2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual

8-8

Climate Controls

When the weather is cool or damp, operating the system in recirculation for extended periods of time can cause fogging of the vehicle's windows. To clear the fog, select either defog or defrost. Make sure the air conditioning is on. Allow the air conditioning to run automatically to help dehumidify the air. To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the vehicle faster, recirculation may be automatically selected in warm weather. The recirculation light will not come on. To override this feature, select outside air. Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the rear window. 1 (Rear): Press to turn the rear window defogger on or off. An indicator light comes on to show that the rear window defogger is on.

If driving below 80 km/h (50 mph), the rear window defogger turns off about 15 minutes after the button is pressed. If additional warming time is needed, press the button again. If the vehicle's speed is maintained above 80 km/h (50 mph), the rear window defogger remains on once the button is pressed. For vehicles with heated outside mirrors, the surface of the outside mirrors will also heat when the rear window defogger is activated. See Heated Mirrors on page 2‑14. Notice: Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.

Remote Start Climate Control Operation For vehicles with remote start, when it is activated the climate control system heats and cools the inside of the vehicle using the previous system settings before the vehicle was turned off. The climate control knobs will remain active during a remote start. However, the climate control buttons will be inactive until the ignition is turned on by the key. If the fan is off, the climate control system will not operate during remote start. With the automatic climate control system, the climate control displays “RS” in place of the temperature to indicate that remote start is activated. For best performance, turn both the fan and mode knobs to AUTO. If the temperature is cold enough and the mode knob is set to AUTO, the system begins in defrost to clear the windows. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2‑3.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (9,1)

Climate Controls

8-9

Air Vents Use the lever located in the center of each outlet by moving it either up and down or side-to-side, to change the direction and amount of airflow in the vehicle. Operation Tips . Clear away any ice, snow,

or leaves from the air inlets at the base of the windshield that may block the flow of air into the vehicle.

. Do not use non-GM approved hood deflectors as they could adversely affect the performance of the system.

. Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more effectively.

. When an objectionable odor

outside the vehicle is encountered, use the recirculation mode, with the temperature knob at a comfortable setting to prevent the odor from entering the vehicle through the ventilation system. This can be helpful when driving through a long tunnel with poor ventilation. However, extended usage of this mode in cold or cool weather can cause window fogging.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (10,1)

8-10

Climate Controls

2 NOTES

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (1,1)

Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-7
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-10

Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-14
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Retained Accessory

Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18

Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Parking over Things

That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20

Engine Exhaust

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Running the Vehicle While

Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21

Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-22
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23

Brakes

Antilock Brake

System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26

Ride Control Systems

Traction Control

System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27

Electronic Stability

Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29

Cruise Control

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31

Driving and Operating

9-1

Fuel

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Gasoline Specifications (U.S.

and Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . 9-34

California Fuel

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-35
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 9-36
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Filling a Portable Fuel

Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38

Towing

General Towing

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39

Driving Characteristics and

Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44

Conversions and Add-Ons

Add-On Electrical

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (2,1)

9-2

Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Distracted Driving Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving. Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction. Become familiar with the local laws in your area. To avoid distracted driving, always keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the drive. . Do not use a phone in

demanding driving situations. Use a hands-free method to place or receive necessary phone calls.

. Watch the road. Do not read,

take notes, or look up information on phones or other electronic devices.

. Designate a front seat

passenger to handle potential distractions.

. Become familiar with vehicle

features before driving, such as programming favorite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device prior to driving.

. Wait until the vehicle is parked

to retrieve items that have fallen to the floor.

. Stop or park the vehicle to tend

to children.

. Keep pets in an appropriate

carrier or restraint.

. Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.

{ WARNING

Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving.

Refer to the Infotainment section for more information on using that system, including pairing and using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear the safety belt. See Safety Belts on page 3‑8. . Assume that other road users

(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (3,1)

. Allow enough following distance

between you and the driver in front of you. Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.

{ WARNING Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious— or even fatal— collision if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency. Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include: . Keep enough distance between

you and the vehicle in front of you.

. Avoid needless heavy braking. . Keep pace with traffic.

Driving and Operating

9-3

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering

Electric Power Steering If your vehicle has electric power steering it does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (4,1)

9-4

Driving and Operating

If the steering wheel is turned in either direction several times until it stops, or it is held until it is stopped for an extended time, power steering assist should return shortly after a few normal steering movements. See specific vehicle steering messages under Vehicle Messages on page 5‑25. See your dealer if there is a problem. Variable Effort Steering Some vehicles have a steering system that varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation to the speed of the vehicle. The amount of steering effort required is less at slower speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and easier to park.

At faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering. This provides maximum control and stability. If the vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem with the system. You will still have power steering, but steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds. See your dealer for service. Hydraulic Power Steering If your vehicle has hydraulic power steering, it may require maintenance. See Power Steering Fluid on page 10‑19. If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops or the power steering system is not functioning, the vehicle can be steered but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem.

Curve Tips

Take curves at a reasonable speed.

. Reduce speed before entering a

curve.

. Maintain a reasonable steady

speed through the curve

. Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.

. Holding both sides of the

steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.

. Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (5,1)

Off-Road Recovery

The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.

2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.

3. Then turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

Loss of Control

Skidding There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems: . Braking Skid — wheels are not

rolling.

. Steering or Cornering

Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. . Acceleration Skid — too much

throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

Driving and Operating

9-5

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions: . Ease your foot off the

accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.

. Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (6,1)

9-6

Driving and Operating

Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.

Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep‐standing or flowing water.

{ WARNING

Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally. Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle's tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet. Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include: . Allow extra following distance. . Pass with caution. . Keep windshield wiping

equipment in good shape.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (7,1)

. Keep the windshield washer fluid

reservoir filled.

. Have good tires with proper

tread depth. See Tires on page 10‑38. Turn off cruise control.

Highway Hypnosis Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include: . Keep the vehicle well ventilated. . Keep the interior temperature cool.

. Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead and to the sides.

. Check the rearview mirror and

vehicle instruments often.

Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include: . Keep the vehicle serviced and in

good shape.

. Check all fluid levels and brakes,

tires, cooling system, and transmission.

. Shift to a lower gear when going

down steep or long hills. { 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.

Driving and Operating

9-7

{ WARNING

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the work of slowing down and they 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. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.

. Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.

. Be alert on top of hills;

something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (8,1)

9-8

Driving and Operating

. Pay attention to special road

signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction.

Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 9‑25 improves vehicle stability during hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement. Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice. Turn off cruise control on slippery surfaces.

Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use the Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada) on page 13‑7 or Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico) on page 13‑9. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:

Turn on the hazard warning flashers. Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (9,1)

{ WARNING

Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If the vehicle is stuck in the snow: . Clear away snow from around

the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe.

. Check again from time to

time to be sure snow does not collect there.

. Open a window about 5 cm

(2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

. Fully open the air outlets on

or under the instrument panel.

. Adjust the climate control

system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems” in the Index.

For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑21.

Run the engine for short periods only as needed to keep warm, but be careful. To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you

Driving and Operating

9-9

feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.

If the Vehicle Is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's traction system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (10,1)

9-10

Driving and Operating

{ WARNING

If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 55 km/h (35 mph).

For information about using tire chains on the vehicle, see Tire Chains on page 10‑58. Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stability system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.

Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle on page 10‑79.

Vehicle Load Limits It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory‐installed options. Two labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification label.

{ WARNING

Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (11,1)

Tire and Loading Information Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). With the driver's door open, you will find the label attached below the door lock post. The Tire and Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating

positions (A), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (D). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires on page 10‑38 and Tire Pressure on page 10‑45. There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It tells you the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certification Label” later in this section.

Driving and Operating

9-11

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1. Locate the statement “The

combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle's placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting figure equals

the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle,

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (12,1)

9-12

Driving and Operating

the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).

5. Determine the combined

6.

weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.

See Trailer Towing on page 9‑42
for important information on towing a trailer, towing safety rules, and trailering tips.

Example 1

Example 2

A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for

Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

B. Subtract Occupant Weight

@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).

C. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).

A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for

Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

B. Subtract Occupant Weight

@ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).

C. Available Cargo Weight =

113 kg (250 lbs).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (13,1)

seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.

Certification Label

Example 3

A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for

Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

B. Subtract Occupant Weight

@ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

C. Available Cargo Weight =

0 kg (0 lbs).

Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information label for specific information about the vehicle's capacity weight and

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Certification label is attached to the driver side center pillar (B-pillar). The label tells the gross weight capacity of the vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all

Driving and Operating

9-13

occupants, fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for the vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if there is a heavy load, it should be spread out. See “Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit” earlier in this section.

{ WARNING

Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also shorten the life of the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (14,1)

9-14

Driving and Operating

If you put things inside the vehicle — like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else — they will go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they will keep going.

{ WARNING

Things inside the vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

. Put things in the cargo

area of the vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as far forward as possible. Try to spread the weight evenly.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

. Never stack heavier

things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.

. Do not leave an

unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.

. Secure loose items in the

vehicle.

. Do not leave a seat folded

down unless needed.

Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:

. Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 805 km (500 miles). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (15,1)

. Avoid making hard stops for the first 322 km (200 miles) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

. Do not tow a trailer during

break-in. See Trailer Towing on page 9‑42 for the trailer towing capabilities of the vehicle and more information.

Following break‐in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.

Ignition Positions

The ignition switch has four different positions. To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY and the brake pedal must be applied.

Driving and Operating

9-15

Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer. 9 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/ LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off. Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 9‑18. This position locks the ignition. It also locks the transmission. The key can only be removed in LOCK/OFF. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (16,1)

9-16

Driving and Operating

If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady

pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.

2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).

This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.

3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK/OFF position.

4. Set the parking brake. See

Parking Brake on page 9‑26.

{ WARNING

Turning off the vehicle while moving may cause loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags. While driving, only shut the vehicle off in an emergency.

If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and must be shut off while driving, turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY. The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center. If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this doesn't work, the vehicle needs service. ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets you use things like the radio and windshield wipers while the engine is not running.

R (ON/RUN): This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories and to display some instrument panel warning lights. The switch will stay in this position while the engine is running. This position can also be used for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes. If you leave the key in the ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time. / (START): This position starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch will return to the ON/RUN position for driving. A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (17,1)

Driving and Operating

9-17

Starting the Engine Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.

Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine warms. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all moving parts. The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects

components. If the ignition key is turned to the START position, and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.

Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of time, by returning the key to the START position immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to let the cranking motor cool down.

2.

If the engine does not start after 5 to 10 seconds, especially in very cold weather (below −18°C or 0°F), it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeat these steps. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.

Notice: The engine is designed to work with the electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (18,1)

9-18

Driving and Operating

Before adding electrical equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not, the engine might not perform properly. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Engine Heater The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm‐ up in cold weather conditions at or below −18°C (0°F). Vehicles with an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting the vehicle. An internal thermostat in the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent engine coolant heater operation at temperatures above −18°C (0°F). To Use the Engine Coolant Heater 1. Turn off the engine. 2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. With a 4 cylinder engine, the engine coolant

heater cord is located near the air cleaner box on the passenger side of the engine compartment. With a V6 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is located on the driver side around the battery box. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10‑5 for more information on location.

{ WARNING Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of extension cord could overheat and cause a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.

3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.

4. Before starting the engine, be

sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving engine parts and prevent damage.

The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories can be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off: . Audio System . Power Windows . Heated Seats (if equipped) . Sunroof (if equipped) These features continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (19,1)

The power windows, heated seats, and sunroof will work until any door is opened. The radio continues to work until the driver door is opened. All these features operate when the key is in the ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY.

Shifting Into Park { WARNING

It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑39.

1. Hold the brake pedal down and

set the parking brake. See Parking Brake on page 9‑26 for more information.

2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)

by holding in the button on the shift lever and pushing the shift lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to

LOCK/OFF.

4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running

{ WARNING

It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake

(Continued)

Driving and Operating

9-19

WARNING (Continued)

firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running.

If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from P (Park) without first pushing the button. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked in P (Park).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (20,1)

9-20

Driving and Operating

Torque Lock Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” listed previously. If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).

Shifting out of Park This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to: . Prevent ignition key removal

unless the shift lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully released.

. Prevent movement of the shift

lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ ACCESSORY and the brake pedal is applied.

The shift lock release is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery. If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting on page 10‑76
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.

2. Press the shift lever button. 3. Move the shift lever to the

desired position.

If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever

button.

2. Hold the brake pedal down and

press the shift lever button again.

3. Move the shift lever to the

desired position.

If you are still having a problem shifting, see your dealer.

Parking over Things That Burn

{ WARNING

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (21,1)

Driving and Operating

9-21

WARNING (Continued)

. There are holes or openings

in the vehicle body from damage or aftermarket modifications that are not completely sealed.

If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:

. Drive it only with the windows

completely down.

. Have the vehicle repaired

immediately.

Never park the vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed area such as a garage or a building that has no fresh air ventilation.

Running the Vehicle While Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

{ WARNING

Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see Engine Exhaust on page 9‑21.

Engine Exhaust { WARNING

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death. Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:

. The vehicle idles in areas

with poor ventilation (parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).

. The exhaust smells or

sounds strange or different.

. The exhaust system leaks

due to corrosion or damage. . The vehicle exhaust system has been modified, damaged or improperly repaired.

(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (22,1)

9-22

Driving and Operating

{ WARNING

It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park on page 9‑19. If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑39.

