HOLDEN Malibu EM 2015 User guide

EM MALIBU HOLDEN.COM.AU
EM MALIBU
OWNER’S HANDBOOK

GM Holden Ltd, ABN 84 006 893 232 (hereinafter Holden)
Change of name, address or ownership
If you drive a pre-owned Holden, have moved house or changed any of your details, we’d like to
hear from you!
Holden uses your details to keep your vehicle’s factory provided RoadsideAssistance and Warranty
details up to date.
It also helps us let you know if there is an existing safety recall or rework on your vehicle. To update
your details, please take a few minutes to ll in and mail the form at the back of the Service/Warranty
booklet or visit Holden’s website at: www.holden.com.au/forms/change-of-owner-details
GM Holden Ltd (Holden) is collecting the new owner’s personal information in order to process
the request for transfer for the specied vehicle. We may disclose your personal information to our
related companies and third parties who provide us with (or help us provide) products and services,
including to overseas locations such as the USA, and other countries in Europe, Oceania and Asia.
Holden’s privacy policy (available at: www.holden.com.au/privacypolicy) states how you can seek
to access or correct any personal information Holden holds about you, how to complain about a
privacy breach by Holden and how Holden will deal with a privacy complaint.
You can contact Holden on 1800 033 349 or alternatively, you may prefer to email Holden at:
[email protected]
Note: Please refer to the inside front cover of the Service/Warranty booklet for the Vehicle
Identication Certicate.
Printed in Australia © 2015 GM Holden Ltd
Part No. 92282089 Reproduction in whole or part is
December 2015 prohibited without written approval from
(MY15 EM Malibu. Print 2) GM Holden Ltd, ABN 84 006 893 232

Black plate (1,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual - 2015 - CRC - 11/21/14
2015 Holden Malibu Owner Manual M
In Brief ........................ 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Keys, Doors, and
Windows .................... 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Doors..........................2-8
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-3
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Vehicle Personalisation . . . . . . . 5-27
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55
Bluetooth Phone/Devices . . . . . 7-60
Trademarks and Licence
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-70
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-10
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 9-22
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-36
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52

Black plate (2,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual - 2015 - CRC - 11/21/14
2015 Holden Malibu Owner Manual M
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-55
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-3
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Index ..................... i-1

Black plate (3,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual - 2015 - CRC - 11/21/14
Introduction iii
We thank you for choosing Holden and want to assure
you of our continuing interest in your driving pleasure
and satisfaction.
This handbook applies to the current Malibu model.
Therefore, due to different models and options, you may fi nd
reference in this Handbook to some equipment not fi tted to
your own vehicle.
Please note that all information, illustrations and
specifi cations in this Handbook are based on the latest
production information available at the time of printing.
Holden reserves the right to make changes at any time
without notice and without incurring any obligation.

Black plate (3,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual - 2015 - CRC - 11/21/14
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, HOLDEN, the
HOLDEN Emblem, MALIBU, and
the MALIBU Emblem are
trademarks and/or service marks of
General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.
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.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Introduction
Your vehicle is a designed
combination of advanced
technology, safety, environmental
friendliness, and economy.
This owner's manual provides you
with all the necessary information to
enable you to drive your vehicle
safely and efficiently.
Make sure your passengers are
aware of the possible risk of
accident and injury which may result
from improper use of the vehicle.
Using this Manual
.The “In Brief”section will give
you an initial overview.
.The table of contents at the
beginning of this manual and
within each section shows where
the information is located.
.The Index will enable you to
search for specific information.
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
iv Introduction

Black plate (4,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual - 2015 - CRC - 11/21/14
{Caution
Text marked Caution provides
information on possible damage
to the vehicle. Disregarding this
information may lead to 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:This symbol is shown when
you need to see the owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
*:This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.
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
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3:Headlamp Main/Dipped Beam
Changer
j:ISOFIX System Child
Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
O:Power
>:Seat Belt Reminders
d:Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)
M:Windscreen Washer Fluid
Introduction v

Black plate (1,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
In Brief1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-8
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windscreen Wiper/Washer . . . 1-11
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Vehicle Features
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-14
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Driver Information
Centre (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-15
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Engine Oil Life System
(Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
In Brief

Black plate (2,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-2
Instrument Panel
In Brief

