Chevrolet 2010 Malibu User manual

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2010 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M
In Brief ............................................ 1-1
Instrument Panel ................................. 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Seats and Restraint System ...................... 2-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Front Seats ....................................... 2-4
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-32
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-56
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74
Features and Controls ............................ 3-1
Keys ............................................. 3-3
Doors and Locks ................................. 3-9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45
Sunroof ......................................... 3-47
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 4-25
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
Driving Your Vehicle .............................. 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M
Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Service ........................................... 6-3
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Headlamp Aiming ............................... 6-44
Bulb Replacement .............................. 6-45
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
Tires ............................................ 6-48
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-94
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-103
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-104
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-114
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Customer Assistance Information ............... 8-1
Customer Assistance and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Index .................................... i-1

GENERAL MOTORS, GM, the GM Emblem,
CHEVROLET, the CHEVROLET Emblem, the MALIBU
Emblem, and the name MALIBU are registered
trademarks of General Motors.
This manual describes features that may or may not be
on your specific vehicle either because they are options
that you did not purchase or due to changes
subsequent to the printing of this owner manual. Please
refer to the purchase documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of the features found on
your vehicle. For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General Motors of Canada
Limited”for Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for quick reference.
Canadian Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language copy of this manual can be obtained
from your dealer/retailer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce guide en français
auprès du concessionnaire ou à l'adresse suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue française
www.helminc.com
Index
To quickly locate information about the vehicle, use the
index in the back of the manual. It is an alphabetical list
of what is in the manual and the page number where it
can be found.
iii
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25852253 B Second Printing ©2009 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

Safety Warnings and Symbols
Warning messages found on vehicle labels and in this
manual describe hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a high level of risk
which will result in serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a hazard that could result
in injury or death.
{WARNING:
These mean there is something that could hurt
you or other people.
Notice: This means there is something that could
result in property or vehicle damage. This would not
be covered by the vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash
through it is a safety
symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,”or
“Do not let this happen.”
Vehicle Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that use
symbols instead of text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating
to a specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:This symbol is shown when you need to see your
owner manual for additional instructions or information.
*:This symbol is shown when you need to see a
service manual for additional instructions or information.
iv

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar
®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

2NOTES
vi

Section 1 In Brief
Instrument Panel ................................... 1-2
Initial Drive Information ........................... 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release .................................. 1-5
Windows ........................................ 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats ................................... 1-9
Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Mirror Adjustment .............................. 1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Vehicle Features .................................. 1-15
Radio(s) ....................................... 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or
USB Port) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Bluetooth
®
..................................... 1-17
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Cruise Control ................................. 1-19
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Performance and Maintenance .................. 1-20
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
OnStar
®
....................................... 1-23
1-1

Instrument Panel
1-2

A. Outlet Adjustment on page 4‑25.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4‑4.
C. Driver Shift Control (If Equipped). Automatic
Transmission Operation (Six Speed Transmission)
on page 3‑25 or Automatic Transmission
Operation (Four Speed Transmission)
on
page 3‑28
.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4‑26.
E. Windshield Wipers
on page 4‑5 and Windshield
Washer on page 4‑6.
F. Instrument Panel Storage on page 3‑46.
G. Audio System(s) on page 4‑52.
H. Instrument Panel Brightness
on page 4‑12 .
I. Driver Storage Compartment on page 3‑46.
J. Hood Release on page 6‑13.
K. Cruise Control
on page 4‑7 . Driver Information
Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 4‑40.
L. Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 4‑3.
M. Horn on page 4‑3.
N. Audio Steering Wheel Controls
on page 4‑84
(If Equipped).
O. Ignition Positions on page 3‑21.
P. Climate Control System
on page 4‑17 or
Automatic Climate Control System on page 4‑20.
Q. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4‑3.
R. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission Operation
(Six Speed Transmission)
on page 3‑25 or
Automatic Transmission Operation (Four Speed
Transmission)
on page 3‑28 .
S. Front Storage Area
on page 3‑46 .Accessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 4‑15.
T. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 4‑29 .
U. Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5‑7.
V. Glove Box on page 3‑45.
1-3

Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview about some of
the important features that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to each of the
features which can be found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
The RKE transmitter is used to remotely lock and
unlock the doors from up to 60 m (195 feet) away from
the vehicle.
Press Kto unlock the
driver door. Press again
within five seconds to
unlock all remaining
doors.
Press Qto lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be personalized.
Press and hold Vfor approximately one second to
open the trunk.
Press Land release to locate the vehicle.
Press Land hold for more than two seconds to sound
the panic alarm.
Press Lagain to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys
on page 3‑3 and Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 3‑4.
Remote Vehicle Start
With this feature the engine can be started from outside
of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and
hold /until the turn signal lamps flash.
1-4

