet. The system could be
result in a failure to pass a Find a safe place to park the wet if the vehicle was driven
required Emission Inspection/ vehicle. Turn the vehicle off, wait at through a deep puddle of water.
Maintenance test. See least 10 seconds, and restart the The condition is usually
Accessories and Modifications on engine. If the light is still flashing, corrected when the electrical
page 10‑3. follow the previous steps and see system dries out. A few driving
your dealer for service as soon as trips should turn the light off.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways: possible. . Make sure to fuel the vehicle
Light On Steady: An emission with quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
Light Flashing: A misfire condition causes the engine not to run as
has been detected. A misfire control system malfunction has
been detected on the vehicle. efficiently as designed and can
increases vehicle emissions and cause: stalling after start-up,
could damage the emission control Diagnosis and service might be
required. stalling when the vehicle is
system on the vehicle. Diagnosis changed into gear, misfiring,
and service might be required. The following may correct an hesitation on acceleration,
To prevent more serious damage to emissions system malfunction: or stumbling on acceleration.
the vehicle: . Make sure the fuel cap is fully These conditions might go away
installed. See Filling the Tank on once the engine is warmed up.
. Reduce vehicle speed.
page 9‑39. The diagnostic If one or more of these
. Avoid hard accelerations. system can determine if the fuel conditions occurs, change the
. Avoid steep uphill grades. cap has been left off or fuel brand used. It will require at
improperly installed. A loose or least one full tank of the proper
. If towing a trailer, reduce the missing fuel cap allows fuel to
amount of cargo being hauled as fuel to turn the light off.
evaporate into the atmosphere.
soon as it is possible. A few driving trips with the cap See Recommended Fuel on
properly installed should turn the page 9‑35.
light off.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
Antilock Brake System If the regular brake system warning If the light does not come on, have
light is also on, the vehicle does not the vehicle serviced by the dealer.
(ABS) Warning Light have antilock brakes and there is a If the system is working normally the
problem with the regular brakes. indicator light turns off.
See Brake System Warning Light on If the light is on while certain DIC
page 5‑18. messages display, this indicates
For vehicles with a Driver that the ESC and TCS are not
Information Center (DIC), see Brake working or are disabled.
System Messages on page 5‑26 for If the light is on and not flashing,
all brake related DIC messages. the TCS and potentially the ESC
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on system have been disabled. Check
briefly when the engine is started. Electronic Stability the DIC messaging to determine
If it does not, have the vehicle
Control (ESC)/Traction which feature(s) is no longer
Control System (TCS) functioning and whether it is
serviced by your dealer. If the because of the driver turning off the
system is working normally the Indicator/Warning Light feature(s), or because the system is
indicator light then goes off. not working properly and the vehicle
If the ABS light stays on, turn the requires service.
ignition off. If the light comes on If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is
while driving, stop as soon as it is not limited. If the ESC system is
safely possible and turn the ignition disabled, the system does not aid in
off. Then start the engine again to maintaining directional control of the
reset the system. If the ABS light vehicle.
stays on, or comes on again while The Electronic Stability Control
driving, the vehicle needs service. (ESC) system or the Traction
If the regular brake system warning Control System (TCS) indicator/
light is not on, the vehicle still has warning light comes on briefly when
brakes, but not antilock brakes. the engine Inis
f
or started.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (25,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (26,1)
Brake System Messages Door Ajar Messages page 10‑9, and Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
BRAKE FLUID DOOR AJAR information.
This message displays, while the This message displays if one or
ignition is on, when the brake fluid more of the vehicle's doors are not Engine Power Messages
level is low. The brake system closed properly. Make sure that the
ENG (Engine) PWR (Power)
warning light on the instrument door(s) are closed completely.
panel cluster also comes on. See REDUCED
Brake System Warning Light on TRUNK AJAR This message displays when the
page 5‑18 for more information. This message displays when the vehicle's engine power is reduced.
Have the brake system serviced by trunk is not closed completely. Make Reduced engine power can affect
your dealer as soon as possible. sure that the trunk is closed the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
completely. See Trunk on page 2‑9 If this message is on, but there is no
PUSH PARK PEDAL for more information. reduction in performance, proceed
This message displays if the parking to your destination. The
brake is left engaged. See Parking Engine Oil Messages performance may be reduced the
Brake on page 9‑28 for more next time the vehicle is driven. The
information. CHANGE OIL SOON vehicle may be driven at a reduced
This message displays when the life speed while this message is on, but
Cruise Control Messages of the engine oil has expired and it acceleration and speed may be
should be changed. reduced. Anytime this message
CRUISE ENGAGED stays on, the vehicle should be
When this message is taken to your dealer for service as
This message displays when the acknowledged and cleared from the
cruise control system is active. See soon as possible.
display, the engine oil life system
Cruise Control on page 9‑32 for must still be reset separately. See
more information. Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑13, Engine Oil on
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (27,1)
Fuel System Messages Key and Lock Messages Ride Control System
CHECK GAS CAP KEY FOB BATT (Battery) LOW Messages
This message displays if the fuel This message displays if the ESC (Electronic Stability
cap has not been fully tightened. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Control) ACTIVE
Recheck the fuel cap to make sure transmitter battery is low. Replace If your vehicle has Electronic
that it is on properly. A few driving the battery in the transmitter. See Stability Control (ESC), this
trips with the cap properly installed “Battery Replacement” under message displays and the ESC/TCS
should turn the message off. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) light on the instrument panel cluster
System Operation on page 2‑3. flashes when ESC is assisting you
LOW FUEL
with directional control of the
This message displays when your Lamp Messages vehicle. You may feel or hear the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel system working and see this
tank as soon as possible. See Fuel AUTO (Automatic)
message displayed in the DIC.
Gauge on page 5‑10, Fuel on LIGHTS OFF Slippery road conditions may exist
page 9‑35, and Filling the Tank on This message displays if the when this message is displayed, so
page 9‑39 for more information. automatic headlamp system is adjust your driving accordingly. This
disabled with the headlamp switch. message may stay on for a
See Automatic Headlamp System few seconds after ESC stops
on page 6‑3 for more information. assisting you with directional control
of the vehicle. This is normal when
AUTO (Automatic) LIGHTS ON the system is operating. See
This message displays if the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on
automatic headlamp system is page 9‑31 and Electronic Stability
enabled with the headlamp switch. Control (ESC)/Traction Control
See Automatic Headlamp System System (TCS) Indicator/Warning
on page 6‑3 for more information. Light on page 5‑19 for more
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
ESC (Electronic Stability page 9‑29 and Electronic Stability resetting the system by turning the
Control) OFF Control (ESC)/Traction Control ignition off and then back on. If this
System (TCS) Indicator/Warning message still stays on or turns back
If your vehicle has Electronic Light on page 5‑19 for more on again while you are driving, your
Stability Control (ESC), this information. vehicle needs service. Have the
message displays and the ESC/TCS ESC inspected by your dealer as
light on the instrument panel cluster SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC soon as possible.
comes on solid when ESC is turned STABILITY CONTROL)
off. Adjust your driving accordingly. SERVICE TRACTION
See Electronic Stability Control If your vehicle has Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), this If your vehicle has the Traction
(ESC) on page 9‑31 and Electronic
message displays and a chime Control System (TCS), this
Stability Control (ESC)/Traction
sounds if there has been a problem message displays and a chime
Control System (TCS) Indicator/
detected with ESC. The ESC/TCS sounds when the system is not
Warning Light on page 5‑19 for
light also appears on the instrument functioning properly. The ESC/TCS
more information.
panel cluster. This light stays on light also appears on the instrument
LOW TRACTION solid as long as the detected panel cluster. This light stays on
problem remains present. When this solid as long as the detected
If your vehicle has the Traction problem remains present. When this
message displays, the system is not
Control System (TCS), this message displays, the system is not
working. Adjust your driving
message displays and the ESC/TCS working. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See Electronic Stability
light on the instrument panel cluster accordingly. See Traction Control
Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and
flashes when the system is actively System (TCS) on page 9‑29 and
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
limiting wheel spin. Slippery road Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/
Traction Control System (TCS)
conditions may exist if this message Traction Control System (TCS)
Indicator/Warning Light on
is displayed, so adjust your driving Indicator/Warning Light on
page 5‑19 for more information.
accordingly. This message stays on page 5‑19 for more information.
for a few seconds after the system If this message turns on while you
Have the system serviced by your
stops limiting wheel spin. See are driving, pull off the road as soon
dealer as soon as possible.
Traction Control System (TCS) on as possible and
Inf
or
stop
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (29,1)
TRACTION OFF Service Vehicle Messages Monitor Operation on page 10‑54 for
more information. If the warning
If your vehicle has the Traction ENGINE DISABLED comes on and stays on, there may
Control System (TCS), this
This message displays if the starting be a problem with the TPMS. See
message displays and the ESC/TCS
of the engine is disabled. Have your your dealer.
light on the instrument panel cluster
comes on solid when the system is vehicle serviced by your dealer TIRE LOW ADD AIR
turned off. Adjust your driving immediately.
accordingly. See Traction Control On vehicles with the Tire Pressure
System (TCS) on page 9‑29 and
POWER STEERING Monitor System (TPMS), this
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/ On some vehicles, this message message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) displays if a problem has been pressure in one or more of the
Indicator/Warning Light on detected with the electric power vehicle's tires is low on air. The low
page 5‑19 for more information. steering. Have your vehicle serviced tire pressure warning light also
by your dealer immediately. comes on. See Tire Pressure Light
on page 5‑20. If this message
Airbag System Messages appears on the DIC, stop as soon
Tire Messages as you can. Have the tire pressures
SERVICE AIR BAG
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR checked and set to those shown on
This message displays when there the Tire Loading Information label.
is a problem with the airbag system. On vehicles with the Tire Pressure See Tires on page 10‑42, Vehicle
Have your vehicle serviced by your Monitor System (TPMS), this Load Limits on page 9‑12, and Tire
dealer immediately. message displays if a part on the Pressure on page 10‑51. The DIC
TPMS is not working properly. The also shows the tire pressure values.
tire pressure light also flashes and See Driver Information Center (DIC)
then remains on during the same on page 5‑22.
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure
Light on page 5‑20. Several
conditions may cause this message
to appear. See
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (31,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (33,1)
OFF: The doors will lock NONE: None of the doors will See Automatic Door Locks on
immediately when pressing the automatically unlock. You will need page 2‑8 for more information.
power lock switch or the lock button to manually unlock the doors. To select a setting and move
on the RKE transmitter. See Automatic Door Locks on on to the next feature, press the
See Power Door Locks on page 2‑7, page 2‑8 for more information. information button while the desired
Delayed Locking on page 2‑8, and To select a setting and move setting is displayed on the DIC.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) on to the next feature, press the
System Operation on page 2‑3 for EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS
information button while the desired
more information. setting is displayed on the DIC. This feature, which allows the
To select a setting and move vehicle's exterior perimeter lighting
on to the next feature, press the UNLK (Unlock) to turn on each time the unlock
information button while the desired This screen displays only if DRIVER button on the Remote Keyless Entry
setting is displayed on the DIC. or ALL is selected for the AUTO (RKE) transmitter is pressed, can be
UNLK feature. This feature enabled or disabled. When EXT
AUTO UNLK (Unlock) determines when the automatic door LIGHTS appears on the display,
This feature, which allows the unlocking will occur. When UNLK press and hold the reset button for
vehicle to automatically unlock appears on the display, press and at least one second to scroll through
certain doors, can be enabled or hold the reset button for at least the available settings:
disabled. When AUTO UNLK one second to scroll through the OFF: The exterior perimeter
appears on the display, press and available settings: lighting will not turn on when the
hold the reset button for at least KEY OFF: The door(s) will unlock unlock button on the RKE
one second to scroll through the when the key is turned off. transmitter is pressed.
available settings:
SHIFT TO P (Park) (default): The
ALL (default): All of the doors will door(s) will unlock when the vehicle
automatically unlock. is shifted into P (Park).
DRIVER: The driver's door will
automatically unlock. I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (34,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Lighting 6-1
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
6-2 Lighting
Lighting 6-3
. The light sensor detects daytime The vehicle has a light sensor on bright position. See Instrument
light. top of the instrument panel that Panel Illumination Control on
. The parking brake is released or controls the automatic headlamp page 6‑5.
the vehicle is not in P (Park). system. Do not cover the sensor or To idle the vehicle with the
the automatic headlamp system will automatic headlamp system off, turn
When the DRL system is on, the turn on when it is not needed.
taillamps, sidemarker lamps, the ignition on and set the exterior
parking lamps, and instrument panel There is a delay in the transition light switch to the off/on position.
lights are not on unless you turn the between the daytime and nighttime For vehicles first sold in Canada,
exterior lamps control to the parking operation of the DRL and the the transmission must stay in
lamp position. automatic headlamp systems so P (Park) for this function.
that driving under bridges or bright The regular headlamps should be
The regular headlamp system overhead street lights does not
should be turned on when they are used when needed.
affect the system. The DRL and
needed. automatic headlamp systems will
only be affected when the light Delayed Headlamps
Automatic Headlamp sensor sees a change in lighting The delayed headlamps feature
System lasting longer than this delay. keeps the headlamps on for
If the vehicle is started in a dark 20 seconds after the key is turned to
When it is dark enough outside, the
garage, the automatic headlamp LOCK/OFF, then the headlamps
automatic headlamp system turns
system comes on immediately. automatically turn off.
on the headlamps at the normal
brightness along with other lamps Once the vehicle leaves the garage, To override the 20 second delayed
such as the taillamps, sidemarker, it takes about one minute for the headlamp feature while it is active
parking lamps, and the instrument automatic headlamp system to turn the turn signal/multifunction
panel lights. The radio lights will change to DRL if it is light outside. lever up one position and then back
also be dim. During that delay, the instrument to AUTO.
panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure the instrument
panel brightness
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
6-4 Lighting
Lighting 6-5
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
6-6 Lighting
Parade Dimming When the state of charge is high, EPM works to prevent excessive
the voltage is lowered slightly to discharge of the battery. It does this
Parade dimming is a separate prevent overcharging. If the vehicle by balancing the generator's output
lighting mode that comes on while has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage and the vehicle's electrical needs.
the parking lamps are turned on display on the Driver Information It can increase engine idle speed to
during the day. It prevents the Center (DIC), you may see the generate more power, whenever
display lights and indicator lights voltage move up or down. This is needed. It can temporarily reduce
from being dim, while the parking normal. If there is a problem, an the power demands of some
lamps are used during the day. alert will be displayed. accessories.
Battery Load The battery can be discharged at Normally, these actions occur in
idle if the electrical loads are very steps or levels, without being
Management high. This is true for all vehicles. noticeable. In rare cases at the
The vehicle has Electric Power This is because the generator highest levels of corrective action,
Management (EPM) that estimates (alternator) may not be spinning fast this action may be noticeable to the
the battery's temperature and state enough at idle to produce all the driver. If so, a Driver Information
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage power needed for very high Center (DIC) message might be
for best performance and extended electrical loads. displayed, such as BATTERY
life of the battery. A high electrical load occurs when SAVER ACTIVE, BATTERY
several of the following are on, such VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY.
When the battery's state of charge If one of these messages displays, it
is low, the voltage is raised slightly as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, is recommended that the driver
to quickly bring the charge back up. reduce the electrical loads as much
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, as possible. See Driver Information
trailer loads, and loads plugged into Center (DIC) on page 5‑22.
accessory power outlets.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Lighting 6-7
. Press any Remote Keyless
Battery Power Protection Entry (RKE) transmitter button
The vehicle has a battery run-down (if equipped).
protection feature designed to . Press the remote trunk release
protect the vehicle's battery.
button.
When any interior lamp (trunk, . Press the power door lock
reading, or visor vanity) is left on
switch.
while the ignition is turned off, the
battery run-down protection system The battery run-down feature will
will automatically shut the lamp(s) also be activated when any door on
off after 20 minutes. This will avoid the vehicle is left open and the
draining the battery. ignition is in LOCK/OFF.
To reactivate the interior lamps, do
one of the following:
. Turn on the ignition.
. Turn the exterior lamp control off
and then on.
. Open a door.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
6-8 Lighting
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
To minimize taking your eyes off the Notice: The chime signals related The vehicle has Retained
road while driving, do the following to safety belts, parking brake, and Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP,
while the vehicle is parked: other functions of your vehicle the audio system can be played
. Become familiar with the operate through the radio/ even after the ignition is turned off.
operation and controls of the entertainment system. If that See Retained Accessory Power
audio system. equipment is replaced or (RAP) on page 9‑20 for more
additional equipment is added to information.
. Set up the tone, speaker your vehicle, the chimes may not
adjustments, and preset radio work. Make sure that replacement Theft-Deterrent Feature
stations. or additional equipment is
compatible with your vehicle TheftLock® is designed to
For more information, see Defensive discourage theft of the vehicle's
Driving on page 9‑2. before installing it. See
Accessories and Modifications on radio by learning a portion of the
Notice: Contact your dealer page 10‑3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
before adding any equipment. The radio does not operate if it is
stolen or moved to a different
Adding audio or communication
vehicle.
equipment could interfere with
the operation of the engine, radio,
or other systems, and could
damage them. Follow federal
rules covering mobile radio and
telephone equipment.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Operation
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
4. Press the softkey under the EQ (Equalization): Press this 3. Adjust the setting by doing one
desired Speed Compensated button to choose bass and treble of the following:
Volume setting (OFF, Low, Med, equalization settings designed for
or High) to select the level of different types of music. Selecting
. Turn the f knob clockwise
radio volume compensation. MANUAL or changing bass or or counterclockwise.
The display times out after treble, returns the EQ to the manual . Press the ¨ SEEK, or
approximately 10 seconds. Each bass and treble settings.
higher setting allows for more © SEEK button.
Unique EQ settings can be saved
radio volume compensation at for each source. . Press the \ FWD, or
faster vehicle speeds.
Setting the Tone (Bass/ s REV button.
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble)
Midrange/Treble) Radio with If a station's frequency is weak or if
Radio with CD
CD (MP3) and USB Port, Radio there is static, decrease the treble.
To adjust the bass, or treble: with CD (MP3) To quickly adjust bass, midrange,
1. Press the f knob until Bass or BASS/MID/TREB (Bass, Midrange, or treble to the middle position,
Treble displays. or Treble): To adjust the bass, press the softkey positioned under
midrange, or treble: the BASS, MID, or TREB tab for
2. To adjust the setting, do one of more than 2 seconds. A beep
the following: 1. Press the f knob until the tone sounds and the level adjusts to the
. Turn the f knob. control tabs display. middle position.
2. Highlight the desired tone To quickly adjust all tone and
. Press either ¨ SEEK, or control tab by doing one of the speaker controls to the middle
© SEEK button. following: position, press the f knob for more
. Press either \ FWD, or . Pressing the f knob. than 2 seconds until a beep sounds.
s REV button. . Press the softkey under the
desired tab.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
EQ (Equalization): Press this 2. To adjust the setting, do one of 3. Adjust the setting by doing one
button to choose bass and treble the following: of the following:
equalization settings designed for
different types of music. Selecting
. Turn the f knob. . Turn the f knob clockwise
MANUAL or changing bass or or counterclockwise.
