2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual

2011 Chevrolet Malibu owners manual
Year:
2011
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Malibu
Rating:
(10)

Online manual

Size:
4.99 MB

Table of Contents

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
10
Door Locks
11
Trunk Release
11
Windows
11
Seat Adjustment
12
Second Row Seats
14
Heated Seats
14
Head Restraint Adjustment
15
Safety Belts
15
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag
15
Mirror Adjustment
16
Steering Wheel Adjustment
17
Interior Lighting
17
Exterior Lighting
18
Windshield Wiper/Washer
18
Climate Controls
19
Transmission
21
Vehicle Features
21
Radio(s)
21
Satellite Radio
23
Portable Audio Devices (Auxiliary Input or USB Port)
23
Bluetooth®
23
Steering Wheel Controls
24
Cruise Control
24
Driver Information Center (DIC)
25
Power Outlets
25
Performance and Maintenance
26
Traction Control System (TCS)
26
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
26
Tire Pressure Monitor
26
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
27
Engine Oil Life System
27
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
27
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
27
Roadside Assistance Program
28
OnStar®
29
Keys, Doors and Windows
31
Keys and Locks
32
Keys
32
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
32
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
33
Remote Vehicle Start
35
Door Locks
37
Power Door Locks
37
Door Ajar Reminder
37
Delayed Locking
38
Automatic Door Locks
38
Lockout Protection
38
Safety Locks
38
Doors
39
Trunk
39
Vehicle Security
41
Anti-Theft Alarm System
41
Immobilizer
42
Immobilizer Operation
42
Exterior Mirrors
43
Convex Mirrors
43
Power Mirrors
44
Heated Mirrors
44
Interior Mirrors
44
Manual Rearview Mirror
44
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
44
Windows
45
Power Windows
46
Sun Visors
48
Roof
48
Sunroof
48
Seats and Restraints
51
Head Restraints
52
Front Seats
53
Seat Adjustment
53
Power Seat Adjustment
54
Lumbar Adjustment
54
Reclining Seatbacks
55
Heated Front Seats
57
Rear Seats
58
Safety Belts
59
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
63
Lap-Shoulder Belt
68
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
73
Safety Belt Extender
73
Safety System Check
74
Safety Belt Care
74
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash
74
Airbag System
75
Where Are the Airbags?
77
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
79
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
80
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
80
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates?
81
Passenger Sensing System
82
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
86
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
87
Airbag System Check
88
Replacing Airbag System Parts After a Crash
88
Child Restraints
89
Older Children
89
Infants and Young Children
91
Child Restraint Systems
93
Where to Put the Restraint
95
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
98
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
105
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
105
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat)
107
Storage
111
Storage Compartments
111
Instrument Panel Storage
111
Glove Box
111
Cupholders
111
Front Storage
112
Center Console Storage
113
Additional Storage Features
113
Convenience Net
113
Instruments and Controls
115
Controls
116
Steering Wheel Adjustment
116
Steering Wheel Controls
116
Horn
117
Windshield Wiper/Washer
117
Compass
118
Clock
119
Power Outlets
121
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
122
Instrument Cluster
123
Speedometer
124
Odometer
124
Trip Odometer
124
Tachometer
124
Fuel Gauge
124
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
125
Safety Belt Reminders
126
Airbag Readiness Light
127
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
127
Charging System Light
129
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
129
Brake System Warning Light
132
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
133
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)/Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator/Warning Light
133
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
134
Tire Pressure Light
134
Engine Oil Pressure Light
135
Security Light
136
High-Beam On Light
136
Cruise Control Light
136
Information Displays
136
Driver Information Center (DIC)
136
Vehicle Messages
139
Brake System Messages
140
Cruise Control Messages
140
Door Ajar Messages
140
Engine Oil Messages
140
Engine Power Messages
140
Fuel System Messages
141
Key and Lock Messages
141
Lamp Messages
141
Ride Control System Messages
141
Airbag System Messages
143
Service Vehicle Messages
143
Tire Messages
143
Vehicle Reminder Messages
144
Washer Fluid Messages
144
Vehicle Personalization
144
Lighting
149
Exterior Lighting
149
Exterior Lamp Controls
149
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
150
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
150
Flash-to-Pass
150
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
150
Automatic Headlamp System
151
Delayed Headlamps
151
Hazard Warning Flashers
152
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
152
Fog Lamps
152
Interior Lighting
153
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
153
Dome Lamps
153
Reading Lamps
153
Lighting Features
153
Entry/Exit Lighting
153
Parade Dimming
154
Battery Load Management
154
Battery Power Protection
155
Infotainment System
157
Introduction
157
Infotainment
157
Theft-Deterrent Feature
158
Operation
159
Radio
163
AM-FM Radio
163
Satellite Radio
166
Radio Reception
170
Backglass Antenna
171
Satellite Radio Antenna
171
Audio Players
171
CD Player
171
Auxiliary Devices
176
Phone
181
Bluetooth
181
Climate Controls
189
Climate Control Systems
189
Automatic Climate Control System
193
Air Vents
197
Driving and Operating
199
Driving Information
200
Defensive Driving
200
Drunk Driving
200
Control of a Vehicle
201
Braking
201
Steering
202
Off-Road Recovery
204
Loss of Control
204
Driving on Wet Roads
205
Highway Hypnosis
206
Hill and Mountain Roads
206
Winter Driving
207
If the Vehicle is Stuck
209
Vehicle Load Limits
210
Starting and Operating
214
New Vehicle Break-In
214
Ignition Positions
214
Starting the Engine
216
Engine Heater
217
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
218
Shifting Into Park
218
Shifting Out of Park
219
Parking Over Things That Burn
220
Engine Exhaust
220
Running the Vehicle While Parked
221
Automatic Transmission
222
Manual Mode
223
Brakes
225
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
225
Parking Brake
226
Brake Assist
226
Ride Control Systems
227
Traction Control System (TCS)
227
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
229
Cruise Control
230
Fuel
233
Recommended Fuel
233
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
234
California Fuel Requirements
234
Fuels in Foreign Countries
234
Fuel Additives
234
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
235
Filling the Tank
237
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
238
Towing
239
General Towing Information
239
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
240
Trailer Towing
243
Towing Equipment
245
Conversions and Add-Ons
245
Add-On Electrical Equipment
245
Vehicle Care
247
General Information
248
California Proposition 65 Warning
249
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
249
Accessories and Modifications
249
Vehicle Checks
250
Doing Your Own Service Work
250
Hood
251
Engine Compartment Overview
252
Engine Oil
255
Engine Oil Life System
259
Automatic Transmission Fluid
260
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
260
Cooling System
262
Engine Coolant
262
Engine Overheating
266
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
267
Power Steering Fluid
268
Washer Fluid
269
Brakes
270
Brake Fluid
271
Battery
272
Starter Switch Check
273
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
273
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
274
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
274
Wiper Blade Replacement
275
Headlamp Aiming
275
Bulb Replacement
276
Halogen Bulbs
276
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps (LS and LT)
276
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps (LTZ)
278
Back-Up Lamps
279
License Plate Lamp
280
Replacement Bulbs
280
Electrical System
281
Electrical System Overload
281
Fuses
281
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
282
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
284
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
286
Wheels and Tires
288
Tires
288
Winter Tires
289
Low-Profile Tires
290
Tire Sidewall Labeling
290
Tire Designations
293
Tire Terminology and Definitions
294
Tire Pressure
297
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation
298
Tire Pressure Monitor System
299
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
300
Tire Inspection
303
Tire Rotation
303
When It Is Time for New Tires
305
Buying New Tires
305
Different Size Tires and Wheels
307
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
308
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
309
Wheel Replacement
310
Tire Chains
311
If a Tire Goes Flat
311
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
313
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
320
Tire Changing
321
Compact Spare Tire
329
Jump Starting
330
Towing
334
Towing the Vehicle
334
Recreational Vehicle Towing
334
Appearance Care
336
Exterior Care
336
Interior Care
340
Floor Mats
343
Service and Maintenance
345
General Information
345
Scheduled Maintenance
346
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
350
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
350
Maintenance Replacement Parts
351
Maintenance Records
352
Technical Data
355
Vehicle Identification
355
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
355
Service Parts Identification Label
355
Vehicle Data
356
Capacities and Specifications
356
Engine Drive Belt Routing
358
Customer Information
359
Customer Information
359
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada)
359
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
361
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada)
363
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico)
363
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada)
364
Online Owner Center
364
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada)
365
Roadside Assistance Program (U.S. and Canada)
366
Roadside Assistance Program (Mexico)
368
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada)
368
Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada)
369
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada)
370
Service Publications Ordering Information
373
Reporting Safety Defects
374
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
374
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
375
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
375
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
375
Event Data Recorders
376
OnStar®
377
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
377
Radio Frequency Statement
377
Index
379
Index_A
379
Index_B
379
Index_C
380
Index_D
381
Index_E
382
Index_F
382
Index_G
383
Index_H
383
Index_I
384
Index_J
384
Index_K
384
Index_L
384
Index_M
385
Index_N
385
Index_O
385
Index_P
386
Index_R
386
Index_S
387
Index_T
389
Index_U
390
Index_V
390
Index_W
390

