Chevrolet Malibu Limited 2016 User manual

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2k16_CS6_Chevrolet_Malibu_Limited_23179986A.ai 1 6/25/2015 2:00:45 PM2k16_CS6_Chevrolet_Malibu_Limited_23179986A.ai 1 6/25/2015 2:00:45 PM

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 26
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . 96
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 140
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 177
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 309
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 325
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 335
OnStar ........................ 339
Index .................... 349

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names, and
vehicle body designs appearing in
this manual including, but not limited
to, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,
the CHEVROLET Emblem,
MALIBU, and the MALIBU Emblem
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited”for
Chevrolet Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle,
model variants, country
specifications, features/applications
that may not be available in your
region, or changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner manual.
Refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm the
features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
Propriétaires Canadiens
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
savant:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 23179986 A First Printing ©2015 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
Introduction 3
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “Do
Not,” “Do not do this,”or “Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*:Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0:Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar
®
(if equipped)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g:First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
O:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak
®
a:Under Pressure
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
4 Introduction
2NOTES

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 12
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Radio(s) ....................... 19
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . . . 19
Bluetooth
®
..................... 19
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 20
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 21
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Universal Remote System . . . . . 22
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 24
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 24
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Roadside Assistance
Program ...................... 25

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
6 In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 7
1. Air Vents 0174.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn
and Lane-Change Signals
0135.
Driver Information Center
Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0113.
3. Instrument Cluster 0102.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0113.
4. Windshield Wiper/Washer 098.
5. Storage Area (If Equipped).
See Instrument Panel Storage
094.
6. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0134.
7. Infotainment 0140.
8. CD Player 0151.
9. Climate Control Systems
0168.
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0171.
10. Heated Front Seats 054 (If
Equipped).
11. Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0203.
Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) 0214 (If Equipped).
12. Power Outlets 0100.
13. Parking Brake 0201.
14. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0198.
15. Hazard Warning Flashers
0135.
16. Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0188 or Ignition
Positions (Key Access) 0190.
17. Steering Wheel Controls 097.
18. Horn 098.
19. Steering Wheel Adjustment
097.
20. Cruise Control 0205.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0211 (If Equipped).
21. Hood Release. See Hood
0228.
22. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0107.
23. Storage Compartment. See
Instrument Panel Storage 094.
24. Exterior Lamp Controls 0133.
Fog Lamps 0136 (If
Equipped).
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0136.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
8 In Brief
Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
With Remote Start Shown
Press the button to extend the key.
The key can be used for all locks.
This key is also used for the
ignition, if the vehicle does not have
pushbutton start.
K:Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors.
Q:Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized.
Y:Press and hold to open the
trunk.
7:Press and release one time to
initiate vehicle locator. Press and
hold for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. Press again
to cancel the panic alarm.
See Keys 026 and Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation 028.
Remote Vehicle Start
If equipped, the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.
Starting the Vehicle
1. Press and release Qon the
RKE transmitter.
2. Immediately press and hold /
for at least four seconds or until
the turn signal lamps flash.
3. Start the vehicle normally after
entering.
When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on.
Remote start can be extended.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 9
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.Press and hold /until the
parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start 034.
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from the
outside:
.Press Qor Kon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 028.
.Use the key in the driver door.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
.Press Qor Kon the door lock
switch.
.Push the lock knob on the driver
door to lock all doors. Push the
lock knob on a passenger door
to lock only that door.
.Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pulling the
handle again unlatches the door.
See Door Locks 035 or Power Door
Locks 036.
Windows
Press the switch down to open the
window. Pull the front of the switch
up to close it.
The power windows only operate
with the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
0195.
Express Window Operation
Windows with an express-down
feature allow the window to be
lowered without holding the switch.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
10 In Brief
If equipped, windows may also have
an express-up feature. Pull a
window switch up or press it down
all the way, release it, and the
window goes up or down
automatically. Stop the window by
pulling or pressing the switch in the
same direction a second time, or by
briefly operating the switch to the
first detent in either direction.
See Power Windows 044.
Seat Adjustment
Manual Front Seats
To adjust a manual seat:
1. Pull the handle at the front of
the seat.
2. Slide the seat to the desired
position and release the
handle.
3. Try to move the seat back and
forth to be sure it is locked in
place.
Seat Height Adjuster
Press and hold the top or bottom of
the switch to raise or lower the seat.
Release the switch when the
desired height is reached.
See Seat Adjustment 050.
Power Seats
To adjust a power seat, if equipped:
.Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.
.Raise or lower the front part of
the seat cushion by moving the
front of the control up or down.
.Raise or lower the entire seat by
moving the entire control up
or down.
See Power Seat Adjustment 051.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 11
Lumbar Adjustment
If equipped, press and hold the front
or rear of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.
See Lumbar Adjustment 051.
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
To recline a manual seatback:
1. Lift the lever.
2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.
3. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
To return the seatback to the upright
position:
1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.
2. Push and pull on the seatback
to make sure it is locked.
Power Reclining Seatbacks
To adjust a power seatback,
if available:
.Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.
.Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.
See Reclining Seatbacks 051.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
12 In Brief
Memory Features
On vehicles with the memory
feature, the 1 and 2 buttons on the
outboard side of the driver seat are
used to manually store and recall
the positions of the driver seat and
outside mirrors. These manually
stored positions are referred to as
Button Memory positions.
The vehicle will also automatically
store driver seat and outside mirror
positions to the current driver
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter when the ignition is
placed in OFF. These automatically
stored positions are referred to as
RKE Memory positions.
See Memory Seats 053 and
Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.
See Rear Seats 055.
Heated Seats
If available, the buttons are on the
climate control panel. To operate,
the engine must be running.
Press Mor Lto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and
seatback. Indicator lights on the
button show the current setting.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat will
change to the next lower setting,
and then to the off setting. The
lights indicate three for the highest
setting and one for the lowest.
See Heated Front Seats 054.
Head Restraint
Adjustment
Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the head
restraint height in the proper
position.
See Head Restraints 049 and Seat
Adjustment 050.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 13
Safety Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly:
.Safety Belts 057.
.How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly 058.
.Lap-Shoulder Belt 059.
.Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 082.
Passenger Sensing
System
United States
Canada
The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag under certain conditions. No
other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system. See
Passenger Sensing System 069.
The passenger airbag status
indicator will light on the overhead
console when the vehicle is started.
See Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator 0105.
Mirror Adjustment
Interior Mirror
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear
view of the area behind your
vehicle.
Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped, push the tab forward for
daytime use and pull it rearward for
nighttime use to avoid glare of the
headlamps from behind.
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror
If equipped, the mirror will
automatically reduce the glare of the
headlamps from behind. The
dimming feature comes on when the
vehicle is started.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror 044.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
14 In Brief
Exterior Mirrors
1. Turn the selector switch to L
(Left) or R (Right) to choose
the driver or passenger mirror.
2. Move the control to adjust the
mirror.
3. Turn the selector switch to (
to deselect the mirror.
Steering Wheel
Adjustment
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull the lever down.
2. Move the steering wheel up
or down.
3. Pull or push the steering wheel
closer or away from you.
4. Push the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in place.
Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving.
Interior Lighting
Dome Lamps
The interior lamps control in the
overhead console controls both the
front and rear interior lamps.
To operate, press the buttons:
E:Turns the lamps off.
1:Turns the lamps on when any
door is opened.
+:Keeps the lamps on all
the time.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 15
Reading Lamps
There are front and rear reading
lamps in the overhead console and
the headliner.
Front Reading Lamps
Rear Reading Lamps
#or $:Press the button near
each lamp to turn it on or off.
For more information, see
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0136.
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel on the left side of
the steering wheel.
O:Turns off the exterior lamps.
The knob returns to the AUTO
position after it is released. Turn to
Oagain to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate once the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
AUTO : Automatically turns the
exterior lamps on and off,
depending on outside lighting.
;:Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.
2:Turns on the headlamps
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights.
See:
.Exterior Lamp Controls 0133.
.Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
0134.
.Fog Lamps 0136.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
16 In Brief
Windshield Wiper/Washer
The windshield wiper/washer lever
is on the right side of the steering
column.
With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
move the lever to select the wiper
speed.
HI : Use for fast wipes.
LO : Use for slow wipes.
INT : Move the lever up to INT for
intermittent wipes, then turn the x
INT band up for more frequent
wipes or down for less frequent
wipes.
OFF : Use to turn the wipers off.
1X : For a single wipe, briefly move
the lever down. For several wipes,
hold the lever down.
nL:Pull the lever toward you to
spray windshield washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer 098.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 17
Climate Controls
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
Climate Control System
1. Fan Control
2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/
Eco Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. Temperature Control
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Recirculation