. Press either ¨ SEEK, or
treble, returns the EQ to the manual . Press the ¨ SEEK, or
bass and treble settings. © SEEK button.
© SEEK button.
Unique EQ settings can be saved . Press either \ FWD, or
for each source. s REV button. . Press the \ FWD, or
®
If the radio has a Bose audio s REV button.
system, the EQ settings are either Adjusting the Speakers
(Balance/Fade) Radio with CD To quickly adjust all speaker and
MANUAL or TALK. tone controls to the middle position,
(MP3) and USB Port, Radio
Adjusting the Speakers with CD (MP3) press the f knob for more than
(Balance/Fade) Radio with CD 2 seconds.
BAL/FADE (Balance/Fade): To
To adjust the balance or fade: adjust the balance or fade: If the Rear Seat Audio (RSA) is
turned on, the radio disables FADE
1. Press the ` or press the f 1. Press the f knob until the and mutes the rear speakers.
knob until the speaker control speaker control tabs display.
label displays.
2. Highlight the desired speaker
control tab by doing one of the
following:
. Pressing the f knob.
. Press the softkey under the
desired tab.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Finding a Station
. To scan preset stations in the . To scan preset stations in the
selected band, press and hold selected band, press and hold
BAND: Press to choose © SEEK for four seconds until a ¨ SEEK for four seconds until a
between FM1, FM2, AM, or XM™ double beep sounds. The radio double beep sounds. The radio
(if equipped) on the Radio with CD goes to a stored preset, plays goes to a stored preset, plays for
(Base). Press to choose between for a few seconds, then goes to a few seconds, then goes to the
FM, AM, XM (if equipped) on the the next stored preset. Press next stored preset. Press
Radio with CD (MP3) and USB Port, © SEEK again to stop scanning ¨ SEEK again to stop scanning
or the Radio with CD (MP3). preset stations. preset stations.
f (Tune): Turn to select radio ¨ SEEK: Press to seek or scan Storing Radio Stations
stations. stations with a strong signal in the
Drivers are encouraged to store
© SEEK: Press to seek or scan selected band.
radio station while the vehicle is
stations with a strong signal in the . To seek stations, press and parked, see Defensive Driving on
selected band.
release ¨ SEEK to go to the page 9‑2. Tune to stored radio
. To seek stations, press and next station and stay there. stations using the presets, favorites
release © SEEK to go to the . To scan stations, press and hold
button, and steering wheel controls,
previous station and stay there. if the vehicle has this feature.
¨ SEEK for a few seconds until
. To scan stations, press and hold the radio beeps once. The radio
© SEEK for a few seconds until goes to a station, plays for a
the radio beeps once. The radio few seconds, then goes to the
goes to a station, plays for a next station. Press ¨ SEEK
few seconds, then goes to the again to stop scanning.
next station. Press © SEEK
again to stop scanning.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
Radios that have a FAV button store To store preset stations: The number of favorites pages can
radio stations as favorites, up to 1. Tune to a radio station. be setup using the MENU button. To
36 stations can be programmed as setup the number of favorites
favorites using the 6 softkeys below 2. Press and hold one of the pages:
the radio station frequency tabs and 6 numbered pushbuttons for
3 seconds until a beep sounds. 1. Press the MENU button.
by using the FAV button. Press the
FAV button to go through up to 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to store 2. Press the softkey located below
6 pages of favorites, each having additional radio stations. the FAV 1-6 tab.
6 favorite stations available per 3. Select the number of favorites
page. Each page of favorites can Storing a Radio Station as a pages by pressing the softkey
contain any combination of AM, FM, Favorite located below the displayed
or XM, if equipped, stations. Radio that have a FAV button store page numbers.
Radios that do not have a FAV radio stations as favorites.
4. Press the FAV button, or let the
button store radio stations as To store a station as a favorite: menu time out, to return to the
presets, up to 18 stations original main radio screen
(6 FM1, 6 FM2, and 6 AM), can be 1. Tune to a radio station.
showing the radio station
programmed on the 6 numbered 2. Press the FAV button to display frequency tabs and to begin the
pushbuttons. the page where the station will process of programming
be stored. favorites.
Storing a Radio Station as a
Preset 3. Press and hold one of the
Radios that have numbered 6 softkeys until a beep sounds.
pushbuttons store radio stations as 4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 to
presets. store additional radio stations.
Up to 18 stations (six FM1, six FM2,
and six AM), can be programmed on
the six numbered buttons.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
Satellite Radio 4 (Information) (XM Satellite Radio If 4 is pressed and the song title or
Service): For vehicles with XM, artist information is longer than
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
press 4 to display additional text what can be displayed, the extra
XM is a satellite radio service that is information related to the current information will page every
based in the 48 contiguous United XM channel. If information is three seconds when Auto Text is
States and 10 Canadian provinces. available, the song title information activated.
XM Satellite Radio has a wide displays on the top line of the
variety of programming and
Finding an XM Channel
display and artist information
commercial-free music, displays on the bottom line. When BAND: Press to switch between
coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality information is not available, “NO AM, FM, or XM™, if equipped.
sound. A service fee is required to INFO” displays. f (Tune): Turn to manually select
receive the XM service. If XM an XM channel.
Service needs to be reactivated, the Auto Text (Satellite Radio
radio will display "No Subscription Service): If additional information is © SEEK: Press to go to the
Please Renew" on channel XM1. available for the current song being previous XM channel.
For more information, contact XM at played, Auto Text will automatically
page/scroll the information every
. To scan stations, press and hold
www.xmradio.com or call © SEEK for a few seconds until
1-800-929-2100 in the U.S. and three seconds above the FAV
presets on the radio display. By the radio beeps once. The radio
www.xmradio.ca or call goes to a cahnnel, plays for a
1-877-438-9677 in Canada. default, Auto Text is enabled.
few seconds, then goes to the
To change the Auto Text setting:
next station. Press © SEEK
1. Press MENU to display the radio again to stop scanning.
setup menu.
2. Press the softkey under AUTO
TXT tab on the radio display.
3. Press the softkey under the ON
or OFF tabInfoon
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
¨ SEEK: Press to go to the next 2. Press either of the two softkeys Adding and Removing Categories
XM channel. below the desired category tab Categories cannot be added or
.
to immediately tune to the first removed while the vehicle is moving
To scan stations, press and hold XM station in that category.
¨ SEEK for a few seconds until faster than 8 km/h (5 mph).
the radio beeps once. The radio To go to the previous or next XM To add or remove a category:
goes to a station, plays for a station in the selected category,
few seconds, then goes to the do one of the following: 1. Press the MENU button.
next station. Press ¨ SEEK . Turn the f knob. 2. Press the softkey located below
again to stop scanning. the XM CAT tab.
. Press the softkey below the
s REV: Press to go to the right or left arrows in the 3. Turn the f knob to display the
previous XM category. category tab. category you want to add or
\ FWD: Press to go to the next remove.
XM category.
. Press © SEEK or ¨ SEEK.
4. Press the softkey located under
3. To exit the category search the Add or Remove tab.
Finding a Category (CAT) mode, press the FAV button or
Channel BAND button to display the To restore all removed
favorites again. categories, press the softkey
To find XM channels in a category: under the Restore All tab.
1. Press the CAT button to display 5. Repeat the steps to remove
the category tabs. Continue more categories.
pressing the CAT button until the
desired category name displays.
. Radios with CD and DVD
can also navigate the
category list by pressing the
\ FWD or the s REV
button. I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
Channel Unauth : This channel is No Subscription Please Renew: Unknown: If this message is
blocked or cannot be received with XM subscription needs to be received when tuned to channel 0,
your XM Subscription package. reactivated. Contact XM at there could be a receiver fault.
Channel Unavail: This previously www.xmradio.com or call Consult with your dealer.
assigned channel is no longer 1-800-929-2100 in the U.S. and Check Antenna: If this message
assigned. Tune to another station. www.xmradio.ca or call does not clear within a short period
If this station was one of the 1-877-438-9677 in Canada. of time, the receiver or antenna
presets, choose another station for CAT Not Found: There are no could have a fault. Consult with your
that preset button. channels available for the selected dealer.
No Artist Info: No artist category. The system is working Check XM Receivr: If this
information is available at this time properly. message does not clear within a
on this channel. The system is XM Theftlocked: The XM receiver short period of time, the receiver
working properly. in the vehicle could have previously could have a fault. Consult with your
No Title Info: No song title been in another vehicle. For security dealer.
information is available at this time purposes, XM receivers cannot be XM Not Available: If this message
on this channel. The system is swapped between vehicles. If this does not clear within a short period
working properly. message is received after having of time, the receiver could have a
the vehicle serviced, check with fault. Consult with your dealer.
No CAT Info: No category your dealer.
information is available at this time
on this channel. The system is XM Radio ID: If tuned to channel 0,
working properly. this message alternates with the
XM™ Radio 8 digit radio ID label.
No Information: No text or This label is needed to activate the
informational messages are service.
available at this time on this
channel. The system is working
properly.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
load one CD at a time, and keep Inserting a Disc If the ignition or radio is turned off
the CD player and the loading slot when a CD is in the player, the CD
Insert the disc partway into the slot,
free of foreign materials, liquids, stays in the player. If the ignition or
label side up. The player pulls it in
and debris. radio is turned on when a CD is in
and the disc begins playing.
If an error displays, see “CD the player, the CD starts to play
Use an adapter ring when playing where it stopped, if it was the last
Messages” later in this section.
the smaller 8 cm (3 in) discs. selected audio source.
Care of CDs Smaller discs with the adapter ring
are loaded the same way as a Buttons and Knobs
Store a disc in its original case or a full-size disc. The buttons and knobs on the radio
protective case and away from
control the following features.
direct sunlight and dust. If the Ejecting a Disc
bottom of a disc is damaged it may f (Tune): Turn to select tracks on
not play properly or at all. Do not
Z EJECT: Press to eject the disc. the CD.
If the disc is not removed after
touch the bottom of a disc while © SEEK: Press to go to the start of
several seconds, the CD player
handling it, pick it up by grasping the current track, if more than
automatically pulls the disc back in.
the outer edges or the edge of the ten seconds have played. Press and
hole and the outer edge. Playing a CD hold or press multiple times to
If the surface of a disc is dirty, take When a CD is inserted into the continue moving backward through
a soft, lint free cloth or dampen a player the CD symbol displays, and the tracks on the CD.
clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral as each new track starts to play the ¨ SEEK: Press to go to the next
detergent solution mixed with water, track number displays. track. Press and hold or press
and clean it. Make sure the wiping multiple times to continue moving
process starts from the center to forward through the tracks on
the edge. the CD.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
s REV (Reverse): Press and hold Press this button again and the MP3 Supported Files
to reverse playback quickly within a system automatically searches for
The Radio with CD (MP3), Radio
track. Sound is heard at a reduced an auxiliary input device, such as a
with USB and CD (MP3), have the
volume and the elapsed time of the portable audio player. If a portable
capability of playing an MP3 CD-R
track displays. Release to resume audio player is not connected, No
or CD-RW disc.
playing the track. Aux Input Device Found may
display. The radio can also play discs that
\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press contain both uncompressed CD
and hold to advance playback Softkeys audio and MP3 files. When a disc
quickly within a track. Sound is The five softkeys below the radio contains both types of audio, the CD
heard at a reduced volume and the display are used to control functions player reads all MP3 files first, then
elapsed time of the track displays. that display as tabs. the uncompressed CD audio files.
Release to resume playing the
track. The softkeys below the radio display Supported File and Folder
control the following features. Structure
4 (Information): Press to display
available additional information RDM (Random): Tracks can be The radio supports:
about the current track. listened to in random, rather than . Up to 50 folders.
sequential order.
BAND: Press to listen to the radio . Up to 8 folders in depth.
while a CD is playing. The CD To use random:
remains inside the CD player.
. Up to 50 playlists.
1. Press the softkey below RDM
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to tab until Random Current Disc . Up to 255 files.
play a CD while listening to the displays. . Playlists with an .m3u or .wpl
radio or a portable audio device. 2. Press the softkey again to turn extension.
off random play. . Files with an .mp3 or .cda file
extension.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
¨ SEEK: Press to go to the next CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to RDM (Random): MP3 files can be
track. Press and hold or press play an MP3 disc while listening to listened to on a CD in random,
multiple times to continue moving the radio or a portable audio device. rather than sequential order. To use
forward through tracks. Press this button again and the random:
system automatically searches for
s REV (Reverse): Press and hold an auxiliary input device, such as a
1. Press the softkey under the
to reverse playback quickly. Sound RDM tab until Random Current
portable audio player. If a portable Disc displays to play songs from
is heard at a reduced volume and audio player is not connected, No
the elapsed time of the track the current CD in random order.
Aux Input Device Found may
displays. Release s REV to display. 2. Press the same softkey again to
resume playing. turn off random play.
Softkeys
\ FWD (Fast Forward): Press h (Music Navigator): Press the
The five softkeys below the radio
and hold to advance playback softkey below h to have the files
quickly. Sound is heard at a reduced display are used to control functions
that display as tabs. played in order by artist or album.
volume and the elapsed time of the The player scans the disc to sort the
track displays. Release \ FWD to The softkeys below the radio display files by artist and album ID3 tag
resume playing. control the following features. information. It can take several
S c (Previous Folder): Press minutes to scan the disc depending
4 (Information): Press to display
on the number of files on the disc.
available additional information the softkey below S c to go to the
The radio may begin playing while it
about the current track. first track in the previous folder. is scanning in the background.
BAND: Press to listen to the radio c T (Next Folder): Press the
while an MP3 disc is playing. The softkey below c T to go to the first
MP3 disc remains inside the CD track in the next folder.
player.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
When the scan is finished, the disc The album name displays on the
. The air is very humid. If so, wait
begins playing files in order by second line between the arrows and about an hour and try again.
artist. The current artist playing is songs from the current album . A problem may have occurred
shown on the second line of the begins to play. Once all songs from while burning the disc.
display. Once all songs by that artist that album have played, the player
are played, the player moves to the moves to the next album in
. The label could be caught in the
next artist in alphabetical order and alphabetical order on the disc and CD player.
begins playing files by that artist. begins playing MP3 files from that If the disc is not playing correctly for
To listen to files by another artist, album. any other reason, try a known
press the softkey located below To exit music navigator mode, press good disc.
either arrow tab. The disc goes to the softkey below the Back tab to If any error occurs repeatedly or if
the next or previous artist in return to normal MP3 playback. an error cannot be corrected,
alphabetical order. Continue contact your dealer. If the radio
pressing either softkey below the CD Player Messages displays an error message, write it
arrow tab until the desired artist CHECK DISC: If an error message down and provide it to your dealer
displays. displays and/or the disc comes out, when reporting the problem.
To change from playback by artist to it could be for one of the following
playback by album: reasons: Auxiliary Devices
. The CD player is very hot. When
1. Press the softkey located below This vehicle may have a 3.5 mm
the Sort By tab. the temperature returns to (1/8 in) auxiliary input jack and a
normal, the disc should play. USB port, located on the audio
2. Press one of the softkeys below faceplate. Some portable audio
the album tab from the sort
. The road is very rough. When
the road becomes smoother, the devices such as iPods®, MP3
screen. players, and USB storage devices
disc should play.
3. Press the softkey below the can be connected to the vehicle
back tab to return to the main
. The disc is dirty, scratched, wet, using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable or a
music navigator screen. or upside down. USB cable.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
Drivers are encouraged to set up O (Power/Volume): Turn to adjust that are stored on a USB storage
any auxiliary device while the the volume. Additional volume device as well as tracks that are
vehicle is in P (Park). See adjustments may have to be made stored on an iPod®.
Defensive Driving on page 9‑2 for from the portable device if the
more information on driver USB Supported File and Folder
volume is too quiet or not loud. Structure
distraction.
BAND: Press to listen to the radio The radio supports:
Using the 3.5 mm (1/8 in) while a portable audio device is
Auxiliary Input Jack connected to the auxiliary input. The
. Up to 700 folders.
portable audio device continues . Up to 8 folders in depth.
The radio system may have a
playing until it is stopped or
3.5 mm (1/8 in) auxiliary input jack . Up to 65,535 files.
turned off.
located on the lower right or left side
CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary): Press to
. Folder and file names up to
of the faceplate. This is not an audio
play a CD while a portable audio 64 bytes.
output; do not plug the headphone
set into the front auxiliary input jack. device is connected to the auxiliary . Files with an .mp3 or .wma file
An external audio device such as an input. Press again and the system extension.
iPod®, laptop computer, MP3 player, begins playing audio from the . AAC files stored on an iPod.
CD changer, etc. can be connected connected portable audio player. If a
to the auxiliary input jack for use as portable audio player is not . FAT16
another audio source. connected, No Aux Input Device . FAT32
may display.
To use a portable audio player, Root Directory
connect a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable to Using the USB Port
the auxiliary input jack. When a The root directory is treated as a
device is connected, press the CD/ The radio may have a USB port folder. Files are stored in the root
AUX button to begin playing audio located on the lower right side of the directory when the disc or storage
from the device over the vehicle faceplate. Radios that have a USB device does not contain folders.
speakers. port can play .mp3 and .wma files
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
Files accessed from the root Order of Play Connecting a USB Storage
directory of a USB device display as Tracks are played in the following Device or iPod
F1 ROOT. order: The radio buttons, knobs and
Empty Folder . Play begins from the first track in softkeys are used to control a USB
Folders that do not contain files are the first playlist and continues storage device or an iPod when it is
skipped, and the player advances to sequentially through all tracks in connected to the USB port.
the next folder that contains files. each playlist. When the last To connect a USB storage device,
track of the last playlist has connect the device to the USB port
File Naming played, play continues from the located on the front of the radio.
The song name that displays is the first track of the first playlist.
To connect an iPod, connect one
song name that is contained in the . Play begins from the first track in end of the USB cable that came
ID3 tag. If the song name is not the first folder and continues with the iPod to the iPod’s dock
present in the ID3 tag, then the sequentially through all tracks in connector and connect the other
radio displays the file name without each folder. When the last track end to the USB port located on the
the file extension as the track name. of the last folder has played, front of the radio. If the vehicle is on
Track names longer than 32 play continues from the first and the USB connection works, “OK
characters or four pages are track of the first folder. to disconnect” and a GM logo may
shortened. The display does not When play enters a new folder, the appear on the iPod and iPod
show parts of words on the last display does not automatically show appears on the radio's display.
page of text and the extension of the new folder name unless the The iPod charges while it is
the filename is not displayed. folder mode has been chosen as connected to the USB port if the
Preprogrammed Playlists the default display. The new track ingition is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
name displays. or ON/RUN position. When the
Playlists that have an .m3u or .pls
ignition is turned OFF, the iPod
file extension and are stored on a
automatically powers off and will not
USB device may be supported by
charge or draw power from the
the radio with a USB port.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
Older iPod's that are not supported s REV (Reverse): Press and hold j (Pause): Press the softkey below
can still be used by connecting it to to reverse playback quickly. Sound j to pause the track. The tab
the 3.5 mm (1/8 in) auxiliary input is heard at a reduced volume. appears raised when pause is being
jack using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) cable. Release s REV to resume playing. used. Press the softkey below j
Using a USB Storage Device \ FWD (Fast Forward): Press again to resume playback.
or iPod and hold to advance playback Back: Press the softkey below the
The buttons and knobs on the radio quickly. Sound is heard at a reduced back tab to go back to the main
and the softkeys below the radio volume. Release \ FWD to display screen on an iPod, or the
display are used to control a USB resume playing. root directory on a USB storage
storage device or an iPod. device.