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Overview

Introduction

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is a stylish and well-rounded midsize sedan that expertly blends performance, comfort, and advanced technology. Known for its polished design and eye-catching aesthetics, the Malibu appeals to families, commuters, and anyone seeking a reliable and efficient vehicle. With a spacious interior and a reputation for safety, this model stands out as a practical yet modern choice among competitors in its segment.

Powertrains

The 2011 Malibu is equipped with two robust powertrain options designed to cater to diverse driving needs. The base engine is a 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 169 horsepower, providing an efficient balance of power and fuel economy. For those seeking enhanced performance, the available 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers an exhilarating 252 horsepower, making highway merging and accelerations a breeze. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring responsive handling and optimal efficiency.

Trims

The Malibu is offered in several trims, including the LS, LT, and LTZ, each providing a variety of features and options to suit various budgets and preferences. The LS trim offers essential amenities, while the LT adds conveniences such as dual-zone climate control and upgraded audio systems. The premium LTZ trim elevates the Malibu experience with luxury touches, including leather upholstery, advanced navigation technology, and larger alloy wheels.

Features

Inside, the 2011 Malibu boasts a user-friendly design and spacious cabin that accommodates both passengers and cargo effortlessly. Standard features include keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. Higher trims may offer additional options like a sunroof, premium audio, and advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind on every journey.

Owner's Manual

The owner's manual for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu provides crucial information on maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting, helping owners maximize their enjoyment and safeguard their investment. From detailed specifications to safety guidelines, the manual is an invaluable resource that ensures a seamless driving experience, making it easy to navigate the features and capabilities of this remarkable vehicle.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Malibu owner manual for the 2011 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2011 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

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