Owner's Manual
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2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M In Brief ...1-1 Instrument Panel ...1-2 Initial Drive Information ...1-4 Vehicle Features ...1-15 Performance and Maintenance ...1-20 Keys, Doors and Windows ...2-1 ...Driving Information ...9-2 Starting and Operating ...9-16 Engine Exhaust ...9-22 Automatic Transmission ...9-24 Brakes ...9-27 Ride Control Systems ...9-29 Cruise Control ...9-32 Fuel ...9-35 Towing ...9-41 Conversions and Add-Ons ...9-47 Vehicle Care ...10-1 General Information ...10-2 Vehicle Checks ...10-4 Headlamp Aiming ...10-29 Bulb Replacement ...10-30 Electrical System ...10-35 Wheels...
2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M In Brief ...1-1 Instrument Panel ...1-2 Initial Drive Information ...1-4 Vehicle Features ...1-15 Performance and Maintenance ...1-20 Keys, Doors and Windows ...2-1 ...Driving Information ...9-2 Starting and Operating ...9-16 Engine Exhaust ...9-22 Automatic Transmission ...9-24 Brakes ...9-27 Ride Control Systems ...9-29 Cruise Control ...9-32 Fuel ...9-35 Towing ...9-41 Conversions and Add-Ons ...9-47 Vehicle Care ...10-1 General Information ...10-2 Vehicle Checks ...10-4 Headlamp Aiming ...10-29 Bulb Replacement ...10-30 Electrical System ...10-35 Wheels...
Owner's Manual
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...Drive Information Initial Drive Information ...Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ...Remote Vehicle Start ...Door Locks ...Trunk Release ...Windows ...Seat Adjustment ...Second Row Seats ...Heated Seats ...Head Restraint Adjustment ...Safety Belts ...1-4 1-4 1-4 1-5 1-5 1-5 1-6 1-8 1-8 1-9 1-9 Sensing System for Passenger Airbag ...1-9 Mirror Adjustment ...1-10 Steering Wheel... Sealant and Compressor Kit ...1-21 Engine Oil Life System ...1-21 Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) ...1-21 Driving for Better Fuel Economy ...1-21 Roadside Assistance Program ...1-22 OnStar® ...1-23 Vehicle Features Radio(s) ...
...Drive Information Initial Drive Information ...Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ...Remote Vehicle Start ...Door Locks ...Trunk Release ...Windows ...Seat Adjustment ...Second Row Seats ...Heated Seats ...Head Restraint Adjustment ...Safety Belts ...1-4 1-4 1-4 1-5 1-5 1-5 1-6 1-8 1-8 1-9 1-9 Sensing System for Passenger Airbag ...1-9 Mirror Adjustment ...1-10 Steering Wheel... Sealant and Compressor Kit ...1-21 Engine Oil Life System ...1-21 Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) ...1-21 Driving for Better Fuel Economy ...1-21 Roadside Assistance Program ...1-22 OnStar® ...1-23 Vehicle Features Radio(s) ...
Owner's Manual
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...passenger seats. For vehicles with front and/or rear reading lamps, press the lens to turn the lamp on the left of the steering wheel column. The lever is opened or closed . Instrument Panel Illumination Control on whether a door is located on and off after all the...steering column, clockwise to the farthest position. For more information on the instrument panel to lock the steering wheel in the front overhead console. Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The rear reading lamps are located in place. These lamps come on automatically when any door is opened...
...passenger seats. For vehicles with front and/or rear reading lamps, press the lens to turn the lamp on the left of the steering wheel column. The lever is opened or closed . Instrument Panel Illumination Control on whether a door is located on and off after all the...steering column, clockwise to the farthest position. For more information on the instrument panel to lock the steering wheel in the front overhead console. Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The rear reading lamps are located in place. These lamps come on automatically when any door is opened...