4 (Information): Press to display
Buttons and Knobs additional information about the c (Folder View): Press the
selected track. softkey below c to view the
The buttons and knobs on the radio
contents of the current folder on the
control the following features. Softkeys USB drive.
f (Tune): Turn to select files. The five softkeys below the radio To browse and select files:
© SEEK: Press to go to the start of display are used to control functions
the track, if more than ten seconds that display as tabs. 1. Press the softkey below c.
have played. Press and hold © To use the softkeys, press a softkey 2. Turn f to scroll through the list
SEEK or press it multiple times to below any tab that is displayed, or if
of folders.
continue moving backward through no tabs are displayed, press the first
tracks. or last softkey below the radio 3. Press f to select the desired
display to display the tabs. folder. If there is more then one
¨ SEEK: Press to go to the next
folder, repeat Steps 1 and 2 until
The softkeys below the radio display
track. Press and hold ¨ SEEK or the desired folder is reached.
control the following features.
press it multiple times to continue
moving forward through tracks.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (26,1)
Pairing
. Only one paired cell phone can 5. Locate the device named “Your
be connected to the Bluetooth Vehicle” in the list on the cell
A Bluetooth cell phone must be system at a time. phone. Follow the instructions
paired to the Bluetooth system and . If multiple paired cell phones are on the cell phone to enter the
then connected to the vehicle before
within range of the system, the PIN number that was provided in
it can be used. See your cell phone
system connects to the first Step 3. After the PIN number is
manufacturers user guide for
available paired cell phone in the successfully entered, the system
Bluetooth functions before pairing
order that they were first paired prompts you to provide a name
the cell phone. If a Bluetooth phone
to the system. To link to a for the paired cell phone. This
is not connected, calls will be made
different paired phone, see name will be used to indicate
using OnStar® Hands‐Free Calling,
“Linking to a Different Phone” which phones are paired and
if available. Refer to the OnStar
later in this section. connected to the vehicle, see
owner's guide for more information.
“Listing All Paired and
Pairing Information Pairing a Phone Connected Phones” later in this
1. Press and hold b g for section for more information.
. Up to five cell phones can be
paired to the Bluetooth system. two seconds. 6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 to pair
additional phones.
. The pairing process is disabled 2. Say “Bluetooth.”
when the vehicle is moving. 3. Say “Pair.” The system responds
. Pairing only needs to be with instructions and a four‐digit
completed once, unless the PIN number. The PIN number is
pairing information on the cell used in Step 5.
phone changes or the cell phone 4. Start the pairing process on the
is deleted from the system. cell phone that you want to pair.
For help with this process, see
your cell phone manufacturers
user guide.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
Listing All Paired and Connected Connecting to a Different Phone Storing and Deleting Phone
Phones To connect to a different cell phone, Numbers
The system can list all cell phones the Bluetooth system looks for the The system can store up to
paired to it. If a paired cell phone is next available cell phone in the 30 phone numbers as name tags in
also connected to the vehicle, the order in which all the available cell the Hands Free Directory that is
system responds with “is connected” phones were paired. Depending on shared between the Bluetooth and
after that phone name. which cell phone you want to OnStar systems.
connect to, you may have to use
1. Press and hold b g for this command several times. The following commands are used
two seconds. delete and store phone numbers.
2. Say “Bluetooth.”
1. Press and hold b g for Store: This command will store a
two seconds. phone number, or a group of
3. Say “List.”
2. Say “Bluetooth.” numbers as a name tag.
Deleting a Paired Phone 3. Say “Change phone.” Digit Store: This command allows
If the phone name you want to a phone number to be stored as a
. If another cell phone is
delete is unknown, see “Listing All name tag by entering the digits one
found, the response will be
Paired and Connected Phones.” at a time.
“<Phone name> is now
1. Press and hold b g for connected.” Delete: This command is used to
two seconds. delete individual name tags.
. If another cell phone is not
2. Say “Bluetooth.” found, the original phone Delete All Name Tags: This
remains connected. command deletes all stored name
3. Say “Delete.” The system asks tags in the Hands Free Calling
for which phone to delete. Directory and the OnStarTurn by
4. Say the name of the phone you Turn Destinations Directory.
want to delete.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (29,1)
Using the “Store” Command 3. Say each digit, one at a time, To delete all name tags:
that you want to store. After
1. Press and hold b g for each digit is entered, the system 1. Press and hold b g for
two seconds. repeats back the digit it heard two seconds.
2. Say “Store.” followed by a tone. After the last 2. Say “Delete all name tags.”
digit has been entered, say
3. Say the phone number or group “Store,” and then follow the Listing Stored Numbers
of numbers you want to store all directions given by the system to
at once with no pauses, then The list command will list all the
save a name tag for this number. stored numbers and name tags.
follow the directions given by the
system to save a name tag for Using the “Delete” Command Using the “List” Command
this number.
1. Press and hold b g for 1. Press and hold b g for
Using the “Digit Store” Command two seconds. two seconds.
If an unwanted number is 2. Say “Delete.” 2. Say “Directory.”
recognized by the system, say
“Clear” at any time to clear the last 3. Say the name tag you want to 3. Say “Hands Free Calling.”
number. delete.
4. Say “List.”
To hear all of the numbers Using the “Delete All Name Tags”
Command Making a Call
recognized by the system, say
“Verify” at any time. This command deletes all stored Calls can be made using the
name tags in the Hands Free following commands.
1. Press and hold b g for Calling Directory and the
two seconds. Dial or Call: The dial or call
OnStarTurn by Turn Destinations command can be used
2. Say “Digit Store.” Directory. interchangeably to dial a phone
number or a stored name tag.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
Digit Dial: This command allows a If an unwanted number is Using the “Re‐dial” Command
phone number to be dialed by recognized by the system, say
entering the digits one at a time. “Clear” at any time to clear the last 1. Press and hold b g for
number. two seconds.
Re‐dial : This command is used to
dial the last number used on the cell To hear all of the numbers 2. After the tone, say “Re‐dial.”
phone. recognized by the system, say Once connected, the person called
“Verify” at any time. will be heard through the audio
Using the “Dial” or “Call”
speakers.
Command 1. Press and hold b g for
1. Press and hold b g for two seconds. Receiving a Call
two seconds. 2. Say “Digit Dial.” When an incoming call is received,
3. Say each digit, one at a time, the audio system mutes and a ring
2. Say “Dial” or “Call.”
that you want to dial. After each tone is heard in the vehicle.
3. Say the entire number without digit is entered, the system
pausing or say the name tag.
. Press b g to answer the call.
repeats back the digit it heard
Once connected, the person called followed by a tone. After the last . Press x c to ignore a call.
will be heard through the audio digit has been entered,
speakers. say “Dial.” Call Waiting
Using the “Digit Dial” Command Once connected, the person called Call waiting must be supported on
will be heard through the audio the cell phone and enabled by the
The digit dial command allows a wireless service carrier.
speakers.
phone number to be dialed by
entering the digits one at a time. . Press b g to answer an
After each digit is entered, the incoming call when another call
system repeats back the digit it is active. The original call is
heard followed by a tone. placed on hold.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (31,1)
. Press b g again to return to the Ending a Call To Transfer Audio From the
original call. Bluetooth System to a Cell Phone
Press x c to end a call.
. To ignore the incoming call, no During a call with the audio in the
action is required. Muting a Call vehicle:
. Press x c to disconnect the During a call, all sounds from inside 1. Press b g.
current call and switch to the call the vehicle can be muted so that the
person on the other end of the call 2. Say “Transfer Call.”
on hold.
cannot hear them. To Transfer Audio to the Bluetooth
Three‐Way Calling System From a Cell Phone
To mute a call, press b g, and then
Three‐way calling must be say “Mute Call.” During a call with the audio on the
supported on the cell phone and
cell phone, press b g. The audio
enabled by the wireless service To cancel mute, press b g, and transfers to the vehicle. If the audio
carrier. then say “Un‐mute Call.”
does not transfer to the vehicle, use
1. While on a call, press b g. Transferring a Call the audio transfer feature on the cell
phone. See your cell phone
2. Say “Three‐way call.” Audio can be transferred between manufacturers user guide for more
3. Use the dial or call command to the Bluetooth system and the cell information.
dial the number of the third party phone.
to be called. The cell phone must be paired and
4. Once the call is connected, connected with the Bluetooth
system before a call can be
press b g to link all the callers transferred. The connection process
together. can take up to two minutes after the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (32,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
Operation Select from the following: light will turn on. If the button is
H (Vent): Air is directed to the pressed again, the light will turn off.
Temperature Control: Turn
instrument panel outlets. The recirculation mode cannot be
clockwise or counterclockwise to
selected while in the defog mode.
increase or decrease the ) (Bi-Level): Air is divided Do not drive the vehicle until all the
temperature inside the vehicle. between the instrument panel and windows are clear.
When it is cold outside −18°C (0°F) floor outlets. Some air will be
or lower, use the engine coolant directed toward the side windows. 1 (Defrost): This mode quickly
clears the windshield of fog or frost.
heater, if vehicle has one, to provide 6 (Floor): Air is directed to the Air is directed to the windshield with
warmer air faster to the vehicle. An floor outlets with some air directed some air directed to the floor vents.
engine coolant heater warms the to the windshield and side window In this mode, outside air is pulled
coolant the engine uses that outlets. into the vehicle. The air-conditioning
provides heat to warm the inside of
- (Defog): This mode clears the compressor will not run unless the
the vehicle. For more information,
windows of fog or moisture. Air is outside temperature is at or below
see Engine Heater on page 9‑19.
directed to the windshield and floor freezing. The air-conditioning
9 (Fan Control): Turn clockwise outlets, with some air directed to the compressor operates although the
or counterclockwise to increase or side windows. When this mode is indicator light is not on. The
decrease the fan speed. The fan selected, the system automatically air-conditioning indicator light turns
must be on to run the turns off recirculation and runs the off when defrost is selected. If the
air-conditioning compressor. air-conditioning compressor unless air-conditioning button is pressed
Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn the outside temperature is at or while in defrost mode, the indicator
clockwise or counterclockwise to below freezing. The air-conditioning light turns on. If the button is
change the current airflow mode. compressor operates although the pressed again, the light turns off.
indicator light is not on. The Recirculation cannot be selected
air-conditioning indicator light turns while in the defrost mode.
off when defog is selected. If the
air-conditioning button is pressed
while in defogInmode,
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
To help clear the windshield quickly, For quick cool down on hot days, do cannot be used with the
do the following: the following: recirculation mode. Press : to
1. Select 0. 1. Select the C vent mode. cancel the recirculation mode.
2. Select the highest temperature. 2. Select the highest fan speed. ? (Recirculation): Press to turn
the recirculation mode on. An
3. Select the highest fan speed. 3. Select # air conditioning. indicator light comes on to show
# (Air Conditioning): Press to that it is on. This mode recirculates
4. Select the ? and helps to quickly cool the air
turn the air conditioning system on
or off. An indicator light comes on to recirculation mode. inside the vehicle. It can be used to
show it is on. 5. Select the coolest temperature. prevent outside air and odors
from entering the vehicle. The
The air-conditioning system Using these settings together for recirculation indicator light blinks
removes moisture from the air, so a long periods of time can cause the three times if you try to use
small amount of water might drip air inside of the vehicle to become recirculation in a mode in which it
under the vehicle while it is idling or too dry. To prevent this from cannot function.
after the engine is turned off is happening, after the air in the
normal. vehicle has cooled, turn the Pressing this button cancels the
recirculation mode off. outside air mode. When switching to
Maximum Air Conditioning the defog or defrost modes the
: (Outside Air): Press to turn system automatically moves from
On hot days, open the windows to the outside air mode on. An
let hot inside air escape; then close recirculation to outside air. When
indicator light comes on to show the vehicle or fan is turned off and
them. This helps reduce the time it that it is on. Air from outside the
takes for the vehicle to cool down. back on, the system defaults to
vehicle will circulate throughout the outside air automatically. Only use
It also helps the air conditioning vehicle. The outside air mode can
system operate more efficiently. recirculation mode when it is
be used with all modes, but it needed for comfort, since window
fogging can occur.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
Rear Window Defogger If the vehicle has heated outside Remote Start Climate Control
mirrors, the surface of the outside Operation
The rear window defogger uses a
mirrors heat when the rear window For vehicles with the remote start
warming grid to remove fog or frost
defogger is activated. See Heated feature, when it is activated the
from the rear window.
Mirrors on page 2‑14. climate control system heats or
< REAR: Press to turn the rear Notice: Do not use anything cools the inside of the vehicle using
window defogger on or off. An
sharp on the inside of the rear the modes that were set before the
indicator light comes on to show
window. If you do, you could cut vehicle was turned off. The climate
that the rear window defogger is on.
or damage the warming grid, and control knobs will remain active
Be sure to clear as much snow from
the repairs would not be covered during a remote start. However, the
the rear window as possible.
by the vehicle warranty. Do not climate control buttons will be
If driving below 80 km/h (50 mph), attach a temporary vehicle inactive until the ignition is turned
the rear window defogger turns off license, tape, a decal, or anything on by the key. If the fan is off, the
about 15 minutes after the button is similar to the defogger grid. climate control system will not
pressed. If turned on again, the operate during remote start. See
defogger only runs for about Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
seven minutes before turning off. System Operation on page 2‑3.
The defogger can also be turned off
by turning off the engine.
If the vehicle's speed is maintained
above 80 km/h (50 mph), the rear
window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
2. Set the temperature. To avoid blowing cold air at Air Delivery Mode Control: Turn
An initial setting of 73°F (23°C) engine start-up in cold weather, clockwise or counterclockwise to
is recommended. Allow about the system delays turning on the change the direction of the airflow in
20 minutes for the system to fan until warm air is available. the vehicle.
The length of delay depends on
regulate. Press w or x to the engine coolant temperature.
Select from the following:
adjust the temperature setting as Turning the fan knob overrides H (Vent): Air is directed to the
necessary. If the temperature is this delay and changes the fan instrument panel outlets.
set at 60°F (15°C) the system to the selected speed.
remains at the maximum cooling ) (Bi-Level): Air is divided
setting. If the temperature is set Manual Operation between the instrument panel
at 90°F (32°C) the system outlets and the floor outlets.
9 (Off): Select this position on the
remains at the maximum heat fan knob to turn off the entire 6 (Floor): Air is directed to the
setting. Choosing either climate control system. Outside air floor outlets with some air directed
maximum setting does not cause still enters the vehicle. The airflow to the side window outlets.
the vehicle to heat or cool any direction and temperature can be - (Defog): This mode clears the
faster. adjusted. windows of fog or moisture. Air is
Do not to cover the sensor x / w Temperature Control: directed to the floor and windshield
located on the top of the Press the arrows to increase or outlets.
instrument panel near the decrease the temperature inside the 0 (Defrost): This mode clears the
windshield. This sensor vehicle. windows of fog or frost more quickly.
regulates air temperature based The system automatically controls
on the intensity of the sun. 9 (Fan Control): Turn clockwise
or counterclockwise to increase or the fan speed if defrost is selected
Also do not cover the sensor decrease the fan speed. from the AUTO mode. If the outside
grille on the lower right side of temperature is 4°C (40°F) or
the climate control faceplate, as warmer, the air conditioning
this regulates the inside compressor automatically runs to
temperature. help dehumidify the air and dry the
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
windshield. The air conditioning In AUTO mode the system cools h (Recirculation): Press to turn
indicator light blinks three times if and dehumidifies the air inside the the recirculation mode on. An
the compressor is turned off while in vehicle. Also while in AUTO mode, indicator light above the button
this mode. the system maximizes its comes on to show it is on. This
# (Air Conditioning): Press turn performance by using recirculation mode recirculates and helps to
the air conditioning on and off. An as necessary. quickly cool the air inside the
indicator light turns on to show the Heating: On cold days when using vehicle. It can be used to help
air conditioning is on. manual operation of the automatic prevent outside air and odors
system, use floor mode to deliver air from entering the vehicle. The
When air conditioning is selected or recirculation indicator light blinks
is in AUTO mode, the system runs to the floor outlets. To warm or cool
the air delivered, press x or w to three times if you try to use
the air conditioning automatically to recirculation in a mode in which it
cool and dehumidify the air entering the desired temperature setting.
cannot function.
the vehicle. To use the automatic mode, turn the
Pressing this button cancels the
On hot days, open the windows long knob to AUTO and press x or w to auto recirculation feature. Each time
enough to let hot inside air escape. adjust the temperature. the vehicle is started, the system
This reduces the time it takes for the reverts to the auto recirculation
vehicle to cool down. Then keep the : (Outside Air): Press to turn
the outside air mode on. An function.
windows closed for the air
conditioner to work its best. indicator light comes on to show it is The recirculation mode cannot be
on. Air from outside the vehicle will used with the floor, defrost, or defog
On cool, but sunny days while using circulate throughout the vehicle. The modes. If recirculation is selected in
manual operation of the automatic outside air mode can be used with these modes, the indicator flashes
system, use bi-level to deliver warm all modes, but it cannot be used three times and turns off to indicate
air to the floor and cooler air to the with the recirculation mode. that this is not allowed. This is to
instrument panel outlets. To warm or Pressing this button cancels the prevent window fogging.
cool the air delivered, press the recirculation mode.
temperature buttons to the desired
setting. I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
When the weather is cool or damp, For vehicles with heated outside If the fan is off, the climate control
operating the system in recirculation mirrors, the surface of the outside system will not operate during
for extended periods of time can mirrors will also heat when the rear remote start.
cause fogging of the vehicle's window defogger is activated. See With the automatic climate control
windows. To clear the fog, select Heated Mirrors on page 2‑14. system, the climate control displays
either defog or defrost. Make sure Notice: Do not use a razor blade “RS” in place of the temperature to
the air conditioning is on. Allow the or sharp object to clear the inside indicate that remote start is
air conditioning to run automatically rear window. Do not adhere activated. For best performance,
to help dehumidify the air. anything to the defogger grid turn both the fan and mode knobs to
Rear Window Defogger lines in the rear glass. These AUTO. If the temperature is cold
actions may damage the rear enough and the mode knob is set to
The rear window defogger uses a defogger. Repairs would not be AUTO, the system begins in defrost
warming grid to remove fog from the covered by your warranty. to clear the windows. See Remote
rear window. Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Remote Start Climate Control
< (Rear): Press to turn the rear
Operation
Operation on page 2‑3.
window defogger on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show For vehicles with remote start, when
that the rear window defogger is on. it is activated the climate control
system heats and cools the inside of
If driving below 80 km/h (50 mph), the vehicle using the previous
the rear window defogger turns off
system settings before the vehicle
about 15 minutes after the button is
was turned off. The climate control
pressed. If additional warming time knobs will remain active during a
is needed, press the button again. remote start. However, the climate
If the vehicle's speed is maintained control buttons will be inactive until
above 80 km/h (50 mph), the rear the ignition is turned on by the key.
window defogger remains on once
the button is pressed.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
And, of course, actual stopping down. If the engine stops, there will If you turn the steering wheel in
distances vary greatly with the still be some power brake assist but either direction several times until it
surface of the road, whether it is it will be used when the brake is stops, or hold the steering wheel in
pavement or gravel; the condition of applied. Once the power assist is the stopped position for an
the road, whether it is wet, dry, used up, it can take longer to stop extended amount of time, you may
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the and the brake pedal will be harder notice a reduced amount of power
brakes; the weight of the vehicle; to push. steering assist. The normal amount
and the amount of brake force Adding non‐dealer accessories can of power steering assist should
applied. affect vehicle performance. See return shortly after a few normal
Avoid needless heavy braking. Accessories and Modifications on steering movements.