When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on
and remain on as long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate control system may
come on.
The engine will continue to run for 10 minutes. Repeat
the steps for a 10-minute time extension. Remote start
can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
and hold /until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition on and then back off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on page 3‑7.
Door Locks
Manual Locks
From inside the vehicle slide the door lock knob to
unlock or lock a door.
Power Door Locks
On vehicles with power door locks, the switches are on
the front doors.
":Press to unlock the doors.
Q:Press to lock the doors.
For more information, see:
.Door Locks on page 3‑9.
.Power Door Locks on page 3‑10.
Trunk Release
In addition to the trunk release button on the RKE
transmitter, there is a remote release Vbutton
located on the driver door near the map pocket.
The trunk can only be opened when the vehicle is in
P (Park), or when the ignition is off.
See Trunk on page 3‑12.
1-5

Windows
On vehicles with power windows, the switches are on
the driver door armrest. Each passenger door has a
switch that controls only that window.
Press the front of the switch to open the window. Pull
the switch up to close it.
For more information, see Power Windows
on
page 3‑15
.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Seat
1. Lift the bar under the seat to unlock the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position and release
the bar.
Try to move the seat to be sure it is locked in place.
See Manual Seats on page 2‑4.
1-6

Power Seats (If Equipped)
Move the seat forward or rearward by moving the
control forward or rearward.
Raise or lower the front or rear of the seat by moving
the front or rear of the control up or down.
See Power Seats on page 2‑5.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
(If Equipped)
To raise or recline the seatback, tilt the top of the
control forward or rearward.
See Reclining Seatbacks on page 2‑6.
1-7

Power Lumbar Adjustment
Press the front (A) or rear (B) of the control to increase
or decrease lumbar support.
See Power Lumbar on page 2‑5.
Second Row Seats
Either side of the rear seatback can be folded down for
more cargo space.
With the front seatbacks in the fully upright position,
lower the rear seatback by pulling up on the seatback
strap while folding the seatback down. This allows
access to the trunk.
For more information see Split Folding Rear Seat
on
page 2‑9
.
1-8

Heated Seats
On vehicles with heated front seats, press the top of the
switch to turn the heat feature on to the high heat
setting. The indicator light (2) will be lit.
Press the top of the switch again to go to the low heat
setting. The indicator light (1) will be lit.
Press the bottom of the switch to turn the feature off.
The heated seat feature will turn off when the ignition is
turned off.
For more information see: Heated Seats on page 2‑6
Safety Belt
Refer to the following sections for important information
on how to use safety belts properly.
.Safety Belts: They Are for Everyone on page 2‑11.
.How to Wear Safety Belts Properly on page 2‑16.
.Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 2‑25.
.Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
on page 2‑43 .
1-9

Sensing System for Passenger
Airbag
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver airbags are not affected by this.
The passenger airbag status indicator will be visible on
the instrument panel when the vehicle is started.
United States Canada
See Passenger Sensing System
on page 2‑66 for
important information.
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver door.
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Move the selector switch located below the
four-way control pad to the left or right to choose
either the driver side or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.
1-10

Keep the selector switch in the center position when not
adjusting either outside mirror.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold,
push the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror
outward, to return to its original position.
Interior Mirror
Vehicles with an automatic dimming rearview mirror will
automatically reduce the glare from the headlamps of
the vehicle behind. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the ignition is
turned to start.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror on page 3‑36.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
The lever is located on the left side of the steering
wheel column. To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up or down or backward
or forward into a comfortable position.
3. Pull the lever up to lock the steering wheel in
place.
See Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 4‑3.
1-11

Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
To turn the dome lamps on manually, turn the
instrument panel brightness knob, located on the
instrument panel to the left of the steering column,
clockwise to the farthest position. The dome lamps will
remain on whether a door is opened or closed.
Reading Lamps
The front reading lamps are located in the front
overhead console. The rear reading lamps are near the
dome lamp overhead near the rear passenger seats.
For vehicles with front and/or rear reading lamps, press
the lens to turn the lamp on and off, while the doors are
closed. These lamps come on automatically when any
door is opened.
For more information on interior lighting, see:
.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4‑12.
.Entry/Exit Lighting on page 4‑13.
.Parade Dimming on page 4‑13.
Exterior Lighting
P:Briefly turn to this position to manually turn the
automatic lamp control off or on.
In Canada, this position only works when a vehicle is in
the P (Park) position. When the vehicle is put into
D (Drive) the lights come on.
AUTO: Automatically turns on the Daytime Running
Lamps during daytime, and the headlamps, parking
lamps, and taillamps at night.
;:Manual operation of the parking lamps and
taillamps.
2:Manual operation of the headlamps, parking lamps,
and taillamps.
1-12

For more information, see:
.Headlamps on page 4‑10.
.Delayed Headlamps on page 4‑11.
.Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) on page 4‑11.
.Automatic Headlamp System on page 4‑11.
.Fog Lamps on page 4‑12.
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper lever is located on the right side of
the steering column.
9:Turns the wipers off.
&:For intermittent or speed sensitive operation. While
in this position, turn the xband up or down to vary
frequency.
The amount of delay time varies between wiping cycles
due to the delay setting selected or the speed of the
vehicle. As vehicle speed is increased or decreased,
the wiper interval also increases or decreases.
6:Slow wipes.
1:Fast wipes.
8:Use for a single wiping cycle.
Windshield Washer: Press the button at the end of the
lever until the washers begin.
See Windshield Wipers
on page 4‑5 and Windshield
Washer on page 4‑6.
1-13