Chevrolet 2012 Malibu User manual

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M

Keys, Doors, and

Windows .................... 1-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Doors . . . ......................1-11

Vehicle Security. . . . . .........1-13

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Interior Mirrors . . ..............1-18

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Roof . . ........................1-22

Seats and Restraints ......... 2-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . ..........2-4

Rear Seats . . . ................2-10

Safety Belts . . . ...............2-12

Airbag System . . . .............2-19

Child Restraints . . . . . .........2-29

Storage ....................... 3-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 3-1

Additional Storage Features . . . 3-4

Instruments and Controls .... 4-1

Instrument Panel Overview. . . . 4-3

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . ................4-11

Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 4-31

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . ....4-34

Vehicle Personalisation . . . ....4-43

Lighting ....................... 5-1

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Interior Lighting . . . .............5-7

Lighting Features . . . ...........5-8

Infotainment System ......... 6-1

Introduction . . . .................6-1

Climate Controls ............. 7-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 7-1

Air Vents . . . . . . .................7-8

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Driving and Operating ........ 8-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Starting and Operating . . . ....8-14

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25

Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 8-27

Manual Gearbox . . . ...........8-30

Brakes . . . . . ..................8-31

Ride Control Systems . . . .....8-35

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-37

Object Detection Systems . . . . 8-40

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-41

Towing . . . . . ..................8-45

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 8-51

2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M

Vehicle Care .................. 9-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . ......9-31

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31

Electrical System . . . ..........9-37

Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64

Towing . . . . . ..................9-67

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70

Service and Maintenance . . . 10-1

General Information . . . .......10-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 10-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 10-7

Technical Data ............... 11-1

Vehicle Identification . . . . . . ....11-1

Vehicle Data . . . . . . ............11-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1

Index ..................... i-1

Introduction iii

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.

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.

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.

Litho in U.S.A.

iv Introduction

Danger, Warnings, and

Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle

labels and in this manual describe

hazards and what to do to avoid or

reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a

high level of risk which will result in

serious injury or death.

Warning or Caution indicates a

hazard that could result in injury

or death.

{WARNING

These mean there is something

that could hurt you or other

people.

Notice: This means there is

something that could result in

property or vehicle damage.

This would not be covered by

the vehicle's warranty.

A circle with a slash through

it is a safety symbol which means

"Do Not," "Do not do this," or

"Do not let this happen."

Introduction v

Symbols

The vehicle has components and

labels that use symbols instead of

text. Symbols are shown along with

the text describing the operation or

information relating to a specific

component, control, message,

gauge, or indicator.

M:This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual

for additional instructions or

information.

*:This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual

for additional instructions or

information.

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

G:Air Conditioning

Refrigerant Oil

!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)

%:Audio Steering Wheel Controls

$:Brake System Warning Light

I:Certified Technician

":Charging System

I:Cruise Control

B:Engine Coolant Temperature

O:Exterior Lamps

H:Flammable

#:Front Fog Lamps

s:Rear Fog Lamps

.:Fuel Gauge

+:Fuses

3:Headlamp Main/Dipped-Beam

Changer

H:ISOFIX Child Restraint System

*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp

::Oil Pressure

O:Power

>:Safety Belt Reminders

7:Tyre Pressure Monitor

d:Traction Control/Electronic

Stability Control (ESC)

M:Windscreen Washer Fluid

vi Introduction

2NOTES

Keys, Doors, and Windows 1-1

Keys, Doors, and

Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .................... 1-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . ........1-3

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Door Locks . . . . . . ............. 1-8

Power Door Locks . . . .........1-9

Door Ajar Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 1-10

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Safety Locks . . ............... 1-10

Doors

Boot . . . . . .................... 1-11

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . ......... 1-13

Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 1-13

Immobiliser Operation (Key

Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

Immobiliser Operation

(Keyless Access) . . . ........ 1-15

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . .... 1-18

Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Interior Mirrors

Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 1-18

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror . . . . ................... 1-19

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Power Windows . . . . . ........1-20

Sun Visors . . ................. 1-22

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

1-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

{WARNING

Leaving children in a vehicle with

the ignition key is dangerous for

many reasons. Children or others

could be badly injured or even

killed. They could operate the

power windows or other controls

or even make the vehicle move.

The windows will function with the

keys in the ignition and children

could be seriously injured or killed

if caught in the path of a closing

window. Do not leave the keys in

a vehicle with children.

{WARNING

Leaving children in a vehicle with

the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

transmitter is dangerous for many

reasons; children or others could

be badly injured or even killed.

They could operate the power

windows or other controls or even

make the vehicle move. The

windows will function with the

RKE transmitter in the vehicle

and they could be seriously

injured or killed if caught in the

path of a closing window. Do not

leave the RKE transmitter in a

vehicle with children.

The key that is part of the Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can

be used for the ignition and all locks

if the vehicle is a key access

vehicle. If the vehicle has the

keyless ignition, the key can be

used for the locks.