Some people drive in page 10‑3. The electric power steering
spurts — heavy acceleration system does not require regular
followed by heavy braking — rather Steering maintenance. If you suspect
than keeping pace with traffic. This steering system problems, contact
is a mistake. The brakes might not Electric Power Steering your dealer for service repairs.
have time to cool between hard If the vehicle has the electric power
stops. The brakes will wear out Hydraulic Power Steering
steering system and the engine
much faster with a lot of heavy stalls while driving, the power If the vehicle has the hydraulic
braking. Keeping pace with the steering assist system will continue power steering system and power
traffic and allowing realistic following to operate until you are able to stop steering assist is lost because the
distances eliminates a lot of the vehicle. If power steering assist engine stops or the power steering
unnecessary braking. That means is lost because the electric power system is not functioning, the
better braking and longer brake life. steering system is not functioning, vehicle can be steered but it will
If the engine ever stops while the the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.
vehicle is being driven, brake take more effort.
normally but do not pump the
brakes. If the brakes are pumped,
the pedal could get harder to push I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
Off-Road Recovery tire contacts the pavement edge. The three types of skids correspond
Then turn the steering wheel to go to the vehicle's three control
The vehicle's right wheels can drop straight down the roadway. systems. In the braking skid, the
off the edge of a road onto the wheels are not rolling. In the
shoulder while driving. Loss of Control steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes
Let us review what driving experts tires to slip and lose cornering force.
say about what happens when the And in the acceleration skid, too
three control systems — brakes, much throttle causes the driving
steering, and acceleration — do not wheels to spin.
have enough friction where the tires
meet the road to do what the driver If the vehicle starts to slide, ease
has asked. your foot off the accelerator pedal
and quickly steer the way you want
In any emergency, do not give up. the vehicle to go. If you start
Keep trying to steer and constantly steering quickly enough, the vehicle
seek an escape route or area of may straighten out. Always be ready
less danger. for a second skid if it occurs.
Skidding Of course, traction is reduced when
If the level of the shoulder is only
In a skid, a driver can lose control of water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
slightly below the pavement,
the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid material is on the road. For safety,
recovery should be fairly easy. Ease
most skids by taking reasonable slow down and adjust your driving to
off the accelerator and then, if there
care suited to existing conditions, these conditions. It is important to
is nothing in the way, steer so that
and by not overdriving those slow down on slippery surfaces
the vehicle straddles the edge of the
conditions. But skids are always because stopping distance is longer
pavement. Turn the steering wheel
possible. and vehicle control more limited.
8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 in), about
one-eighth turn, until the right front
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
Other Rainy Weather Tips Highway Hypnosis Hill and Mountain Roads
Besides slowing down, other wet Always be alert and pay attention to Driving on steep hills or through
weather driving tips include: your surroundings while driving. mountains is different than driving
. Allow extra following distance. If you become tired or sleepy, find a on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
safe place to park the vehicle driving in these conditions include:
. Pass with caution. and rest. . Keep the vehicle serviced and in
. Keep windshield wiping Other driving tips include: good shape.
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the vehicle well ventilated. . Check all fluid levels and brakes,
. Keep the windshield washer fluid tires, cooling system, and
reservoir filled.
. Keep interior temperature cool.
transmission.
. Have good tires with proper
. Keep your eyes moving — scan .
the road ahead and to the sides. Shift to a lower gear when going
tread depth. See Tires on down steep or long hills.
page 10‑42. . Check the rearview mirror and
. Turn off cruise control. vehicle instruments often.
{ WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
Blizzard Conditions
WARNING (Continued) WARNING (Continued)
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: For more information about
vehicle unless there is help nearby. carbon monoxide, see Engine
. Clear away snow from around
If possible, use the Roadside Exhaust on page 9‑22.
the base of your vehicle,
Assistance Program (U.S. and
especially any that is blocking Snow can trap exhaust gases
Canada) on page 13‑8 or Roadside
the exhaust pipe. under your vehicle. This can
Assistance Program (Mexico) on
page 13‑10. To get help and keep . Check again from time to cause deadly CO (Carbon
everyone in the vehicle safe: time to be sure snow does Monoxide) gas to get inside. CO
not collect there. could overcome you and kill you.
. Turn on the hazard warning
You cannot see it or smell it, so
flashers. . Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the you might not know it is in your
. Tie a red cloth to an outside vehicle. Clear away snow from
vehicle that is away from the
mirror. around the base of your vehicle,
wind to bring in fresh air.
especially any that is blocking the
{ WARNING . Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
exhaust.
Snow can trap engine exhaust panel.
under the vehicle. This may Run the engine for short periods
. Adjust the climate control only as needed to keep warm, but
cause exhaust gases to get system to a setting that
inside. Engine exhaust contains be careful.
circulates the air inside the
Carbon Monoxide (CO) which vehicle and set the fan speed To save fuel, run the engine for only
cannot be seen or smelled. It can to the highest setting. See short periods as needed to warm
cause unconsciousness and even Climate Control System in the the vehicle and then shut the engine
death. Index. off and close the window most of
(Continued) the way to save heat. Repeat this
(Continued)
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until help arrives but only when you
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
Rating (GAWR) for the front and there will be five 150 lb
rear axle. See “Certification passengers in your vehicle,
Label” later in this section. the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is
Steps for Determining Correct
650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150)
Load Limit
= 650 lbs).
1. Locate the statement
5. Determine the combined
“The combined weight of
weight of luggage and cargo
occupants and cargo should
being loaded on the vehicle.
never exceed XXX kg or
That weight may not safely
XXX lbs” on your vehicle's
exceed the available cargo
placard. Example 1
and luggage load capacity
2. Determine the combined calculated in Step 4. A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
weight of the driver and Example 1 = 453 kg
6. If your vehicle will be towing
passengers that will be riding (1,000 lbs).
a trailer, the load from your
in your vehicle.
trailer will be transferred to B. Subtract Occupant Weight
3. Subtract the combined your vehicle. Consult this @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 =
weight of the driver and manual to determine how this 136 kg (300 lbs).
passengers from XXX kg or reduces the available cargo
XXX lbs. C. Available Occupant and
and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. Cargo Weight = 317 kg
4. The resulting figure equals (700 lbs).
the available amount of cargo See Trailer Towing on page 9‑45
and luggage load capacity. for important information on
For example, if the “XXX” towing a trailer, towing safety
amount equals 1400 lbs and rules, andInftrailering
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
Example 2 Example 3
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs). (1,000 lbs).
B. Subtract Occupant Weight B. Subtract Occupant Weight
@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = Label Example
340 kg (750 lbs). 453 kg (1,000 lbs). A vehicle-specific Certification
C. Available Cargo Weight = C. Available Cargo Weight = label is attached to the driver
113 kg (250 lbs). 0 kg (0 lbs). side center pillar (B-pillar). The
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and label tells the gross weight
Loading Information label for capacity of the vehicle, called
specific information about the the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
vehicle's capacity weight and (GVWR). The GVWR includes
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
and turn it only with your hand. 2. Shift the vehicle to neutral. This R (ON/RUN): This position can be
If the key cannot be turned by can be done while the vehicle is used to operate the electrical
hand, see your dealer. moving. After shifting to neutral, accessories and to display some
9 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/ firmly apply the brakes and steer instrument panel warning lights. The
LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is the vehicle to a safe location. switch will stay in this position while
stopped, turn the ignition switch to 3. Come to a complete stop, shift the engine is running.
LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off. to P (Park), and turn the ignition If you leave the key in the ACC/
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
will remain active. See Retained an automatic transmission, the with the engine off, the battery could
Accessory Power (RAP) on shift lever must be in P (Park) to be drained. You may not be able to
page 9‑20 turn the ignition switch to the start the vehicle if the battery is
This position locks the ignition. LOCK/OFF position. allowed to drain for an extended
It also locks the transmission. The 4. Set the parking brake. See period of time.
key can only be removed in Parking Brake on page 9‑28 / (START): This position starts the
LOCK/OFF. The steering can bind with the engine. When the engine starts,
Do not turn the engine off when the wheels turned off center. If this release the key. The ignition switch
vehicle is moving. This will cause a happens, move the steering wheel will return to the ON/RUN position
loss of power assist in the brake from right to left while turning the for driving.
and steering systems and disable key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this A warning tone will sound when the
the airbags. doesn't work, the vehicle needs driver door is opened, the ignition is
In an emergency: service. in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This and the key is in the ignition.
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the position lets you use things like the
brakes repeatedly. This may radio and windshield wipers while
deplete power assist, requiring the engine is not running.
increased brake pedal force.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
Starting the Engine components. If the ignition key is 2. If the engine does not start after
turned to the START position, 5 to 10 seconds, especially in
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or and then released when the very cold weather (below −18°C
N (Neutral). The engine will not start engine begins cranking, the or 0°F), it could be flooded with
in any other position. To restart the engine will continue cranking for too much gasoline. Try pushing
engine when the vehicle is already a few seconds or until the the accelerator pedal all the way
moving, use N (Neutral) only. vehicle starts. If the engine does to the floor and holding it there
Notice: Do not try to shift to not start and the key is held in as you hold the key in START
P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. START, cranking will be stopped for up to a maximum of
If you do, you could damage the after 15 seconds to prevent 15 seconds. Wait at least
transmission. Shift to P (Park) cranking motor damage. To 15 seconds between each try, to
only when the vehicle is stopped. prevent gear damage, this allow the cranking motor to cool
system also prevents cranking if down. When the engine starts,
Starting Procedure the engine is already running. let go of the key and accelerator.
1. With your foot off the accelerator Engine cranking can be stopped If the vehicle starts briefly but
pedal, turn the ignition to START. by turning the ignition switch to then stops again, repeat these
When the engine starts, let go of the ACC/ACCESSORY or steps. This clears the extra
the key. The idle speed will slow LOCK/OFF position. gasoline from the engine. Do not
down as the engine warms. Do Notice: Cranking the engine for race the engine immediately
not race the engine immediately long periods of time, by returning after starting it. Operate the
after starting it. Operate the the key to the START position engine and transmission gently
engine and transmission gently immediately after cranking has until the oil warms up and
to allow the oil to warm up and ended, can overheat and damage lubricates all moving parts.
lubricate all moving parts. the cranking motor, and drain the Notice: The engine is designed to
The vehicle has a battery. Wait at least 15 seconds work with the electronics in the
Computer-Controlled Cranking between each try, to let the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
System. This feature assists in cranking motor cool down. or accessories, you could change
starting the engine and protects the way the engine operates.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
Retained Accessory Shifting Into Park 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
Power (RAP) shift lever and pushing the shift
These vehicle accessories can be { WARNING lever all the way toward the front
used for up to 10 minutes after the It can be dangerous to get out of of the vehicle.
engine is turned off: the vehicle if the shift lever is not 3. Turn the ignition key to
. Audio System fully in P (Park) with the parking LOCK/OFF.
. Power Windows brake firmly set. The vehicle can 4. Remove the key and take it with
roll. If you have left the engine you. If you can leave the vehicle
. Heated Seats (if equipped) running, the vehicle can move with the ignition key in your
. Sunroof (if equipped) suddenly. You or others could be hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
These features continue to work up injured. To be sure the vehicle will
to 10 minutes after the ignition is not move, even when you are on
turned to LOCK/OFF. fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
The power windows, heated seats, trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and sunroof will work until any door and Towing Tips on page 9‑42.
is opened.
The radio continues to work until the
1. Hold the brake pedal down and
driver door is opened.
set the parking brake. See
All these features operate when the Parking Brake on page 9‑28 for
key is in the ON/RUN or ACC/ more information.
ACCESSORY.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (21,1)
Leaving the Vehicle with the If you can, it means that the shift Shifting Out of Park
Engine Running lever was not fully locked in
P (Park). This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
{ WARNING Torque Lock The shift lock release is
Torque lock is when the weight designed to:
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running. of the vehicle puts too much force . Prevent ignition key removal
The vehicle could move suddenly on the parking pawl in the unless the shift lever is in
if the shift lever is not fully in transmission. This happens when P (Park) with the shift lever
P (Park) with the parking brake parking on a hill and shifting the button fully released.
firmly set. And, if you leave the transmission into P (Park) is not . Prevent movement of the shift
done properly and then it is difficult
vehicle with the engine running, it lever out of P (Park), unless the
to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
could overheat and even catch ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
torque lock, set the parking brake
fire. You or others could be ACCESSORY and the brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
injured. Do not leave the vehicle pedal is applied.
out how, see “Shifting Into Park”
with the engine running. listed previously. The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
If torque lock does occur, your
If you have to leave the vehicle with uncharged or low voltage (less than
vehicle may need to be pushed
the engine running, be sure the 9 volt) battery.
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
vehicle is in P (Park) and the the parking pawl pressure, so you If the vehicle has an uncharged
parking brake is firmly set before can shift out of P (Park). battery or a battery with low voltage,
you leave it. After you have moved try charging or jump starting the
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the battery. See Jump Starting on
regular brake pedal down. Then, page 10‑84
see if you can move the shift lever
away from P (Park) without first
pushing the button.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
Automatic { WARNING
brake pedal then press the shift
lever button before you can shift
Transmission It is dangerous to get out of the
from P (Park) while the ignition key
is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully of P (Park), ease pressure on the
in P (Park) with the parking brake shift lever and push the shift lever
firmly set. The vehicle can roll. all the way into P (Park) as you
Do not leave the vehicle when the maintain brake application. Then
engine is running unless you move the shift lever into another
have to. If you have left the gear. See Shifting Out of Park on
engine running, the vehicle can page 9‑21.
move suddenly. You or others R (Reverse): Use this gear to
could be injured. To be sure the back up.
vehicle will not move, even when Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse)
you are on fairly level ground, while the vehicle is moving
always set the parking brake and forward could damage the
The automatic transmission has a move the shift lever to P (Park). transmission. The repairs would
shift lever located on the console See Shifting Into Park on not be covered by the vehicle
between the seats. page 9‑20. If you are pulling a warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
P (Park): This position locks the trailer, see Trailer Towing on after the vehicle is stopped.
front wheels. It is the best position page 9‑45. To rock the vehicle back and forth to
to use when you start the engine get out of snow, ice, or sand without
because the vehicle cannot move Make sure the shift lever is fully in damaging the transmission, see If
easily. P (Park) before starting the engine. the Vehicle is Stuck on page 9‑11.
The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control
system. You must fully apply the
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (25,1)
N (Neutral): In this position, the Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or Manual Mode
engine does not connect with the N (Neutral) with the engine
wheels. To restart the engine when running at high speed may Driver Shift Control (DSC)
the vehicle is already moving, use damage the transmission. The To use this feature, do the following:
N (Neutral) only. Also, use repairs would not be covered by
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is the vehicle warranty. Be sure the 1. Move the shift lever from
being towed. engine is not running at high D (Drive) rearward to
speed when shifting the vehicle. M (Manual).
{ WARNING D (Drive): This position is for While driving in manual mode,
normal driving. It provides the best the transmission will remain in
Shifting into a drive gear while the fuel economy. If you need more the driver selected gear. When
engine is running at high speed is power for passing, and you are: coming to a stop in the manual
dangerous. Unless your foot is position, the vehicle will
firmly on the brake pedal, the
. Going less than 56 km/h automatically shift into
vehicle could move very rapidly. (35 mph), push the accelerator 2 (Second) gear.
pedal about halfway down.
You could lose control and hit
. Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine more, push the accelerator all
is running at high speed. the way down.
M (Manual Mode): This position,
allows you to change gears similar
to a manual transmission. If the
vehicle has this feature, see Driver
Shift Control (DSC).
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (26,1)
While using the DSC feature the Second or Third Gear Start
transmission will have firmer shifting Feature
and sportier performance. You can When accelerating the vehicle from
use this for sport driving or when a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
climbing hills to stay in gear longer you may want to shift the gear
or to downshift for more power or select tap switch into Second or
engine braking. Third gear. A higher gear allows you
The transmission will only allow to gain more traction on slippery
you to shift into gears appropriate surfaces.
for the vehicle speed and engine With the DSC feature, the vehicle
revolutions per minute (RPM): can be set to pull away in Second or
. The transmission will not Third gear.
2. Press the + (plus) end of the automatically shift to the next
button on the side of the shifter 1. Move the shift lever from
higher gear if the vehicle speed D (Drive) into the
to upshift, or push the − (minus) or engine RPM is too low.
end of the button to downshift. M (Manual Mode).
. The transmission will not allow
The Driver Information Center (DIC) 2. With the vehicle stopped,
shifting to the next lower gear if press (+) end of the button to
in the instrument cluster will change the vehicle speed or engine
from the currently displayed select Second or Third gear. The
RPM is too high. vehicle will start from a stop
message to the letter “M”, for
Manual position, and a number position in Second or Third gear.
indicating the requested gear. 3. Once moving select the desired
drive gear.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (27,1)
Brakes If driving safely on a wet road and it suddenly slows or stops. Always
becomes necessary to slam on the leave enough room up ahead to
brakes and continue braking to stop, even with ABS.
Antilock Brake avoid a sudden obstacle, a
System (ABS) computer senses that the wheels Using ABS
are slowing down. If one of the Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
wheels is about to stop rolling, the the brake pedal down firmly and let
System (ABS), an advanced
computer will separately work the ABS work. You might hear the ABS
electronic braking system that helps
brakes at each wheel. pump or motor operating and feel
prevent a braking skid.
ABS can change the brake pressure the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
When the engine is started and the normal.
to each wheel, as required, faster
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
than any driver could. This can help Braking in Emergencies
checks itself. A momentary motor or
the driver steer around the obstacle
clicking noise might be heard while ABS allows the driver to steer and
while braking hard.
this test is going on, and it might brake at the same time. In many
even be noticed that the brake As the brakes are applied, the emergencies, steering can help
pedal moves a little. This is normal. computer keeps receiving updates more than even the very best
on wheel speed and controls braking.