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
18 In Brief
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
1. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
2. Air Conditioning or Comfort/
Eco Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. SYNC
6. Heated Seats (If Equipped)
7. Rear Window Defogger
8. Fan Control
9. Recirculation
10. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
See Climate Control Systems 0168
or Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0171 (If Equipped).
Transmission
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
DSC allows you to change gears
similar to a manual transmission. To
use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual).
2. Press the + (plus) end of the
button on the top of the shift
lever to upshift, or press the −
(minus) end of the button to
downshift.
See Manual Mode 0200.

Chevrolet Malibu Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-
9086425) - 2016 - crc - 5/12/15
In Brief 19
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System
See the infotainment manual for
information on the radio, audio
players, phone, navigation system,
and voice or speech recognition.
It also includes information on
settings.
Radio(s)
VOL/ O:Press to turn the system
on and off. Turn to increase or
decrease the volume.
RADIO/BAND : Press to choose
between FM, AM, or SiriusXM
®
,
if equipped.
TUNE/MENU : Turn to select radio
stations. Press to select a menu.
©SEEK ¨:Press to seek the
previous or next station or track.
INFO : Press to show available
information about the current station
or track.
See Overview 0141.
Satellite Radio
If equipped, vehicles with a
SiriusXM
®
satellite radio tuner and a
valid SiriusXM satellite radio
subscription can receive SiriusXM
programming.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio service
based in the 48 contiguous United
States and 10 Canadian provinces.
SiriusXM satellite radio has a wide
variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
SiriusXM service.
Refer to:
.www.siriusxm.com or call
1-866-635-2349 (U.S.).
.www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-209-0079 (Canada).
See Satellite Radio 0148.
Portable Audio Devices
This vehicle may have a 3.5 mm
(1/8 in) auxiliary input and a USB
port in the center console. External
devices such as iPods
®
, laptop
computers, MP3 players, and USB
storage devices may be connected.
See Auxiliary Devices 0152.
Bluetooth
®
The Bluetooth
®
system allows users
with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile
phone to make and receive
hands-free calls using the vehicle
audio system and controls.
The Bluetooth-enabled mobile
phone must be paired with the
in-vehicle Bluetooth system before it
can be used in the vehicle. Not all
phones will support all functions.
See Bluetooth (Infotainment
Controls) 0158 or Bluetooth (Voice
Recognition) 0162 or Bluetooth
(Overview) 0157.