Black plate (3,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1. Infotainment System Controls.
See Overview on page 7-1.
2. Storage Area. See Instrument
Panel Storage on page 4-1.
3. Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System on page 6-2.
4. Windscreen Wiper/Washer on
page 5-3.
5. Instrument Cluster on page 5-7.
6. Turn Signal lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals on
page 6-3.
Driver Information Centre
Buttons. See Driver Information
Centre (DIC) on page 5-18.
7. Air Vents on page 8-6.
8. Heated Front Seats on page 3-6
(If Equipped).
9. Power Door Locks on page 2-7.
Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6-2.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder
Light. See Seat Belt Reminders
on page 5-9.
10. Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9-22.
Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9-16 /Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) on
page 9-18.
11. Electric Parking Brake on
page 9-13.
12. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9-10.
13. Power Outlets on page 5-5.
14. Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-1 (If
Equipped).
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-4 (If
Equipped).
15. Ignition Positions on page 9-3.
16. Cruise Control on page 9-20.
17. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5-2.
18. Horn on page 5-3.
19. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5-2.
20. Data Link Connector (Out of
View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-11.
21. Storage Compartment. See
Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4-1.
22. Bonnet Release. See Bonnet
on page 10-3.
23. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6-1.
Front Fog Lamps on page 6-3
(If Equipped).
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6-4.
1-3 In Brief

Black plate (4,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-4
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 may work up to
20 m (65 ft) away from the vehicle.
Press the button to extend the key.
The key can be used for all locks.
K:Press to unlock the driver door
or all doors.
Q:Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalised.
V:Press and hold to release
the boot.
See Keys on page 2-1 and Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-3.
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 on
page 2-3.
.Use the key in the driver door.
To lock or unlock the doors from the
inside:
.Press Qor K.
In Brief

Black plate (5,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-5
.Push the door lock snib on the
top of the door to lock that
door only.
.Pull the door handle once to
unlock the door. Pulling the
handle again unlatches the door.
See Door Locks on page 2-6 or
Power Door Locks on page 2-7.
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) on
page 9-5.
Express Window Operation
Windows with an express-down
feature allow the window to be
lowered without holding the switch.
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 on page 2-14.
Seat Adjustment
Manual 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.
In Brief

Black plate (6,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-6
Seat Height Adjuster
If available, 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 on page 3-3.
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 on
page 3-4.
Lumbar Adjustment
To adjust the lumbar support,
if available:
.Press and hold the front or rear
of the control to increase or
decrease lumbar support.
.Press and hold the top or bottom
of the control to raise or lower
the height of the lumbar support.
See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3-4.
In Brief

Black plate (7,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
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 on
page 3-5.
In Brief1-7

Black plate (8,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-8
Second Row Seats
The rear seatbacks can be folded
down to increase cargo space.
See Rear Seats on page 3-7.
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 on
page 3-6.
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 on page 3-2
and Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3-4.
In Brief

Black plate (9,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-9
Seat Belts
Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
seat belts properly:
.Seat Belts on page 3-9.
.Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3-11.
Mirror Adjustment
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.
Interior Mirror
Adjustment
Hold the rear view mirror in the
centre and move it to view the area
behind the vehicle.
Manual Rear view Mirror
Pull the tab rearward for daytime
use and push it forward for
night-time use to avoid glare from
the headlamps from behind. See
Manual Rear View Mirror on
page 2-13.
In Brief

Black plate (10,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-10
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.
Reading Lamps
There are reading lamps in the
overhead console
#or $:Press the button near
each lamp to turn it on or off.
For more information, see
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6-4.
In Brief

Black plate (11,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-11
Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel on the right 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.
AUTO: Automatically turns the
exterior lamps on and off,
depending on outside lighting.
;:Turns on the park lamps
including all lamps, except the
headlamps.
2:Turns on the headlamps
together with the park lamps and
instrument panel lights.
See:
.Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6-1
.Front Fog Lamps on page 6-3
Windscreen Wiper/
Washer
With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START,
move the lever to select the wiper
speed.
8:For a single wipe, briefly move
the lever up. For several wipes, hold
the lever up.
OFF: Use to turn the wipers off.
In Brief

Black plate (12,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
INT: Move the lever down to INT
for intermittent wipes, then turn
the 3rINT band down for more
frequent wipes or up for less
frequent wipes.
LO: Use for slow wipes.
HI: Use for fast wipes.
nL:Pull the lever toward you to
spray windscreen washer fluid and
activate the wipers.
See Windscreen Wiper/Washer on
page 5-3.
Climate Controls
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
Automatic Climate Control System
1. Fan Control
2. Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. Temperature Control
6. Recirculation
7. Rear Window Demister
8. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
1-12
In Brief

Black plate (13,1)
Holden Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-Holden-9272603) - 2015 -
CRC - 11/21/14
1-13
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
1. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
2. Air Conditioning
3. Air Delivery Modes
4. Defrost
5. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
6. Heated Seats
7. Recirculation
8. Fan Control
9. Rear Window Demister
10. SYNC
See Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-1 or Dual
Automatic Climate Control System
on page 8-4 (If Equipped).
Transmission
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
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 push the −
(minus) end of the button to
downshift.
While using the DSC feature the
transmission will have firmer shifting
and sportier performance. You can
use this for sport driving or when
climbing hills to stay in gear longer
or to downshift for more power or
engine braking.
See Manual Mode on page 9-11.
In Brief