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
If there is a problem with ABS, this there will not be enough time to
warning light stays on. See Antilock apply the brakes if that vehicle
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑19.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
Ride Control Systems The system may be heard or felt The Traction Control System is
while it is working, but this is automatically enabled whenever the
normal. vehicle is started. To limit wheel
Traction Control spin, especially in slippery road
If the vehicle is in cruise control
System (TCS) when TCS begins to limit wheel conditions, always leave the system
spin, the cruise control will enabled. TCS can be turned off if
The vehicle may have a Traction
automatically disengage. The cruise needed.
Control System (TCS) that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful control may be re-engaged when It is recommended to leave the
in slippery road conditions. The road conditions allow. See Cruise system on for normal driving
system operates only if it senses Control on page 9‑32. conditions, but it may be necessary
that the front wheels are spinning to turn the system off if the vehicle
too much or are beginning to lose is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow,
traction. When this happens, the and you want to “rock” the vehicle to
system works the front brakes and attempt to free it. It may also be
reduces engine power by closing necessary to turn off the system
the throttle and managing engine when driving in extreme off-road
spark to limit wheel spin. conditions where high wheel spin is
When this light is on solid and either required. See If the Vehicle is Stuck
the SERVICE TRACTION or on page 9‑11.
TRACTION OFF message is
displayed, the system will not limit
wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Ride Control System Messages on
This light will flash when the traction page 5‑27 for more information.
control system is limiting wheel spin.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
Electronic Stability For more information, see Ride The Electronic Stability Control
Control System Messages on (ESC) system is automatically
Control (ESC) page 5‑27. enabled whenever the vehicle is
The vehicle has an Electronic started. To assist the driver with
Stability Control (ESC) system vehicle directional control,
which combines antilock brake, especially in slippery road
traction and stability control systems conditions, the system should
and helps the driver maintain always be left on. But, ESC can be
directional control of the vehicle in turned off if needed.
most driving conditions. If the vehicle is in cruise control
When you first start the vehicle and This light will flash on the instrument when the system begins to assist
begin to drive away, the system panel cluster when the ESC system the driver maintain directional
performs several diagnostic checks is both on and activated. control of the vehicle, the ESC/TCS
to ensure there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt light will flash and the cruise control
The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this is normal. will automatically disengage. The
while it is working. This is normal cruise control system may be
When the light is on solid and either
and does not mean there is a re-engaged when road conditions
the SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF
problem with the vehicle. The allow. See Cruise Control on
message is displayed, the system
system should initialize before the page 9‑32.
will not assist the driver in
vehicle reaches 32 km/h (20 mph). maintaining directional control of the
If the system fails to turn on or vehicle. Adjust your driving
activate, the ESC/TCS light will be accordingly. See Ride Control
on solid, and the ESC OFF or System Messages on page 5‑27.
SERVICE ESC message will be
displayed.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (32,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (34,1)
regulations. To help keep fuel Gasolines containing oxygenates, fuel contains MMT. We recommend
injectors and intake valves clean such as ethers and ethanol, and against the use of such gasolines.
and avoid problems due to dirty reformulated gasolines might be Fuels containing MMT can reduce
injectors or valves, look for gasoline available in your area. We spark plug life and affect emission
that is advertised as TOP TIER recommend that you use these control system performance. The
Detergent Gasoline. Look for the gasolines, if they comply with the malfunction indicator lamp might
TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to specifications described earlier. turn on. If this occurs, return to your
ensure gasoline meets enhanced However, E85 (85% ethanol) and dealer for service.
detergency standards developed by other fuels containing more than
the auto companies. A list of 10% ethanol must not be used in Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
marketers providing TOP TIER vehicles that were not designed for
Detergent Gasoline can be found at those fuels. Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
www.toptiergas.com. and a yellow fuel cap can use either
Notice: This vehicle was not unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
For customers who do not use TOP designed for fuel that contains containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly, methanol. Do not use fuel For all other vehicles, use only the
one bottle of GM Fuel System containing methanol. It can unleaded gasoline described under
Treatment PLUS, added to the fuel corrode metal parts in the fuel Recommended Fuel on page 9‑35.
tank at every engine oil change, can system and also damage plastic
help clean deposits from fuel and rubber parts. That damage We encourage the use of E85 in
injectors and intake valves. GM Fuel would not be covered under the vehicles that are designed to use it.
System Treatment PLUS is the only vehicle warranty. The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable”
gasoline additive recommended by fuel, meaning it is made from
Some gasolines that are renewable sources such as corn
General Motors. It is available at not reformulated for low
your dealer. and other crops.
emissions can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant
where you Ibuy
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (38,1)
Many service stations will not have To ensure quick starts in the E85 has less energy per liter
an 85% ethanol fuel (E85) pump wintertime, the E85 fuel must be (gallon) than gasoline, so you will
available. The U.S. Department of formulated properly for your climate need to refill the fuel tank more
Energy has an alternative fuels according to ASTM specification often when using E85 than when
website (www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ D 5798. If you have trouble starting you are using gasoline. See Filling
locator/stations/) that can help you on E85, it could be because the E85 the Tank on page 9‑39.
find E85 fuel. Those stations that do fuel is not properly formulated for Notice: Some additives are not
have E85 should have a label your climate. If this happens, compatible with E85 fuel and can
indicating ethanol content. Do not switching to gasoline or adding harm the vehicle's fuel system.
use the fuel if the ethanol content is gasoline to the fuel tank can Do not add anything to E85.
greater than 85%. improve starting. For good starting Damage caused by additives
At a minimum, E85 should meet and heater efficiency below 0°C would not be covered by the
ASTM Specification D 5798. By (32°F), the fuel mix in the fuel tank vehicle warranty.
definition, this means that fuel should contain no more than
70% ethanol. It is best not to Notice: This vehicle was not
labeled E85 will have an ethanol designed for fuel that contains
content between 70% and 85%. alternate repeatedly between
gasoline and E85. If you do switch methanol. Do not use fuel
Filling the fuel tank with fuel containing methanol. It can
mixtures that do not meet ASTM fuels, it is recommended that you
add as much fuel as possible — do corrode metal parts in the fuel
specifications can affect driveability system and also damage plastic
and could cause the malfunction not add less than 11 L (3 gal) when
refueling. You should drive the and rubber parts. That damage
indicator lamp to come on. would not be covered under the
vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least 11 km (7 mi) to allow the vehicle warranty.
vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (39,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (40,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (41,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (42,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (44,1)
Turn Signals When Towing a The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Parking on Hills
Trailer Use a lower gear if the transmission
The turn signal indicators
shifts too often. { WARNING
on the instrument panel flash When towing at high altitude on
whenever signaling a turn or lane steep uphill grades, engine coolant Parking the vehicle on a hill with
change. Properly hooked up, the boils at a lower temperature than at the trailer attached can be
trailer lamps also flash, telling other normal altitudes. If the engine is dangerous. If something goes
drivers the vehicle is turning, turned off immediately after towing wrong, the rig could start to move.
changing lanes or stopping. at high altitude on steep uphill People can be injured, and both
grades, the vehicle could show the vehicle and the trailer can be
When towing a trailer, the arrows on signs similar to engine overheating. damaged. When possible, always
the instrument panel flash for turns To avoid this, let the engine run park the rig on a flat surface.
even if the bulbs on the trailer are while parked, preferably on level
burned out. Check occasionally to ground, with the transmission in
be sure the trailer bulbs are still P (Park) for a few minutes before If parking the rig on a hill:
working. turning the engine off. If the 1. Press the brake pedal, but do
Driving on Grades overheat warning comes on, see not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
Engine Overheating on page 10‑20. the wheels into the curb if facing
Reduce speed and shift to a downhill or into traffic if facing
lower gear before starting down a uphill.
long or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the 2. Have someone place chocks
brakes might have to be used so under the trailer wheels.
much that they would get hot and no 3. When the wheel chocks are in
longer work well. place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (45,1)
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then Maintenance When Trailer Trailer Towing
apply the parking brake and shift Towing
into P (Park). Before pulling a trailer, there are
The vehicle needs service more three important considerations that
5. Release the brake pedal. often when pulling a trailer. See this have to do with weight:
Leaving After Parking on a Hill manual's Maintenance Schedule or . The weight of the trailer.
Index for more information. Things
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. that are especially important in . The weight of the trailer tongue.
2. Start the engine. trailer operation are automatic . The total weight on your
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle vehicle's tires.
3. Shift into a gear. lubricant, belts, cooling system and
4. Release the parking brake. brake system. Inspect these before Weight of the Trailer
and during the trip.
5. Let up on the brake pedal. How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Check periodically to see that all
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is It should never weigh more than
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
clear of the chocks. 454 kg (1,000 lbs). But even that
Engine Cooling When Trailer can be too heavy.
7. Stop and have someone pick up
and store the chocks. Towing It depends on how the rig is used.
The cooling system may temporarily For example, speed, altitude, road
overheat during severe operating grades, outside temperature and
conditions. See Engine Overheating how much the vehicle is used to pull
on page 10‑20. a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (46,1)
Maximum trailer weight is calculated If there are a lot of options, After loading the trailer, weigh the
assuming only the driver is in the equipment, passengers or cargo in trailer and then the tongue,
tow vehicle and it has all the the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue separately, to see if the weights are
required trailering equipment. The weight the vehicle can carry, which proper. If they are not, adjustments
weight of additional optional will also reduce the trailer weight the might be made by moving some
equipment, passengers and cargo in vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer, items around in the trailer.
the tow vehicle must be subtracted the tongue load must be added to
from the maximum trailer weight. the GVW because the vehicle will Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
be carrying that weight, too. See Tires
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice, or write us at Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑12 Be sure the vehicle's tires are
our Customer Assistance Offices. for more information. inflated to the upper limit for cold
See Customer Assistance Offices tires. These numbers can be found
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or on the Tire-Loading Information
Customer Assistance Offices label. See Vehicle Load Limits on
(Mexico) on page 13‑5 for more page 9‑12. Make sure not to go over
information. the GVW limit for the vehicle,
including the weight of the trailer
Weight of the Trailer Tongue tongue.
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people The trailer tongue (A) should weigh
who will be riding in the vehicle. 10‐15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (B).
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (47,1)
2 NOTES
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
GM Accessories are designed to Vehicle Checks If doing some of your own service
complement and function with other work, use the proper service
systems on the vehicle. Your GM manual. It tells you much more
dealer can accessorize the vehicle Doing Your Own about how to service the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories. Service Work than this manual can. To order the
When you go to your GM dealer and proper service manual, see Service
ask for GM Accessories, you will
know that GM-trained and
{ WARNING Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑15.
supported service technicians will You can be injured and the This vehicle has an airbag system.
perform the work using genuine GM vehicle could be damaged if you Before attempting to do your own
Accessories. try to do service work on a vehicle service work, see Servicing the
Also, see Adding Equipment to the without knowing enough about it. Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on . Be sure you have page 3‑36.
page 3‑37. sufficient knowledge, Keep a record with all parts receipts
experience, the proper and list the mileage and the date of
replacement parts, and tools any service work performed. See
before attempting any vehicle Maintenance Records on page 11‑8.
maintenance task.
. Be sure to use the proper
nuts, bolts, and other
fasteners. Metric and English
fasteners can be easily
confused. If the wrong
fasteners are used, parts can
later break or fall off. You
could be hurt.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
2.4 L L4 Engine
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on E. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. H. Battery on page 10‑26.
page 10‑14. See Engine Coolant on I. Windshield Washer Fluid
B. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of page 10‑16. Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
View). See Cooling System on F. Pressure Cap. See Cooling Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑16. System on page 10‑16. page 10‑23.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When G. Brake Master Cylinder J. See Engine Compartment Fuse
to Add Engine Oil” under Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” Block on page 10‑36.
Engine Oil on page 10‑9. under Brakes on page 10‑24.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of
View). See “Checking Engine
Oil” under Engine Oil on
page 10‑9.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
3.6 L V6 Engine
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
Checking Engine Oil When to Add Engine Oil Notice: Do not add too much oil.
Oil levels above or below the
It is a good idea to check the engine
acceptable operating range
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
shown on the dipstick are harmful
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
to the engine. If you find that you
must be on level ground. The
have an oil level above the
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow
operating range, i.e., the engine
loop. See Engine Compartment
has so much oil that the oil level
Overview on page 10‑6 for the L4 Engine gets above the upper mark that
location of the engine oil dipstick.
shows the proper operating
Obtaining an accurate oil level range, the engine could be
reading is essential: damaged. You should drain out
1. If the engine has been running the excess oil or limit driving of
recently, turn off the engine and the vehicle and seek a service
allow several minutesfor the oil professional to remove the
to drain back into the oil pan. excess amount of oil.
V6 Engine
Checking the oil level too soon See Engine Compartment Overview
after engine shutoff will not If the oil is below the MIN on page 10‑6 for the location of the
provide an accurate oil level (minimum) mark for the L4 engine or engine oil fill cap.
reading. below the cross‐hatched area at the
tip of the dipstick for the V6 engine, Add enough oil to put the level
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it add 1 L (1 qt) of the recommended somewhere in the proper operating
with a paper towel or cloth, then oil and then recheck the level. See range. Push the dipstick all the way
push it back in all the way. “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in back in when through.
Remove it again, keeping the tip this section for an explanation of
down, and check the level. what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2. InformationProvidedby:
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (11,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
Engine Oil Life System best conditions, the oil life system How to Reset the Engine Oil
might indicate that an oil change is Life System
When to Change Engine Oil not necessary for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be Reset the system whenever the
This vehicle has a computer system engine oil is changed so that the
that indicates when to change the changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be system can calculate the next
engine oil and filter. This is based engine oil change. To reset the
on engine revolutions and engine reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this system:
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the work and reset the system. It is also 1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN,
mileage at which an oil change is important to check the oil regularly with the engine off.
indicated can vary considerably. For over the course of an oil drain
2. Press and hold the DIC INFO
the oil life system to work properly, interval and keep it at the proper
and reset buttons, on the left
the system must be reset every time level.
side of the steering wheel, at the
the oil is changed. If the system is ever reset same time to enter the
When the system has calculated accidentally, the oil must be personalization menu. The OIL
that oil life has been diminished, it changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles) LIFE RESET message displays.
indicates that an oil change is since the last oil change. See Driver Information Center
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON Remember to reset the oil life (DIC) on page 5‑22 and Engine
message comes on. See Engine Oil system whenever the oil is changed. Oil Messages on page 5‑26.
Messages on page 5‑26. Change 3. Press and hold the reset button
the oil as soon as possible within until the DIC display shows
the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is ACKNOWLEDGED.
possible that, if driving under the
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE OIL SOON message
is off.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (14,1)
If the CHANGE OIL SOON Notice: Use of the incorrect When to Inspect the Engine Air
message comes back on when the automatic transmission fluid may Cleaner/Filter
vehicle is started, the engine oil life damage the vehicle, and the
system has not reset. Repeat the damages may not be covered by Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
procedure. the vehicle warranty. Always use scheduled maintenance intervals
the automatic transmission fluid and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
Automatic Transmission listed in Recommended Fluids
interval. See Scheduled
and Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Fluid Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
For the 2.4 L and 3.6 L engines, the information. If driving in dusty/dirty
It is not necessary to check
transmission fluid will not reach the conditions, inspect the filter at each
the transmission fluid level.
end of the dipstick unless the engine oil change.
A transmission fluid leak is the
transmission is at operating
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak How to Inspect the Engine Air
temperature. If the transmission fluid
occurs, take the vehicle to the Cleaner/Filter
level needs to be checked, please
dealer and have it repaired as soon
take the vehicle to the dealer. To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
as possible.
remove the filter from the vehicle
Change the fluid and filter at the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter and lightly shake the filter to release
intervals listed in Scheduled loose dust and dirt. If the filter
Maintenance on page 11‑2, and be See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the remains covered with dirt, a new
sure to use the transmission fluid filter is required.
listed in Recommended Fluids and engine air cleaner/filter.
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
What to Use Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, Never dispose of engine coolant by
drinkable water and DEX-COOL putting it in the trash, pouring it on
{ WARNING coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
Adding only plain water or some This mixture: changed by an authorized service
other liquid to the cooling system . Gives freezing protection down center, familiar with legal
can be dangerous. Plain water to −37°C (−34°F), outside requirements regarding used
and other liquids, can boil before temperature. coolant disposal. This will help
the proper coolant mixture will. protect the environment and your
. Gives boiling protection up to health.
The coolant warning system is set 129°C (265°F), engine
for the proper coolant mixture. temperature. Checking Coolant
With plain water or the wrong
. Protects against rust and The vehicle must be on a level
mixture, the engine could get too
corrosion. surface when checking the coolant
hot but you would not get the
level.
overheat warning. The engine . Will not damage aluminum parts.
could catch fire and you or others Check to see if coolant is visible in
. Helps keep the proper engine the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
could be burned. Use a temperature.
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable inside the coolant surge tank is
water and DEX-COOL coolant. Notice: If an improper coolant boiling, do not do anything else until
mixture is used, the engine could it cools down. If coolant is visible
overheat and be badly damaged. but the coolant level is not at or
The repair cost would not be above the FULL COLD mark, add a
covered by the vehicle warranty. 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
Too much water in the mixture water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
can freeze and crack the engine, coolant surge tank, but be sure the
radiator, heater core, and other cooling system is cool before this is
parts. done. See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑20 for more information.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (19,1)
2. Keep turning the pressure cap By this time, the coolant level
slowly, and remove it. inside the coolant surge tank
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with might be lower. If the level is
the proper mixture, to the FULL lower than the FULL COLD
COLD mark. Wait about mark, add more of the proper
five minutes, then check to see if mixture to the coolant surge tank
1. Remove the coolant surge tank the level is below the mark. If the until the level reaches the FULL
pressure cap when the cooling level is below the FULL COLD COLD mark.
system, including the coolant mark, add additional coolant to 5. Replace the pressure cap. Be
surge tank pressure cap and bring the level up to the mark. sure the pressure cap is
upper radiator hose, is no longer Repeat this procedure until the hand-tight and fully seated.
hot. Turn the pressure cap level remains constant at the Notice: If the pressure cap is not
slowly counterclockwise about FULL COLD mark for at least tightly installed, coolant loss and
two or two and one-half turns. five minutes. possible engine damage may
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to 4. With the coolant surge tank occur. Be sure the cap is properly
stop. This will allow any pressure cap off, start the and tightly secured.
pressure still left to be vented engine and let it run until the
out the discharge hose. upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
If the overheat warning is displayed If the warning continues, pull over, and engine performance will be
with no sign of steam: stop, and park the vehicle noticed. The temperature gauge will
1. Turn the air off. right away. indicate an overheat condition
If there is no sign of steam, idle the exists. Driving extended km (mi)
2. Turn the heater on to the highest and/or towing a trailer in the
temperature and to the highest engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still overheat protection mode should be
fan speed. Open the windows as avoided.
necessary. displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see “Overheated Notice: After driving in the
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine Engine Protection Operating Mode” overheated engine protection
idle in N (Neutral) while stopped. following. operating mode, to avoid engine
If it is safe to do so, pull off the damage, allow the engine to cool
road, shift to P (Park) or Overheated Engine before attempting any repair. The
N (Neutral) and let the engine oil will be severely
engine idle. Protection degraded. Repair the cause of
If the temperature overheat gauge
Operating Mode coolant loss, change the oil and
is no longer in the overheat zone or This emergency operating mode reset the oil life system. See
an overheat warning no longer allows the vehicle to be driven to a Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
displays, the vehicle can be driven. safe place in an emergency
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly situation. If an overheated engine
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe condition exists, an overheat
vehicle distance from the vehicle in protection mode which alternates
front. If the warning does not come firing groups of cylinders helps
back on, continue to drive normally. prevent engine damage. In this
mode, a significant loss in power
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (22,1)
Power Steering Fluid It is not necessary to regularly The fluid level should be between
check power steering fluid unless a the MIN (Minimum) and MAX
leak is suspected in the system, (Maximum) marks when the engine
or an unusual noise is heard. A fluid is cold, and at the MAX mark when
loss in this system could indicate a the engine is hot. If the fluid is at the
problem. Have the system inspected MIN mark when the engine is cold
and repaired. or hot, power steering fluid should
be added.