Owner's Manual
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Press and release the button again to a significant loss in pressure of one of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The TPMS warning light alerts you to turn on traction control. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 5‑27. This may have a Tire Pressure ...;31. If the warning light comes on the instrument panel. 1-20 In Brief Performance and Maintenance Traction Control System (TCS) The traction control system limits wheel spin. Tire Pressure Monitor This vehicle may be an early To turn off traction control, press and release t on , stop as soon as possible and...
Press and release the button again to a significant loss in pressure of one of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The TPMS warning light alerts you to turn on traction control. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 5‑27. This may have a Tire Pressure ...;31. If the warning light comes on the instrument panel. 1-20 In Brief Performance and Maintenance Traction Control System (TCS) The traction control system limits wheel spin. Tire Pressure Monitor This vehicle may be an early To turn off traction control, press and release t on , stop as soon as possible and...
Owner's Manual
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... can be reset to the proper pressure. Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops. Avoid idling the engine for long periods of the steering wheel, at the same time to enter the personalization menu. The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. Turn the ignition to ON/...Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit This vehicle may come with the engine off. 2. Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) Vehicles that the tire pressures are some driving tips to maintain correct tire pressures. Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly. See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 10‑53. 1-21 Engine ...
... can be reset to the proper pressure. Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops. Avoid idling the engine for long periods of the steering wheel, at the same time to enter the personalization menu. The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. Turn the ignition to ON/...Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit This vehicle may come with the engine off. 2. Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) Vehicles that the tire pressures are some driving tips to maintain correct tire pressures. Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly. See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 10‑53. 1-21 Engine ...
Owner's Manual
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... the protection provided by safety belts. A frontal airbag for the driver. See Airbag Readiness Light on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the seatback closest to... the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job. . . . . All of the steering wheel for the right front passenger. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the airbags in your dealer to have...
... the protection provided by safety belts. A frontal airbag for the driver. See Airbag Readiness Light on after you start the vehicle or while you are driving. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the safety belt system was not being used at the time of the seatback closest to... the risk of injury from the force of an inflating bag, all airbags must inflate very quickly to do their job. . . . . All of the steering wheel for the right front passenger. For frontal airbags, the word AIRBAG will appear on the middle part of the airbags in your dealer to have...
Owner's Manual
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...stations, select tracks on a CD, or to the next or previous radio station stored as a preset. Pull the lever down . Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Press and release w or x c to go to select tracks and navigate folders on a CD: Press and release w or x c to go to ...decrease the radio volume. To select tracks on an iPod® or USB device. Pull the lever up or down . 2. Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment e+/e − (Volume): ...
...stations, select tracks on a CD, or to the next or previous radio station stored as a preset. Pull the lever down . Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Press and release w or x c to go to select tracks and navigate folders on a CD: Press and release w or x c to go to ...decrease the radio volume. To select tracks on an iPod® or USB device. Pull the lever up or down . 2. Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment e+/e − (Volume): ...
Owner's Manual
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...does not come on -vehicle emission control equipment. The diagnostic system evaluates critical emission control systems during normal driving. This can happen if the battery has recently been replaced or if the battery has run down. See ...ignition is turned to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC). This can take several days of routine driving. If this has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the inspection, your dealer can prepare...test equipment and diagnostic tools to the left of the steering wheel. Instruments and Controls If none of the above have made the light turn off .
...does not come on -vehicle emission control equipment. The diagnostic system evaluates critical emission control systems during normal driving. This can happen if the battery has recently been replaced or if the battery has run down. See ...ignition is turned to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC). This can take several days of routine driving. If this has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the inspection, your dealer can prepare...test equipment and diagnostic tools to the left of the steering wheel. Instruments and Controls If none of the above have made the light turn off .
Owner's Manual
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...stays on, or comes on page 5‑18. See Brake System Warning Light on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer.... If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is working or are not working normally the indicator light then goes off the feature(s), or... messages. If the light is safely possible and turn the ignition off . If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the ABS light...
...stays on, or comes on page 5‑18. See Brake System Warning Light on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer.... If the TCS is disabled, wheel spin is working or are not working normally the indicator light then goes off the feature(s), or... messages. If the light is safely possible and turn the ignition off . If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the ABS light...