Keys, Doors, and Windows 1-3

Press the button on the RKE

transmitter to extend the key. Press

the button and the key blade to

retract the key.

If the vehicle has an ignition and it

becomes difficult to turn the key,

inspect the key blade for debris.

Periodically clean with a brush

or pick.

See your dealer if a new key

is needed.

Remote Keyless Entry

(RKE) System

Changes or modifications to this

system by other than an authorised

service facility could void

authorisation to use this equipment.

If there is a decrease in the

RKE operating range:

.Check the distance. The

transmitter may be too far from

the vehicle.

.Check the location. Other

vehicles or objects may be

blocking the signal.

.Check the transmitter's battery.

See "Battery Replacement" later

in this section.

.If the transmitter is still not

working correctly, see your

dealer or a qualified technician

for service.

Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) System

Operation

The transmitter functions will work

up to 20 m (65 ft) away from the

vehicle. On vehicles with remote

start the distance will be greater.

Keep in mind that other conditions,

such as those previously stated, can

impact the performance of the

transmitter.

RKE without Remote Start Shown

1-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows

Q(Lock): Press to lock all doors.

The indicators may flash and/or the

horn may sound to indicate locking,

see "Locking Feedback" under

Vehicle Personalisation on

page 4‑43.

If the driver door is open when Qis

pressed, all doors lock except the

driver door, if enabled through the

vehicle personalisation.

If the passenger door is open when

Qis pressed, all doors lock.

Pressing Qmay also arm the

theft-deterrent system. See

Anti-theft Alarm System on

page 1‑13.

When the doors are locked, the

fuel door is also locked.

On some models, pressing and

holding Qwill close all of the

vehicle's windows.

K(Unlock): Press to unlock the

driver door or all doors. See "Door

Unlock Options" under Vehicle

Personalisation on page 4‑43.

The indicators may flash and/or

the horn may sound to indicate

unlocking. See "Unlock Feedback"

under Vehicle Personalisation on

page 4‑43.

Pressing Kwill disarm the

theft-deterrent system. See

Anti-theft Alarm System on

page 1‑13.

Memory seat positions may be

recalled when unlocking the vehicle.

See Memory Seats on page 2‑7and

"Memory Remote Recall" under

Vehicle Personalisation on

page 4‑43 for more information.

On some models, pressing and

holding Kwill open all of the

vehicle's windows.

V(Remote Boot Release):

Press and hold to unlock the boot.

7(Vehicle Locator/Panic

Alarm): Press and release one

time to locate the vehicle. The

exterior lamps flash and the horn

chirps.

Press and hold 7for at least

two seconds to sound the panic

alarm. The horn sounds and the

indicators flash until 7is pressed

again or the vehicle is started.

/(Remote Vehicle Start):

For vehicles with this feature,

press Qand then press and hold /

within five seconds to start the

engine from outside the vehicle

using the RKE transmitter. See

Remote Vehicle Start on page 1‑7

for additional information.

The buttons on the keys are

disabled when there is a key in the

ignition, if equipped.

Other manuals for 2012 Malibu

Table of contents

Other Chevrolet Automobile manuals

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2011 Aveo User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet cruze 2017 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2011 Aveo User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2010 Corvette Convertible User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cobalt 2005 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2002 Camaro User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2004 Astro User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet CHEVY-2001 User guide

Chevrolet

Chevrolet TRUCK 1969 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet BeaT LPG User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet VENTURE 1998 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2009 Malibu Assembly instructions

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2006 SSR Pickup User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Camaro 2014 Assembly instructions

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Traverse 2015 Assembly instructions

Chevrolet

Chevrolet MALIBU 2019 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet VENTURE 1997 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2011 Impala User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Optra 2004 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2001 Cavalier User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Trailblazer 2023 User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 1979 Light Duty Truck User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2010 Aveo Sedan User manual

Chevrolet

Chevrolet 2011 Cruze User manual

Popular Automobile manuals by other brands

Toyota

Toyota 2000 Tundra owner's manual

CITROËN

CITROËN DS4 DSign Handbook

Lexus

Lexus 2015 CT 200h owner's manual

Cadillac

Cadillac CTS 2008 owner's manual

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz M-class ML 55 AMG Operator's manual

Porsche

Porsche Boxster S Technical manual

GMC

GMC 2010 Savana 1500 Cargo owner's manual

KIAM

KIAM SPORTAGE 2014 Features & functions guide

GMC

GMC 2013 Terrain Getting to know

GMC

GMC T-Series 1999 owner's manual

Mercury

Mercury 1998 Mystique owner's manual

Mercury

Mercury 2007 Mariner Quick reference guide

Mazda

Mazda 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 Smart start guide

Mazda

Mazda 2014 CX-5 owner's manual

GMC

GMC Chevrolet Express 2022 owner's manual

GMC

GMC 1997 Jimmy owner's manual

Cadillac

Cadillac 2010 Escalade manual

Skoda

Skoda FABIA RS - ANNEXE 118 brochure