How to Check Power Steering
See Engine Compartment Overview Fluid The fluid level should be within the
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location. crosshatch area on the dipstick.
To check the power steering fluid:
If the fluid is at or below the ADD or
When to Check Power Steering 1. Turn the key off and let the MIN mark on the dipstick, add just
Fluid engine compartment cool down. enough fluid to bring the level within
Power steering fluid is used in all 2. Wipe the cap and the top of the the crosshatch area.
vehicles with the V6 engine. reservoir clean.
Vehicles with the 4-cylinder engine What to Use
have electric power steering and do 3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the
To determine what kind of fluid to
not use power steering fluid. dipstick with a clean rag.
use, see Recommended Fluids and
4. Replace the cap and completely Lubricants on page 11‑6. Always
tighten it. use the proper fluid.
5. Remove the cap again and look
at the fluid level on the dipstick.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (23,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (24,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (25,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (26,1)
Starter Switch Check 3. Try to start the engine in each 2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
gear. The vehicle should start See Parking Brake on
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). page 9‑28.
{ WARNING If the vehicle starts in any other Be ready to apply the regular
When you are doing this position, contact your dealer for brake immediately if the vehicle
service. begins to move.
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle 3. With the engine off, turn the
moves, you or others could be Automatic Transmission
ignition on, but do not start the
injured. Shift Lock Control engine. Without applying the
Function Check regular brake, try to move the
1. Before starting this check, be shift lever out of P (Park) with
sure there is enough room { WARNING normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
around the vehicle.
When you are doing this your dealer for service.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
inspection, the vehicle could
brake and the regular brake.
move suddenly. If the vehicle
See Parking Brake on
page 9‑28. moves, you or others could be
injured.
Do not use the accelerator
pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it 1. Before starting this check, be
starts. sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (28,1)
Ignition Transmission Park Brake and P (Park) Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
Lock Check Mechanism Check your foot on the regular brake, set
While parked, and with the parking the parking brake.
brake set, try to turn the ignition to { WARNING . To check the parking brake's
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever holding ability: With the engine
position. When you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move. running and the transmission in
. The ignition should turn to You or others could be injured N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
LOCK/OFF only when the shift pressure from the regular brake
and property could be damaged.
lever is in P (Park). pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
Make sure there is room in front
held by the parking brake only.
. The ignition key should come of the vehicle in case it begins to
out only in LOCK/OFF. roll. Be ready to apply the regular . To check the P (Park)
brake at once should the vehicle mechanism's holding ability:
Contact your dealer if service is
begin to move. With the engine running, shift to
required.
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (29,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (30,1)
A. Back‐up Lamp
B. Stoplamp, Taillamp and Turn
Signal Lamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
page 2‑9 for more information.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (31,1)
2. Remove the two rear 3. Remove the three wing nuts (A), 5. Turn the bulb socket (B)
convenience net hooks holding which hold the taillamp counterclockwise to remove it
the trunk trim and move the trim assembly, from inside the trunk. from the lamp assembly (A).
aside. 4. Remove the taillamp assembly. 6. Pull the bulb from the socket (B).
7. Install a new bulb.
8. Reverse Steps 2 through 5 to
reinstall the taillamp
assembly (A).
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (32,1)
2. Remove the two rear 3. Remove the three wing nuts (A),
convenience net hooks holding which hold the taillamp
the trunk trim and move the trim assembly, from inside the trunk.
A. Back‐up Lamp aside. 4. Remove the taillamp assembly.
B. Stoplamp, Taillamp and Turn
Signal Lamp
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
page 2‑9 for more information.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (33,1)
Back-Up Lamps
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (34,1)
Replacement Bulbs
Bulb
Exterior Lamp
Number
Back-up Lamp 921
License Plate Lamp 168
4. Turn the bulb socket (B) Rear Turn Signal
counterclockwise to remove from Lamp/Taillamp 3157K LL
the lamp assembly. (LS and LT)
5. Pull the bulb (A) from the Rear LED Turn
GM P/N
socket (B). 1. Remove the license plate bezel Signal Lamp/
25874489
assembly by turning the two Taillamp (LTZ)
6. Install the new bulb.
screws counterclockwise.
7. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to For replacement bulbs not listed
reinstall. 2. Turn and pull the license plate
here, contact the dealer.
lamp assembly forward through
the fascia opening.
3. Turn the bulb socket
counterclockwise and pull the
bulb straight out of the socket.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (35,1)
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block
is located on the driver side of the
engine compartment, near the
battery.
Notice: Spilling liquid on any
electrical component on the
vehicle may damage it. Always
keep the covers on any electrical The vehicle may not be equipped Fuses Usage
component. with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. 3 Not Used
Fuses Usage Transmission Control
4
Module Ignition 1
1 Air Conditioner Clutch
Mass Airflow
Electronic Throttle 5
2 Sensor (LY7)
Control
6 Emission
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (37,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (38,1)
32 Run/Crank, Ignition
Diodes Usage
33 Powertrain The instrument panel fuse block is
27 Wiper located on the instrument panel
Air Conditioning near the floor on the passenger side
34
Clutch of the vehicle.
35 High Beam Remove the panel cover to access
the fuse block, then remove the fuse
block cover to access the fuses.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (39,1)
Fuses Usage
Heating Ventilation
HVAC
Air Conditioning
BLOWER
Blower - High
HIGH
Speed Relay
Instrument Panel
CLUSTER/
Cluster, Theft
THEFT
Deterrent System
OnStar®
ONSTAR
(If Equipped)
NOT
Not Used
INSTALLED
AIRBAG
Airbag (Ignition)
(IGN)
Heating Ventilation
The vehicle may not be equipped Air Conditioning
Fuses Usage HVAC
with all of the fuses, relays and Control Diagnostic
CTRL (BATT)
features shown. Cruise Control Link Connector
Switch, Passenger (Battery)
Fuses Usage RUN/CRANK
Airbag Status PEDAL Not Used
POWER Indicator
Power Mirrors Windshield Wiper/
MIRRORS WIPER SW
Washer Switch
Electronic Power
EPS IGN
Steering Ignition Switch
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SENSOR
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (40,1)
Fuses Usage
7 Not Used
8 Not Used
9 Not Used
10 Sunroof Controls
11 Not Used
12 Not Used
13 Audio Amplifier
14 Heated Seat Controls
15 Not Used
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System, XM™
16
Satellite Radio
The vehicle may not be equipped (If Equipped)
Fuses Usage
with all of the fuses, relays, and 17 Back-up Lamps
features shown. 4 Not Used
18 Not Used
Fuses Usage Emission 2, Canister
5 19 Not Used
Vent Solenoid
Passenger Seat
1 Auxiliary Power
Controls Park Lamps, 20
6 Instrument Panel Outlets
2 Driver Seat Controls
Dimming 21 Not Used
3 Not Used
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (42,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (44,1)
See your dealer for details Low-Profile Tires Tire and/or wheel assembly
regarding winter tire availability and damage can occur when
proper tire selection. Also, see If your vehicle has P225/50R18 coming into contact with road
Buying New Tires on page 10‑59. or P225/50R17 size tires, they hazards like, potholes,
If using snow tires: are classified as low‐profile or sharp edged objects,
performance tires. These tires or when sliding into a curb.
. Use tires of the same brand and are designed for very responsive
tread type on all four wheel The vehicle warranty does not
driving on wet or dry pavement. cover this type of damage.
positions.
You may also notice more road Keep tires set to the correct
. Use only radial ply tires of the noise with low‐profile
same size, load range, and inflation pressure and, when
performance tires and that they possible avoid contact with
speed rating as the original tend to wear faster.
equipment tires. curbs, potholes, and other
Winter tires with the same speed
Notice: If the vehicle has road hazards.
rating as the original equipment tires low‐profile tires, they are more
may not be available for H, V, W, Y, susceptible to damage from Tire Sidewall Labeling
and ZR speed rated tires. If winter road hazards or curb impact Useful information about a tire is
tires with a lower speed rating are than standard profile tires. molded into its sidewall. The
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
examples below show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a
compact spare tire sidewall.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (45,1)
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation (B) Temporary Use Only: The (D) Maximum Cold Inflation
Load Limit: Maximum load that compact spare tire or temporary Load Limit: Maximum load
can be carried and the use tire has a tread life of that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to approximately 5 000 km maximum pressure needed to
support that load. (3,000 mi) and should not be support that load.
driven at speeds over 105 km/h (E) Tire Inflation: The
(65 mph). The compact spare temporary use tire or compact
tire is for emergency use when a spare tire should be inflated to
regular road tire has lost air and 420 kPa (60 psi). For more
gone flat. If the vehicle has a information on tire pressure and
compact spare tire, see inflation see Tire Pressure on
Compact Spare Tire on page 10‑51.
page 10‑83 and If a Tire Goes
Flat on page 10‑65. (F) Tire Size: A combination of
letters and numbers define a
(C) Tire Identification Number tire's width, height, aspect ratio,
(TIN): The letters and numbers construction type, and service
Compact Spare Tire Example following the DOT (Department description. The letter T as the
of Transportation) code is first character in the tire size
(A) Tire Ply Material: The type
the Tire Identification Number means the tire is for temporary
of cord and number of plies in
(TIN). The TIN shows the use only.
the sidewall and under the tread.
manufacturer and plant code,
tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the dateInf
oroftionmanufacture.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (47,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (48,1)
Tire Terminology and Bead: The tire bead contains DOT Markings: A code molded
Definitions steel wires wrapped by steel into the sidewall of a tire
cords that hold the tire onto signifying that the tire is in
Air Pressure: The amount of the rim. compliance with the U.S.
air inside the tire pressing Department of Transportation
outward on each square inch of Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at (DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
the tire. Air pressure is Standards. The DOT code
expressed in psi (pounds per alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of includes the Tire Identification
square inch) or kPa (kilopascal). Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
the tread.
Accessory Weight: The designator which can also
combined weight of optional Cold Tire Pressure: The identify the tire manufacturer,
accessories. Some examples of amount of air pressure in a tire, production plant, brand, and
optional accessories are, measured in kPa (kilopascal) date of production.
automatic transmission, power or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
steering, power brakes, power Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
windows, power seats, and air from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑51. on page 9‑12.
conditioning.
Curb Weight: The weight of a GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight
Aspect Ratio: The relationship Rating for the front axle. See
of a tire's height to its width. motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the Vehicle Load Limits on
Belt: A rubber coated layer of maximum capacity of fuel, oil, page 9‑12.
cords that is located between and coolant, but without
the plies and the tread. Cords passengers and cargo.
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (49,1)
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Maximum Inflation Pressure: Outward Facing Sidewall: The
Rating for the rear axle. See The maximum air pressure to side of an asymmetrical tire that
Vehicle Load Limits on which a cold tire can be inflated. has a particular side that faces
page 9‑12. The maximum air pressure is outward when mounted on a
Intended Outboard Sidewall : molded onto the sidewall. vehicle. The side of the tire that
The side of an asymmetrical tire, Maximum Load Rating: The contains a whitewall, bears
that must always face outward load rating for a tire at the white lettering, or bears
when mounted on a vehicle. maximum permissible inflation manufacturer, brand, and/or
pressure for that tire. model name molding that is
Kilopascal (kPa): The metric higher or deeper than the same
unit for air pressure. Maximum Loaded Vehicle moldings on the other sidewall
Light Truck (LT‐Metric) Tire: A Weight: The sum of curb of the tire.
tire used on light duty trucks and weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: A
some multipurpose passenger tire used on passenger cars and
vehicles. production options weight.
some light duty trucks and
Load Index: An assigned Normal Occupant Weight: The multipurpose vehicles.
number ranging from 1 to 279 number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by Recommended Inflation
that corresponds to the load Pressure: Vehicle
carrying capacity of a tire. 68 kg (150 lbs). See Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑12. manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown
Occupant Distribution : on the tire placard. See Tire
Designated seating positions. Pressure on page 10‑51 and
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑12.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (50,1)
Radial Ply Tire: A pneumatic Treadwear Indicators: Narrow Vehicle Capacity Weight:
tire in which the ply cords that bands, sometimes called wear The number of designated
extend to the beads are laid at bars, that show across the tread seating positions multiplied by
90 degrees to the centerline of of a tire when only 1.6 mm 68 kg (150 lbs) plus the rated
the tread. (1/16 in) of tread remains. See cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Rim: A metal support for a tire When It Is Time for New Tires Limits on page 9‑12.
and upon which the tire beads on page 10‑59. Vehicle Maximum Load on the
are seated. UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Tire: Load on an individual tire
Sidewall: The portion of a tire Grading Standards): A tire due to curb weight, accessory
between the tread and the bead. information system that weight, occupant weight, and
provides consumers with cargo weight.
Speed Rating: An ratings for a tire's traction,
alphanumeric code assigned Vehicle Placard: A label
temperature, and treadwear. permanently attached to a
to a tire indicating the maximum Ratings are determined by
speed at which a tire can vehicle showing the vehicle
tire manufacturers using capacity weight and the original
operate. government testing procedures. equipment tire size and
Traction: The friction between The ratings are molded into the recommended inflation pressure.
the tire and the road surface. sidewall of the tire. See Uniform See “Tire and Loading
The amount of grip provided. Tire Quality Grading on Information Label” under Vehicle
page 10‑62. Load Limits on page 9‑12.
Tread: The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with
the road.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (51,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (52,1)
Tire Pressure Monitor pressure telltale when one or more The TPMS malfunction indicator is
of your tires is significantly combined with the low tire pressure
System under‐inflated. telltale. When the system detects a
The Tire Pressure Monitor System Accordingly, when the low tire malfunction, the telltale will flash for
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor pressure telltale illuminates, you approximately one minute and then
technology to check tire pressure should stop and check your tires as remain continuously illuminated.
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor soon as possible, and inflate them This sequence will continue upon
the air pressure in your tires and to the proper pressure. Driving on a subsequent vehicle start‐ups as
transmit tire pressure readings to a significantly under‐inflated tire long as the malfunction exists.
receiver located in the vehicle. causes the tire to overheat and can When the malfunction indicator is
Each tire, including the spare lead to tire failure. Under‐inflation illuminated, the system may not be
(if provided), should be checked also reduces fuel efficiency and tire able to detect or signal low tire
monthly when cold and inflated to tread life, and may affect the pressure as intended. TPMS
the inflation pressure recommended vehicle's handling and stopping malfunctions may occur for a variety
by the vehicle manufacturer on the ability. of reasons, including the installation
vehicle placard or tire inflation Please note that the TPMS is of replacement or alternate tires or
pressure label. (If your vehicle has not a substitute for proper tire wheels on the vehicle that prevent
tires of a different size than the size maintenance, and it is the driver's the TPMS from functioning properly.
indicated on the vehicle placard or responsibility to maintain correct tire Always check the TPMS malfunction
tire inflation pressure label, you pressure, even if under‐inflation has telltale after replacing one or more
should determine the proper tire not reached the level to trigger tires or wheels on your vehicle to
inflation pressure for those tires.) illumination of the TPMS low tire ensure that the replacement or
pressure telltale. alternate tires and wheels allow the
As an added safety feature, your
TPMS to continue to function
vehicle has been equipped with a Your vehicle has also been properly.
tire pressure monitoring system equipped with a TPMS malfunction
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire indicator to indicate when the See Tire Pressure Monitor
system is not operating properly. Operation on page 10‑54 for
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (54,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (58,1)
Any time you notice unusual After the tires have been
wear, rotate the tires as soon as rotated, adjust the front and rear WARNING (Continued)
possible and check wheel inflation pressures as shown on changing a wheel, remove any
alignment. Also check for the Tire and Loading Information rust or dirt from places where the
damaged tires or wheels. See label. See Tire Pressure on wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
When It Is Time for New Tires page 10‑51 and Vehicle Load an emergency, use a cloth or a
on page 10‑59 and Wheel Limits on page 9‑12. paper towel to do this; but be sure
Replacement on page 10‑64. Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor to use a scraper or wire brush
System. See Tire Pressure later, if needed, to get all the rust
Monitor Operation on or dirt off. See If a Tire Goes Flat
on page 10‑65.
page 10‑54.
Make certain that all wheel nuts
Lightly coat the center of the
are properly tightened. See
wheel hub with wheel bearing
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
grease after a wheel change or
Capacities and Specifications on
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
page 12‑2.
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
{ WARNING mounting surface or on the
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
When rotating the vehicle's tires, parts to which it is fastened, can
always use the correct rotation make wheel nuts become loose
pattern shown here. after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation. (Continued)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (59,1)
When It Is Time for New The rubber in tires ages over time. at least a month, remove the tires or
This also applies for the spare tire, raise the vehicle to reduce the
Tires if the vehicle has one, even if it is weight from the tires.
Factors such as maintenance, never used. Multiple conditions
temperatures, driving speeds, including temperatures, loading Buying New Tires
vehicle loading, and road conditions conditions, and inflation pressure
affect the wear rate of the tires. maintenance affect how fast aging GM has developed and matched
takes place. Tires will typically need specific tires for the vehicle. The
to be replaced due to wear before original equipment tires installed
they may need to be replaced on the vehicle, when it was new,
due to age. Consult the tire were designed to meet General
manufacturer for more information Motors Tire Performance Criteria
on when tires should be replaced. Specification (TPC Spec)
Vehicle Storage system rating. If you need
replacement tires, GM strongly
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
recommends that you get tires
a vehicle that will be stored for at with the same TPC Spec rating.
least a month in a cool, dry, clean This way, the vehicle will
area away from direct sunlight to continue to have tires that are
slow aging. This area should be free designed to give the same
Treadwear indicators are one way to of grease, gasoline, or other performance and vehicle safety,
tell when it is time for new tires. substances that can deteriorate
Treadwear indicators appear when
during normal use, as the
rubber. original tires.