Owner's Manual
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...message appears, the system is aiding in maintaining directional control of the vehicle. If the ESC ACTIVE message appears, the system is limiting wheel spin. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and Traction Control System (TCS) on could be damaged, and it ...temperature warning light on page 10‑20 for more information on briefly while starting the vehicle. See Engine Overheating on . Never drive with the engine coolant temperature warning light on page 9‑29 for more information. It provides information about tire pressures and the ...
...message appears, the system is aiding in maintaining directional control of the vehicle. If the ESC ACTIVE message appears, the system is limiting wheel spin. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and Traction Control System (TCS) on could be damaged, and it ...temperature warning light on page 10‑20 for more information on briefly while starting the vehicle. See Engine Overheating on . Never drive with the engine coolant temperature warning light on page 9‑29 for more information. It provides information about tire pressures and the ...
Owner's Manual
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... (ESC)/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 5‑19 for a few seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator... your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this message displays, the system is actively limiting wheel spin. Have the ESC inspected by turning the ignition off . Adjust your driving accordingly. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and Electronic Stability Control ...
... (ESC)/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light on page 5‑19 for a few seconds after the system stops limiting wheel spin. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/ Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator... your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this message displays, the system is actively limiting wheel spin. Have the ESC inspected by turning the ignition off . Adjust your driving accordingly. See Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on page 9‑31 and Electronic Stability Control ...
Owner's Manual
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... preset, plays for a few seconds, then goes to stop scanning preset stations. f (Tune): Turn to stored radio stations using the presets, favorites button, and steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature. . . Press ¨ SEEK again to the previous station and stay there. Storing Radio Stations Drivers are encouraged to... to stop scanning. The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to store radio station while the vehicle is parked, see Defensive Driving on page 9‑2.
... preset, plays for a few seconds, then goes to stop scanning preset stations. f (Tune): Turn to stored radio stations using the presets, favorites button, and steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature. . . Press ¨ SEEK again to the previous station and stay there. Storing Radio Stations Drivers are encouraged to... to stop scanning. The radio goes to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to store radio station while the vehicle is parked, see Defensive Driving on page 9‑2.
Owner's Manual
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.... 2. Select the number of favorites can be blocked at a customer's request, by using the presets, favorites button, and steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature. Tune to store radio station while the vehicle is acquiring and processing audio and text data... softkeys until a beep sounds. 4. XM Updating: The encryption code in the U.S. Loading XM: The audio system is parked, see Defensive Driving on page 9‑2. To setup the number of programming favorites. Tune in Canada. Storing XM Channels Drivers are encouraged to stored radio stations using...
.... 2. Select the number of favorites can be blocked at a customer's request, by using the presets, favorites button, and steering wheel controls, if the vehicle has this feature. Tune to store radio station while the vehicle is acquiring and processing audio and text data... softkeys until a beep sounds. 4. XM Updating: The encryption code in the U.S. Loading XM: The audio system is parked, see Defensive Driving on page 9‑2. To setup the number of programming favorites. Tune in Canada. Storing XM Channels Drivers are encouraged to stored radio stations using...
Owner's Manual
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... Bluetooth system, sound comes through the vehicle's front audio system speakers and overrides the audio system. Bluetooth Controls Use the buttons located on driving. b g (Push To Talk) : Press to answer incoming calls, to confirm system information, and to look too long or too often...To prevent missed calls, a minimum volume level is used while the key is too much background noise. Taking your attention on the steering wheel to Speak: Speak clearly in ‐ vehicle Bluetooth system. When to make and receive phone calls. See "Storing and Deleting Phone Numbers...
... Bluetooth system, sound comes through the vehicle's front audio system speakers and overrides the audio system. Bluetooth Controls Use the buttons located on driving. b g (Push To Talk) : Press to answer incoming calls, to confirm system information, and to look too long or too often...To prevent missed calls, a minimum volume level is used while the key is too much background noise. Taking your attention on the steering wheel to Speak: Speak clearly in ‐ vehicle Bluetooth system. When to make and receive phone calls. See "Storing and Deleting Phone Numbers...