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

{ WARNING

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park on page 9‑19. If you are pulling a trailer, see Trailer Towing on page 9‑42.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (23,1)

system. You must fully apply the brake pedal then press the shift lever button before you can shift from P (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park on page 9‑20. R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9‑9.

N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.

{ WARNING

Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

Driving and Operating

9-23

D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are: . Going less than 56 km/h

(35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.

. Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or

more, push the accelerator all 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).

Manual Mode

Driver Shift Control (DSC) To use this feature, do the following: 1. Move the shift lever from

D (Drive) rearward to M (Manual).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (24,1)

9-24

Driving and Operating

While driving in manual mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift into 2 (Second) gear.

2. Press the + (plus) end of the

button on the side of the shifter to upshift, or push the − (minus) end of the button to downshift.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to the letter “M,” for Manual position, and a number indicating the requested gear. 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. The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm): The transmission will not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too low. The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too high.

Second or Third Gear Start Feature When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into 2 (Second) or 3 (Third) gear. A higher gear allows you to gain more traction on slippery surfaces. With the DSC feature, the vehicle can be set to pull away in Second or Third gear. 1. Move the shift lever from

D (Drive) into the M (Manual Mode).

2. With the vehicle stopped,

press (+) end of the button to select 2 (Second) or 3 (Third) gear. The vehicle will start from a stop position in 2 (Second) or 3 (Third) gear.

3. Once moving select the desired

drive gear.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (25,1)

Driving and Operating

9-25

If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses that the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help the driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls 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,

there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS. Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let ABS work. You might hear the ABS pump or motor operating and feel the brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal. Braking in Emergencies ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking.

Brakes

Antilock Brake System (ABS) This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid. When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.

If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light on page 5‑17.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (26,1)

9-26

Driving and Operating

Parking Brake

To set the parking brake, push down the parking brake pedal with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light on page 5‑17. To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot. Push down momentarily on the parking brake pedal with your left foot until you

feel the pedal release. If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, the brake system warning light comes on and a chime sounds as a warning that the parking brake is still on. The PUSH PARK PEDAL message will also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC) as a reminder to release the parking brake. See Brake System Messages on page 5‑25. Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving. If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑39.

Brake Assist This vehicle has a brake assist feature designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal pulsation or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates. The brake assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (27,1)

Driving and Operating

9-27

The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal. If the vehicle is in cruise control when TCS begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control may be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control on page 9‑31.

When this light is on solid and either the SERVICE TRACTION or TRACTION OFF message is displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin.

Adjust your driving accordingly. See Ride Control System Messages on page 5‑26 for more information. The Traction Control System is automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, always leave the system enabled. TCS can be turned off if needed. It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9‑9.

Ride Control Systems

Traction Control System (TCS) The vehicle may have a Traction Control System (TCS) that limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it senses that the front wheels are spinning too much or are beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and reduces engine power by closing the throttle and managing engine spark to limit wheel spin.

This light will flash when the traction control system is limiting wheel spin.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (28,1)

9-28

Driving and Operating

The traction control system is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started, and it will activate and flash the ESC/TCS light and display the LOW TRACTION message if it senses either of the front wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. For more information on the LOW TRACTION message, see Ride Control System Messages on page 5‑26. Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle are allowed to spin excessively while the ESC/TCS, ABS and Brake warning lights and the SERVICE ESC and/or SERVICE TRACTION messages are displayed, the differential could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and this message are displayed. Notice: When traction control is turned off, it is possible to lose traction. If you attempt to shift

with the front wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to shift when the front wheels do not have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered. See your warranty book for additional information. The traction control system may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is normal. If the vehicle is in cruise control when the system activates, the ESC/TCS light will flash and the cruise control will automatically disengage. The cruise control may be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control on page 9‑31.

To turn the system off or on, press and release this button located on the center console.

The traction off light comes on and the DIC will display the appropriate message as described previously when the button is pressed. Traction Control Operation Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012

Black plate (29,1)

Driving and Operating

9-29

If the system fails to turn on or activate, the ESC/TCS light will be on solid, and the ESC OFF or SERVICE ESC message will be displayed. For more information, see Ride Control System Messages on page 5‑26.

This light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the ESC system is both on and activated.

The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this is normal. When the light is on solid and either the SERVICE ESC or ESC OFF message is displayed, the system will not assist the driver in maintaining directional control of the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See Ride Control System Messages on page 5‑26. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is automatically enabled whenever the vehicle is started. To assist the driver with vehicle directional control, especially in slippery road conditions, the system should always be left on. But, ESC can be turned off if needed.

Adding non‐dealer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑3 for more information.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) The vehicle has an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system which combines antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and helps the driver maintain