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining. See Tire Parking for an extended period can
Inspection on page 10‑57 and Tire cause flat spots on the tires that
Rotation on page 10‑57 for more may result in vibrations while
information. driving. When storing a vehicle for
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (60,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (62,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (63,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (65,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (66,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (67,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (68,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (69,1)
Tire Sealant Using the Tire Sealant and If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
Compressor Kit to Temporarily and wheel damage by driving slowly
Read and follow the safe handling
Seal and Inflate a to a level place. Turn on the hazard
instructions on the label adhered to
Punctured Tire warning flashers. See Hazard
the compressor.
Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.
Check the tire sealant expiration Follow the directions closely for
correct sealant usage. See If a Tire Goes Flat on
date on the sealant canister. The
page 10‑65 for other important
sealant canister should be replaced
safety warnings.
before its expiration date.
Replacement sealant canisters are Do not remove any objects that
available at your local dealer. See have penetrated the tire.
“Removal and Installation of the 1. Remove the tire sealant and
Sealant Canister” following. compressor kit from its storage
There is only enough sealant to seal location. See Storing the Tire
one tire. After usage, the sealant Sealant and Compressor Kit on
canister and sealant/air hose page 10‑74.
assembly must be replaced. See 2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (F)
“Removal and Installation of the and the power plug (G).
Sealant Canister” following.
3. Place the kit on the ground.
When using the tire sealant and Make sure the tire valve stem is
compressor kit during cold positioned close to the ground
temperatures, warm the kit in a so the hose will reach it.
heated environment for five minutes.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from
This will help to inflate the tire
the flat tire by turning it
faster.
counterclockwise.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (70,1)
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) 9. Press the on/off (A) button to The pressure gauge (D) may
onto the tire valve stem. Turn it turn the tire sealant and read higher than the actual tire
clockwise until it is tight. compressor kit on. pressure while the compressor
6. Plug the power plug (G) into the The compressor will inject is on. Turn the compressor off
accessory power outlet in the sealant and air into the tire. to get an accurate pressure
vehicle. Unplug all items from reading. The compressor may
The pressure gauge (D) will be turned on/off until the
other accessory power outlets. initially show a high pressure
See Power Outlets on page 5‑7. correct pressure is reached.
while the compressor pushes the
If the vehicle has an accessory sealant into the tire. Once the Notice: If the recommended
power outlet, do not use the sealant is completely dispersed pressure cannot be reached after
cigarette lighter. into the tire, the pressure will approximately 25 minutes, the
quickly drop and start to rise vehicle should not be driven
If the vehicle only has a cigarette farther. The tire is too severely
lighter, use the cigarette lighter. again as the tire inflates with
air only. damaged and the tire sealant and
Do not pinch the power plug compressor kit cannot inflate the
cord in the door or window. 10. Inflate the tire to the tire. Remove the power plug from
recommended inflation the accessory power outlet and
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle pressure using the pressure unscrew the inflating hose from
must be running while using the gauge (D). The recommended the tire valve. See Roadside
air compressor. inflation pressure can be found Assistance Program (U.S. and
8. Turn the selector switch (B) on the Tire and Loading Canada) on page 13‑8 or
clockwise to the Sealant + Air Information label. See Tire Roadside Assistance Program
position. Pressure on page 10‑51. (Mexico) on page 13‑10.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (71,1)
11. Press the on/off button (A) to 15. Return the sealant/air hose (F) 19. Stop at a safe location and
turn the tire sealant and and the power plug (G) back in check the tire pressure. Refer
compressor kit off. their original locations. to Steps 1 through 11 under
The tire is not sealed and will “Using the Tire Sealant and
continue to leak air until the Compressor Kit without Sealant
vehicle is driven and the to Inflate a Tire (Not
sealant is distributed in the tire; Punctured).”
therefore, Steps 12 through If the tire pressure has fallen
18 must be done immediately more than 68 kPa (10 psi)
after Step 11. below the recommended
16. If the flat tire was able to inflate inflation pressure, stop driving
Be careful while handling the
to the recommended inflation the vehicle. The tire is too
tire sealant and compressor kit
pressure, remove the severely damaged and the tire
as it could be warm after
maximum speed label from the sealant cannot seal the tire.
usage.
sealant canister and place it in See Roadside Assistance
12. Unplug the power plug (G) from a highly visible location. Do not Program (U.S. and Canada) on
the accessory power outlet in exceed the speed on this label page 13‑8 or Roadside
the vehicle. until the damaged tire is Assistance Program (Mexico)
13. Turn the sealant/air hose (F) repaired or replaced. on page 13‑10.
counterclockwise to remove it 17. Return the equipment to its If the tire pressure has not
from the tire valve stem. original storage location in the dropped more than 68 kPa
14. Replace the tire valve vehicle. (10 psi) from the recommended
stem cap. 18. Immediately drive the vehicle inflation pressure, use the
8 km (5 mi) to distribute the compressor kit to inflate the tire
sealant in the tire. to the recommended inflation
pressure.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (72,1)
20. Wipe off any sealant from the Using the Tire Sealant and See If a Tire Goes Flat on
wheel, tire, and vehicle. Compressor Kit without page 10‑65 for other important
21. Dispose of the used sealant Sealant to Inflate a Tire safety warnings.
canister and sealant/air (Not Punctured) 1. Remove the tire sealant and
hose (F) assembly at a local To use the air compressor to inflate compressor kit from its storage
dealer or in accordance with a tire with air only and not sealant: location. See Storing the Tire
local state codes and practices. Sealant and Compressor Kit on
22. Replace it with a new canister page 10‑74.
available from your dealer. 2. Unwrap the air only hose (E)
23. After temporarily sealing a tire and the power plug (G).
using the tire sealant and 3. Place the kit on the ground.
compressor kit, take the Make sure the tire valve stem is
vehicle to an authorized dealer positioned close to the ground
within 161 km (100 mi) of so the hose will reach it.
driving to have the tire repaired
or replaced. 4. Remove the tire valve stem cap
from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (E) onto
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire the tire valve stem by turning it
and wheel damage by driving slowly clockwise until it is tight.
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (73,1)
6. Plug the power plug (G) into the 10. Inflate the tire to the 11. Press the on/off button (A) to
accessory power outlet in the recommended inflation turn the tire sealant and
vehicle. Unplug all items from pressure using the pressure compressor kit off.
other accessory power outlets. gauge (D). The recommended Be careful while handling the
See Power Outlets on page 5‑7. inflation pressure can be found tire sealant and compressor kit
If the vehicle has an accessory on the Tire and Loading as it could be warm after
power outlet, do not use the Information label. See Tire usage.
cigarette lighter. Pressure on page 10‑51.
12. Unplug the power plug (G) from
If the vehicle only has a cigarette The pressure gauge (D) may the accessory power outlet in
lighter, use the cigarette lighter. read higher than the actual tire the vehicle.
pressure while the compressor
Do not pinch the power plug is on. Turn the compressor off 13. Disconnect the air only
cord in the door or window. to get an accurate reading. The hose (E) from the tire
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle compressor may be turned on/ valve stem, by turning it
must be running while using the off until the correct pressure is counterclockwise, and replace
air compressor. reached. If the tire is inflated the tire valve stem cap.
higher than the recommended 14. Return the air only hose (E)
8. Turn the selector switch (B) pressure, press the pressure
counterclockwise to the Air Only and the power plug (G) back to
relief button (C), if equipped, their original locations.
position. until the proper pressure
9. Press the on/off (A) button to reading is reached. This option 15. Return the equipment to its
turn the compressor on. is only functional when using original storage location in the
the air only hose (E). vehicle.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (74,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (75,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (77,1)
{ WARNING
Getting under a vehicle when it is
jacked up is dangerous. If the
vehicle slips off the jack, you
could be badly injured or killed.
Never get under a vehicle when it
is supported only by a jack.
{ WARNING
5. Position the lift head at the jack 7. Raise the vehicle by turning the
location nearest the flat tire. Raising the vehicle with the jack wrench clockwise. Raise the
Make sure all of the jack lift improperly positioned can vehicle far enough off the
head is touching the jacking damage the vehicle and even ground so there is enough room
flange under the body. Do not make the vehicle fall. To help for the compact spare tire to fit.
place the jack under a body avoid personal injury and vehicle
panel. damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
6. Put the compact spare tire near head into the proper location
the flat tire. before raising the vehicle.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (78,1)
WARNING (Continued)
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. See Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2 for
original equipment wheel nut
torque specifications.
{ WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
To store the flat tire and jack in the 3. Collapse the wrench using the 5. Raise the jack to the height
compact spare tire compartment: same button used to extend it. shown and lock the wrench onto
4. Attach the wrench to the jack by the jack.
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
page 2‑9. placing the tab on the wrench
into the hole on the side of the
2. Remove the bolt extension (in jack. Then place the wrench
the yellow sleeve) from the jack handle over the tab on the side
and remove the center cap from of the jack.
the wheel.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (81,1)
{ WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
2. Collapse the wrench using the 4. Raise the jack to the height
same button used to extend it. shown and lock the wrench onto
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on
3. Attach the wrench to the jack by the jack.
page 2‑9.
placing the tab on the wrench 5. Place the jack in the spare tire
into the hole on the side of the well. Make sure the stow bolt
jack. Then place the wrench goes through the hole in the
handle over the tab on the side center of the wrench on the jack,
of the jack. with the base of the jack towards
the front of the vehicle. Turn the
jack retainer nut until it firmly
contacts the wrench. Do not
over tighten.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (83,1)
6. Place the compact spare into the If this vehicle has a compact spare Notice: When the compact spare
tire compartment with the stow tire it was fully inflated when the is installed, do not take the
bolt going through the center vehicle was new, however, it can vehicle through an automatic car
hole of the wheel. lose air after a time. Check the wash with guide rails. The
7. Turn the spare tire retainer nut inflation pressure regularly. It should compact spare can get caught on
until it firmly contacts the wheel. be 60 psi (420 kPa). the rails which can damage the
Do not over tighten. After installing the compact spare tire, wheel and other parts of the
on the vehicle, stop as soon as vehicle.
Compact Spare Tire possible and make sure the spare Do not use the compact spare on
tire is correctly inflated. The other vehicles.
compact spare is made to perform
{ WARNING well at speeds up to 65 mph
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
Driving with more than one (105 km/h) for distances up to They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
compact spare tire at a time could 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can and its wheel together.
result in loss of braking and finish your trip and have the full-size
tire repaired or replaced at your Notice: Tire chains will not fit the
handling. This could lead to a compact spare. Using them can
convenience. Of course, it is best to
crash and you or others could be damage the vehicle and can
replace the spare with a full-size tire
injured. Use only one compact as soon as possible. The spare tire damage the chains too. Do not
spare tire at a time. will last longer and be in good use tire chains on the compact
shape in case it is needed again. spare.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (86,1)
Do not connect positive (+) to 7. Do not let the other end touch 9. Connect the other end of the
negative (−) or you will get a metal. Connect it to the negative (−) cable at least
short that would damage the positive (+) terminal of the 18 inches (45 cm) away from the
battery and maybe other parts good battery. Use a remote dead battery, but not near
too. And do not connect the positive (+) terminal if the vehicle engine parts that move. The
negative (−) cable to the has one. electrical connection is just as
negative (−) terminal on the dead 8. Now connect the black good there, and the chance of
battery because this can cause negative (−) cable to the sparks getting back to the
sparks. negative (−) terminal of the good battery is much less.
battery. Use a remote 10. Now start the vehicle with the
negative (−) terminal if the good battery and run the
vehicle has one. engine for a while.
Do not let the other end touch 11. Try to start the vehicle that had
anything until the next step. The the dead battery. If it will not
other end of the negative (−) start after a few tries, it
cable does not go to the dead probably needs service.
battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or
to a remote negative (−) terminal
on the vehicle with the dead
battery.
6. Connect the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) terminal
of the dead battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (87,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (88,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (89,1)
Notice: Machine compounding or Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Approved cleaning products can
aggressive polishing on a Parts be obtained from your dealer.
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish Bright metal parts should be Follow all manufacturer
may damage it. Use only cleaned regularly to keep their directions regarding correct
non-abrasive waxes and polishes luster. Wash with water or use product usage, necessary safety
that are made for a basecoat/ chrome polish on chrome or precautions, and appropriate
clearcoat paint finish on the stainless steel trim, if necessary. disposal of any vehicle care
vehicle. product. Certain cleaners contain
Use special care with aluminum chemicals that can damage the
Foreign materials such as calcium trim. To avoid damaging protective
chloride and other salts, ice melting emblems or nameplates on the
trim, never use auto or chrome vehicle. Check the cleaning
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, polish, steam, or caustic soap to
bird droppings, chemicals from product label. If it states that it
clean aluminum. A coating of wax, should not be used on plastic
industrial chimneys, etc., can rubbed to high polish, is
damage the vehicle's finish if they parts, do not use it on the vehicle
recommended for all bright metal or damage may occur and it
remain on painted surfaces. Wash parts.
the vehicle as soon as possible. would not be covered by the
warranty.
If necessary, use non-abrasive Washing the Vehicle
cleaners that are marked safe for Rinse the vehicle well, before
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
painted surfaces to remove foreign washing and after, to remove all
keep it clean by washing it often.
matter. cleaning agents completely. If they
Do not wash the vehicle in direct are allowed to dry on the surface,
Exterior painted surfaces are
sunlight and use a car they could stain.
subject to aging, weather, and
washing soap.
chemical fallout that can take their Dry the finish with a soft, clean
toll over a period of years. To keep Notice: Do not use cleaning chamois or an all-cotton towel to
the paint finish looking new, keep agents that are petroleum based avoid surface scratches and water
the vehicle garaged or covered or that contain acid or abrasives, spotting.
whenever possible. as they can damage the paint,
metal, or plastic
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (92,1)
High pressure car washes could Wheels and Trim — Aluminum by the vehicle warranty. Use only
cause water to enter the vehicle. or Chrome approved cleaners on aluminum
Avoid using high pressure washes or chrome-plated wheels.
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels. Notice: Never drive a vehicle that
surface of the vehicle. Use of power has aluminum or chrome-plated
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa Keep the wheels clean using a soft, wheels through an automatic car
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or clean cloth with mild soap and wash that uses silicone carbide
removal of paint and decals. water. Rinse with clean water. After tire cleaning brushes, as this
Notice: Conveyor systems on rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft, could cause damage. The repairs
some automatic car washes could clean towel. A wax may then be would not be covered by the
damage the vehicle. There may applied. vehicle warranty.
not be enough clearance for the Notice: Chrome wheels and other Notice: Driving the vehicle
undercarriage. Check with the car chrome trim may be damaged if through an automatic car wash
wash manager before using the the vehicle is not washed after that has silicone carbide tire
automatic car wash. driving on roads that have been cleaning brushes, could damage
sprayed with magnesium, calcium the aluminum or chrome-plated
Weatherstrips or sodium chloride. These wheels. The repairs would not be
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will chlorides are used on roads for covered by the vehicle warranty.
make them last longer, seal better, conditions such as ice and dust. Never drive a vehicle that has
and not stick or squeak. Apply Always wash the chrome with aluminum or chrome-plated
silicone grease with a clean cloth. soap and water after exposure. wheels through an automatic car
During very cold, damp weather Notice: Do not use strong soaps, wash that uses silicone carbide
frequent application may be chemicals, abrasive polishes, tire cleaning brushes.
required. See Recommended Fluids cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
and Lubricants on page 11‑6. that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, because
the surface could be damaged.
The repairs would
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (93,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (94,1)
At least every spring, flush these Interior Care Permanent damage can result from
materials from the underbody with using cleaners on surfaces for
plain water. Clean any areas where The interior will continue to look its which they were not intended. Apply
mud and debris can collect. Dirt best if it is cleaned often. Dust and the cleaner directly to the cleaning
packed in close areas of the frame dirt can accumulate on the cloth to prevent over-spray. Remove
should be loosened before being upholstery and cause damage to any accidental over-spray from
flushed. Your dealer or an the carpet, fabric, leather, and other surfaces immediately.
underbody car washing system can plastic surfaces. Stains should be
removed quickly as extreme heat Notice: Using abrasive cleaners
do this. when cleaning glass surfaces on
could cause them to set rapidly.
Chemical Paint Spotting the vehicle, could scratch the
Lighter colored interiors may glass and/or cause damage to the
Some weather and atmospheric require more frequent cleaning. rear window defogger. When
conditions can create a chemical Newspapers and garments that can cleaning the glass on the vehicle,
fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall transfer color to home furnishings use only a soft cloth and glass
upon and attack painted surfaces on can also transfer color to the cleaner.
the vehicle. This damage can take interior.
two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped Cleaners can contain solvents that
Remove dust from small buttons can become concentrated in the
discolorations, and small, irregular
and knobs with a small brush with interior. Before using cleaners, read
dark spots etched into the paint
soft bristles. and adhere to all safety instructions
surface.
Your dealer has products for on the label. While cleaning the
cleaning the interior. When cleaning interior, maintain adequate
the interior, only use cleaners ventilation by opening the doors and
specifically designed for the windows.
surfaces that are being cleaned.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (95,1)
Do not clean the interior using the Fabric/Carpet 3. Start on the outside edge of the
following cleaners or techniques: soil and gently rub toward the
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
. Never use a knife or any other center. Continue cleaning, using
brush attachment to remove dust
sharp object to remove a soil a clean area of the cloth each
and loose dirt. A canister vacuum
from any interior surface. time it becomes soiled.
with rotating brushes in the nozzle
. Never use a stiff brush. It can may only be used on floor carpet 4. Continue to gently rub the
cause damage. and carpeted floor mats. For soils, soiled area.
always try to remove them first with 5. If the soil is not completely
. Never apply heavy pressure or plain water or club soda. Before
rub aggressively with a cleaning removed, use a mild soap
cleaning, gently remove as much of solution and repeat the cleaning
cloth. Use of heavy pressure can the soil as possible using one of the
damage the interior and does process with plain water.
following techniques:
not improve the effectiveness of If any of the soil remains, a
soil removal.
. For liquids: gently blot the commercial fabric cleaner or spot
remaining soil with a paper lifter may be necessary. Test a small
. Avoid laundry detergents or towel. Allow the soil to absorb
dishwashing soaps with hidden area for colorfastness before
into the paper towel until no using a commercial upholstery
degreasers. Using too much more can be removed.
soap will leave a residue that cleaner or spot lifter. If the locally
leaves streaks and attracts dirt.
. For solid dry soils: remove as cleaned area gives any impression
For liquid cleaners, about much as possible and then that a ring formation may result,
20 drops per 3.78 L (1 gal) of vacuum. clean the entire surface.
water is a good guide. Use only To clean: A paper towel can be used to blot
mild, neutral-pH soaps. excess moisture from the fabric or
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white
. Do not heavily saturate the carpet after the cleaning process.
cloth with water or club soda.
upholstery while cleaning.