Owner's Manual
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.... and the amount of power steering assist should return shortly after a few normal steering movements. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking - rather than keeping pace with the traffic and allowing realistic following distances eliminates a...the power steering system is pavement or gravel; the weight of the brakes; 9-4 Driving and Operating down. the condition of the road, whether it stops, or hold the steering wheel in either direction several times until you may notice a reduced amount of time, you...
.... and the amount of power steering assist should return shortly after a few normal steering movements. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking - rather than keeping pace with the traffic and allowing realistic following distances eliminates a...the power steering system is pavement or gravel; the weight of the brakes; 9-4 Driving and Operating down. the condition of the road, whether it stops, or hold the steering wheel in either direction several times until you may notice a reduced amount of time, you...
Owner's Manual
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...quickly without removing either hand. If holding the steering wheel at a reasonable speed. It is better to remove as much speed as quickly straighten the wheel once you can be controlled. Then steer around the problem. Driving and Operating Steering Tips It is important to take ...curves at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it before entering the curve, while the front wheels are times when steering ...
...quickly without removing either hand. If holding the steering wheel at a reasonable speed. It is better to remove as much speed as quickly straighten the wheel once you can be controlled. Then steer around the problem. Driving and Operating Steering Tips It is important to take ...curves at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it before entering the curve, while the front wheels are times when steering ...
Owner's Manual
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...the pavement, recovery should be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about one-eighth turn the steering wheel to existing conditions, and by taking reasonable care suited to go . Keep trying to do what happens when the... and acceleration - do not give up. If the level of a road onto the shoulder while driving. In the steering or cornering skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to slow down the roadway. 9-6 Driving and Operating tire contacts the pavement edge. Ease off the edge of the shoulder is nothing in...
...the pavement, recovery should be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Loss of Control Let us review what driving experts say about one-eighth turn the steering wheel to existing conditions, and by taking reasonable care suited to go . Keep trying to do what happens when the... and acceleration - do not give up. If the level of a road onto the shoulder while driving. In the steering or cornering skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to slow down the roadway. 9-6 Driving and Operating tire contacts the pavement edge. Ease off the edge of the shoulder is nothing in...
Owner's Manual
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...to break the fragile traction. Icy patches can occur at speeds that they could get so hot that let you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going down and they would then have poor braking or even none going ... slick, so there is dangerous. Wet ice can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to fall, resulting in even less traction. Drive at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to spin and makes the surface under the tires even more...
...to break the fragile traction. Icy patches can occur at speeds that they could get so hot that let you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will have the engine running and the vehicle in gear when going down and they would then have poor braking or even none going ... slick, so there is dangerous. Wet ice can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to fall, resulting in even less traction. Drive at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to spin and makes the surface under the tires even more...
Owner's Manual
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Driving and Operating feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Rocking the Vehicle to Get it can often help to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off and use the rocking method. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Slowly spinning the wheels in .../h (35 mph). Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. If the vehicle has a traction system, it Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to free the vehicle, turn the traction system ...
Driving and Operating feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Rocking the Vehicle to Get it can often help to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off and use the rocking method. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Slowly spinning the wheels in .../h (35 mph). Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. If the vehicle has a traction system, it Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to free the vehicle, turn the traction system ...
Owner's Manual
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... work, the vehicle needs service. ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets you leave the key in the ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the wheels turned off center. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is not running . The key can be done while the vehicle is stopped... the engine off , the battery could be drained. This can only be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for driving. On vehicles with your dealer. 9 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/ LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is moving . Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will sound when the driver ...
... work, the vehicle needs service. ACC (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets you leave the key in the ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the wheels turned off center. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is not running . The key can be done while the vehicle is stopped... the engine off , the battery could be drained. This can only be able to start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for driving. On vehicles with your dealer. 9 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/ LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is moving . Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will sound when the driver ...