2. Remove excess moisture.
. Cleaners that contain solvents
can damage the interior.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (96,1)
Leather to clean the interior because they Some commercial products may
can alter the appearance by increase gloss on the instrument
Leather, and lighter colored leather
increasing the gloss in a panel. The increase in gloss may
in particular, will need more frequent
non-uniform manner. cause annoying reflections in the
cleaning to prevent the buildup of
windshield and even make it difficult
dust, dirt, and colors transferred Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and to see through the windshield under
from other items so that these do Other Plastic Surfaces certain conditions.
not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth Notice: Air fresheners contain
To remove dust, a soft cloth dampened with water can be used. solvents that may cause damage
dampened with water can be used. If a more thorough cleaning is to plastics and painted surfaces.
If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a clean soft cloth Follow the manufacturer’s
necessary, a soft cloth dampened dampened with a mild soap solution instructions when using air
with a mild soap solution can be can be used to gently remove dust fresheners in the vehicle. If air
used. Your dealer has a GM and dirt. Never use spot lifters or freshener comes in contact with
approved leather cleaner available removers on plastic surfaces. Many paint or a plastic surface, blot
that provides superior cleaning commercial cleaners and coatings immediately with a soft cloth.
performance when used regularly that are sold to preserve and protect Damage caused by using air
on finished automotive leathers. soft plastic surfaces may fresheners would not be covered
Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do permanently change the by the vehicle warranty.
not use heat, steam, spot lifters or appearance and feel of the interior
spot removers, or shoe polish on and are not recommended. Do not
leather. Many commercial leather use silicone or wax-based products,
cleaners and coatings that are sold or those containing organic solvents
to preserve and protect leather may to clean the interior because they
permanently change the can alter the appearance by
appearance and feel of the leather increasing the gloss in a
and are not recommended. Do not non-uniform manner.
use silicone or wax-based products,
or those containing organic solvents I
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (97,1)
Care of Safety Belts Floor Mats Use the following guidelines for
proper floor mat usage.
Keep belts clean and dry.
{ WARNING . The original equipment floor
{ WARNING If a floor mat is the wrong size or
mats were designed for your
vehicle. If the floor mats need
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. is not properly installed, it can replacing, it is recommended
It may severely weaken them. In interfere with the accelerator that GM certified floor mats be
a crash, they might not be able to pedal and/or brake pedal. purchased. Non-GM floor mats
provide adequate protection. Interference with the pedals can may not fit properly and may
Clean safety belts only with mild cause unintended acceleration interfere with the accelerator or
soap and lukewarm water. and/or increased stopping brake pedal. Always check that
distance which can cause a crash the floor mats do not interfere
and injury. Make sure the floor with the pedals.
mat does not interfere with the . Use the floor mat with the
accelerator or brake pedal. correct side up. Do not turn
it over.
. Do not place anything on top of
the driver side floor mat.
. Use only a single floor mat on
the driver side.
. Do not place one floor mat on
top of another.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (98,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (2,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (5,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (7,1)
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Hood and Door Hinges
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or
Weatherstrip Conditioning
Dielectric Silicone Grease (GM Part No. 12345579, in Canada 992887).
Maintenance Records
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. Retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
Odometer
Date Serviced By Services Performed
Reading
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (10,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
Capacities
Application
Metric English
For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a amount, see the refrigerant label located under the
hood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System
2.4L L4 Engine 7.1 L 7.5 qt
3.6L V6 Engines 9.4 L 9.9 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
2.4L L4 Engine 4.7 L 5.0 qt
3.6L V6 Engine 5.2 L 5.5 qt
Fuel Tank 61.7 L 16.3 gal
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
Capacities
Application
Metric English
Transmission Fluid*
6 — Speed Automatic Transmission
5.0 L 5.3 qt
(RPO X23F) — (Drain and Refill)
6 — Speed Automatic Transmission
6.0 L 6.3 qt
(RPO 6T70) — (Drain and Refill)
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y 100 ft lb
*See Automatic Transmission Fluid on page 10‑14 for information on checking fluid level.
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
2.4L L4 Engine U Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
2.4L L4 Engine 1 Automatic 1.01 mm (0.040 in)
3.6L V6 Engine 7 Automatic 1.10 mm (0.044 in)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
3.6L V6 Engine
2.4L L4 Engine
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (1,1)
Courtesy Transportation
Customer Program (U.S. and
Customer Information
Information Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11
Collision Damage Repair Customer Satisfaction
(U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . 13-12 Procedure (U.S. and
Customer Information Service Publications Canada)
Customer Satisfaction Ordering Information . . . . . . 13-15
Your satisfaction and goodwill are
Procedure (U.S. and Reporting Safety Defects important to your dealer and to
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1 Reporting Safety Defects to
Customer Satisfaction Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns
the United States with the sales transaction or the
Procedure (Mexico) . . . . . . . . 13-3 Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
Customer Assistance Offices operation of the vehicle will be
Reporting Safety Defects to resolved by the dealer's sales or
(U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . 13-5 the Canadian
Customer Assistance Offices service departments. Sometimes,
Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 however, despite the best intentions
(Mexico) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Reporting Safety Defects to
Customer Assistance for Text of all concerned, misunderstandings
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 can occur. If your concern has not
Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S.
and Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6 Vehicle Data Recording and been resolved to your satisfaction,
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . 13-6 the following steps should be taken:
Privacy
GM Mobility Reimbursement Vehicle Data Recording and STEP ONE: Discuss your concern
Program (U.S. and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 with a member of dealership
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . 13-18 management. Normally, concerns
Roadside Assistance Program OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19 can be quickly resolved at that level.
(U.S. and Canada) . . . . . . . . . 13-8 Radio Frequency If the matter has already been
Roadside Assistance Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-19 reviewed with the sales, service,
Program (Mexico) . . . . . . . . . 13-10 Radio Frequency or parts manager, contact the owner
Scheduling Service Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19 of the dealership or the general
Appointments (U.S. and manager.
Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10 I
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STEP TWO: If after contacting a When contacting Chevrolet, 40 days. If you do not agree with the
member of dealership management, remember that your concern will decision given in your case, you
it appears your concern cannot be likely be resolved at a dealer's may reject it and proceed with any
resolved by the dealership without facility. That is why we suggest other venue for relief available
further help, in the U.S., call the following Step One first. to you.
Chevrolet Customer Assistance STEP THREE — U.S. Owners: You may contact the BBB Auto
Center at 1-800-222-1020. In Both General Motors and your Line Program using the toll-free
Canada, call General Motors of dealer are committed to making telephone number or write them at
Canada Customer Communication sure you are completely satisfied the following address:
Centre at 1-800-263-3777 (English), with your new vehicle. However,
or 1-800-263-7854 (French). BBB Auto Line Program
if you continue to remain unsatisfied Council of Better Business
We encourage you to call the after following the procedure Bureaus, Inc.
toll-free number in order to give your outlined in Steps One and Two, you 4200 Wilson Boulevard
inquiry prompt attention. Have the can file with the Better Business Suite 800
following information available to Bureau (BBB) Auto Line® Program Arlington, VA 22203-1838
give the Customer Assistance to enforce your rights.
representative: Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
The BBB Auto Line Program is an www.dr.bbb.org/goauto
. Vehicle Identification out-of-court program administered
Number (VIN). This is available by the Council of Better Business This program is available in all
from the vehicle registration or Bureaus to settle automotive 50 states and the District of
title, or the plate at the top left of disputes regarding vehicle repairs or Columbia. Eligibility is limited by
the instrument panel and visible the interpretation of the New Vehicle vehicle age, mileage, and other
through the windshield. Limited Warranty. Although you may factors. General Motors reserves
be required to resort to this informal the right to change eligibility
. Dealership name and location. limitations and/or discontinue its
dispute resolution program prior to
. Vehicle delivery date and filing a court action, use of the participation in this program.
present mileage. program is free of charge and your
case will generally
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (3,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (4,1)
Customer Assistance If you have a problem that has not STEP THREE
Procedure been satisfactorily handled through If your case is not resolved in a
the normal means, we suggest the reasonable amount of time by your
Owner satisfaction and goodwill are following steps:
very important to your dealer and dealer, please call the General
General Motors. STEP ONE Motors Customer Assistance
Center (CAC) and provide the
Normally, any problem with the Explain your case to the dealer following information:
transaction, sale, or usage of the service agent, service manager,
vehicle must be handled by your dealer sales agent, or sales . Name
dealer sales or service departments. manager, depending on your case. . Address
However, we recognize that despite Make sure that they have all
the good intentions of all parties
. Phone number
necessary information. They are
involved, sometimes a interested in your continual
. Model year
misunderstanding may occur. satisfaction. . Brand
STEP TWO . Vehicle Identification
If you are not satisfied, please Number (VIN)
contact the general manager or the . Mileage
dealership owner to ask for their . Delivery date
help. If they are not able to resolve
your case, ask them to contact the . Description of the problem
right people at General Motors for . Dealership name
support, if needed.
. Dealership address
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See Customer Assistance Offices From Puerto Rico: Mexico, Central America, and
(U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑5 or 1-800-496-9992 (English) Caribbean Islands/Countries
Customer Assistance Offices 1-800-496-9993 (Spanish) (Except Puerto Rico and U.S.
(Mexico) on page 13‑5 for more Virgin Islands)
information. From U.S. Virgin Islands:
General Motors de Mexico, S. de
1-800-496-9994
Customer Assistance R.L. de C.V.
Canada Customer Assistance Center
Offices (U.S. and Canada) Av. Ejercito Nacional #843
General Motors of Canada Limited Col. Granada
Chevrolet encourages customers to Customer Communication Centre,
call the toll-free number for C.P. 11520, Mexico, D.F.
Mail Code: CA1-163-005
assistance. However, if a customer 1908 Colonel Sam Drive 01-800-466-0800
wishes to write or e-mail Chevrolet, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7 Long Distance: 011-52-53 29 0800
the letter should be addressed to: www.gm.ca
United States 1-800-263-3777 (English) Customer Assistance
Chevrolet Motor Division 1-800-263-7854 (French) Offices (Mexico)
Chevrolet Customer Assistance 1-800-263-3830 (For Text To contact the Customer Assistance
Center Telephone devices (TTYs)) Center (CAC), use the phone
P.O. Box 33170 Roadside Assistance: numbers listed in this section.
Detroit, MI 48232-5170 1-800-268-6800 Customer assistance is available
www.Chevrolet.com Overseas Monday through Friday, 08:00 to
1-800-222-1020 20:00 hours, and Saturdays from
Please contact the local General 08:00 to 15:00 hours.
1-800-833-2438 (For Text Motors Business Unit.
Telephone Devices (TTYs)) All e-mail inquiries to the Customer
Roadside Assistance: Assistance Center (CAC) should be
1-800-243-8872 sent to: cac.chevrolet@gm.com.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
Other Helpful Links Here are a few of the valuable tools GM Mobility
and services you will have
Chevrolet — www.chevrolet.com
access to:
Reimbursement Program
Chevrolet Merchandise — . My Showroom: Find and save
(U.S. and Canada)
www.chevymall.com
information on vehicles and
Help Center — www.chevrolet.com/ current offers in your area.
pages/mds/helpcenter/faq.do . My Dealers: Save details such
. FAQ as address and phone number
. Contact Us for each of your preferred GM
dealers.
My GM Canada www.gm.ca . My Driveway: Access quick links This program is available to
My GM Canada is a to parts and service estimates, qualified applicants for cost
password-protected section of check trade-in values, reimbursement of eligible
www.gm.ca where you can save or schedule a service aftermarket adaptive equipment
information on GM vehicles, get appointment by adding the required for the vehicle, such as
personalized offers, and use handy vehicles you own to your hand controls or a wheelchair/
tools and forms with greater ease. driveway profile. scooter lift for the vehicle.
. My Preferences: Manage your For more information on the limited
profile and use tools and forms offer, visit www.gmmobility.com or
with greater ease. call the GM Mobility Assistance
To sign up, visit the My GM.ca Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
section within www.gm.ca. Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (8,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (9,1)
Services Provided
. Flat Tire Change: Service to Services Specific to Canadian
change a flat tire with the spare Purchased Vehicles
. Emergency Fuel Delivery: tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
Delivery of enough fuel for the must be in good condition and . Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
vehicle to get to the nearest properly inflated. It is the owner's is approximately $5 Canadian.
service station. responsibility for the repair or Diesel fuel delivery may be
. Lock‐Out Service: Service to replacement of the tire if it is not restricted. Propane and other
unlock the vehicle if you are covered by the warranty. fuels are not provided through
locked out. A remote unlock may this service.
. Battery Jump Start: Service to
be available if you have OnStar. jump start a dead battery. . Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
For security reasons, the driver registration is required.
must present identification Services Not Included in . Trip Routing Service: Detailed
before this service is given. Roadside Assistance
maps of North America are
. Emergency Tow From a Public . Impound towing caused by provided when requested either
Road or Highway: Tow to the violation of any laws. with the most direct route or the
nearest Chevrolet dealer for . Legal fines. most scenic route. There is a
warranty service, or if the vehicle limit of six requests per year.
was in a crash and cannot be . Mounting, dismounting, Additional travel information is
driven. Assistance is also given or changing of snow tires, also available. Allow three
when the vehicle is stuck in the chains, or other traction devices. weeks for delivery.
sand, mud, or snow. . Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (12,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (13,1)
Recycled original equipment parts Limited Warranty, and any vehicle Many insurance policies provide
may also be used for repair. These failure related to such parts is not reduced protection to the GM
parts are typically removed from covered by that warranty. vehicle by limiting compensation for
vehicles that were total losses in damage repairs by using
prior crashes. In most cases, the Repair Facility aftermarket collision parts. Some
parts being recycled are from GM also recommends that you insurance companies will not
undamaged sections of the vehicle. choose a collision repair facility that specify aftermarket collision parts.
A recycled original equipment GM meets your needs before you ever When purchasing insurance, we
part may be an acceptable choice to need collision repairs. The dealer recommend that you ensure that the
maintain the vehicle's originally may have a collision repair center vehicle will be repaired with GM
designed appearance and safety with GM-trained technicians and original equipment collision parts.
performance; however, the history of state‐of‐the‐art equipment, or be If such insurance coverage is not
these parts is not known. Such parts able to recommend a collision repair available from your current
are not covered by the GM New center that has GM-trained insurance carrier, consider switching
Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any technicians and comparable to another insurance carrier.
related failures are not covered by equipment. If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
that warranty. company may require you to have
Insuring The Vehicle
Aftermarket collision parts are also insurance that ensures repairs with
available. These are made by Protect your investment in the GM Genuine GM Original Equipment
companies other than GM and may vehicle with comprehensive and Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
not have been tested for the vehicle. collision insurance coverage. There Genuine Manufacturer replacement
As a result, these parts may fit are significant differences in the parts. Read the lease carefully, as
poorly, exhibit premature durability/ quality of coverage afforded by you may be charged at the end of
corrosion problems, and may not various insurance policy terms. the lease for poor quality repairs.
perform properly in subsequent
collisions. Aftermarket parts are not
covered by the GM New Vehicle
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If a Crash Occurs Gather the following information: Choose a reputable repair facility
. Driver name, address, and that uses quality replacement parts.
If there has been an injury, call
telephone number. See “Collision Parts” earlier in this
emergency services for help. Do not
section.
leave the scene of a crash until all . Driver license number.
matters have been taken care of. If the airbag has inflated, see What
. Owner name, address, and
Move the vehicle only if its position Will You See After an Airbag
puts you in danger, or you are telephone number. Inflates? on page 3‑31.
instructed to move it by a police . Vehicle license plate number.
officer.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
. Vehicle make, model, and Repair Process
Give only the necessary information model year.
to police and other parties involved In the event that the vehicle requires
in the crash.
. Vehicle Identification damage repairs, GM recommends
Number (VIN). that you take an active role in its
For emergency towing see repair. If you have a pre-determined
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S.
. Insurance company and policy
number. repair facility of choice, take the
and Canada) on page 13‑8 or vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Roadside Assistance Program . General description of the Specify to the facility that any
(Mexico) on page 13‑10. damage to the other vehicle. required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (15,1)
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, Service Publications Owner Information
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
Ordering Information Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
your insurance company may Service Manuals to provide basic operational
initially value the repair using
Service Manuals have the diagnosis information about the vehicle. The
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
and repair information on the Owner Manual includes the
the repair professional, and insist on
engines, transmission, axle, Maintenance Schedule for all
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
suspension, brakes, electrical, models.
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle steering, body, etc. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
repaired with Genuine GM parts, Service Bulletins Owner Manual, and Warranty
even if your insurance coverage Booklet.
does not pay the full cost. Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information RETAIL SELL PRICE:
If another party's insurance needed to knowledgeably service $35.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
company is paying for the repairs, General Motors cars and trucks. shipping fees.
you are not obligated to accept a Each bulletin contains instructions Without Portfolio: Owner
repair valuation based on that to assist in the diagnosis and Manual only.
insurance company's collision policy service of the vehicle.
repair limits, as you have no RETAIL SELL PRICE:
contractual limits with that company. $25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
In such cases, you can have control shipping fees.
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (16,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (17,1)
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (18,1)
Event Data Recorders This data can help provide a better GM will not access this data or
understanding of the circumstances share it with others except: with the
This vehicle has an Event Data in which crashes and injuries occur. consent of the vehicle owner or,
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose if the vehicle is leased, with the
of an EDR is to record, in certain Important: EDR data is recorded
by the vehicle only if a non-trivial consent of the lessee; in response
crash or near crash-like situations, to an official request by police or
such as an airbag deployment or crash situation occurs; no data is
recorded by the EDR under normal similar government office; as part of
hitting a road obstacle, data that will GM's defense of litigation through
assist in understanding how a driving conditions and no personal
data (e.g., name, gender, age, the discovery process; or, as
vehicle's systems performed. The required by law. Data that GM
EDR is designed to record data and crash location) is recorded.
However, other parties, such as collects or receives may also be
related to vehicle dynamics and used for GM research needs or may
safety systems for a short period of law enforcement, could combine
the EDR data with the type of be made available to others for
time, typically 30 seconds or less. research purposes, where a need is
The EDR in this vehicle is designed personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash shown and the data is not tied to a
to record such data as: specific vehicle or vehicle owner.
investigation.
. How various systems in the
vehicle were operating. To read data recorded by an EDR,
special equipment is required, and
. Whether or not the driver and access to the vehicle or the EDR is
passenger safety belts were needed. In addition to the vehicle
buckled/fastened. manufacturer, other parties, such as
. How far, if at all, the driver was law enforcement, that have the
pressing the accelerator and/or special equipment, can read the
brake pedal. information if they have access to
the vehicle or the EDR.
. How fast the vehicle was
traveling.
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (20,1)
2 NOTES
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INDEX i-1
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i-2 INDEX
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INDEX i-3
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i-4 INDEX
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INDEX i-5
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Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011 Black plate (6,1)
i-6 INDEX
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INDEX i-7
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i-8 INDEX
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INDEX i-9
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i-10 INDEX
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INDEX i-11
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i-12 INDEX
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