2018 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual

2018 Chevrolet Malibu owners manual
Year:
2018
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Malibu
Rating:
(7)

Online manual

Size:
7.46 MB

Table of Contents

Contents
2
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
3
Danger, Warning, and Caution
3
Symbols
4
In Brief
6
Instrument Panel
7
Instrument Panel Overview
7
Initial Drive Information
9
Stop/Start System
9
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
9
Remote Vehicle Start
9
Door Locks
10
Trunk Release
10
Windows
10
Seat Adjustment
11
Memory Features
13
Second Row Seats
13
Heated and Ventilated Seats
13
Head Restraint Adjustment
14
Seat Belts
14
Passenger Sensing System
14
Mirror Adjustment
15
Steering Wheel Adjustment
15
Interior Lighting
16
Exterior Lighting
17
Windshield Wiper/Washer
17
Climate Controls
18
Transmission
19
Vehicle Features
20
Infotainment System
20
Radio(s)
21
Satellite Radio
21
Portable Audio Devices
21
Bluetooth
21
Steering Wheel Controls
22
Cruise Control
22
Driver Information Center (DIC)
23
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
23
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB)
24
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
24
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
24
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
24
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
24
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System
25
Parking Assist
25
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
25
Power Outlets
25
Universal Remote System
25
Sunroof
26
Hybrid Features
27
High Voltage Safety Information
27
Regenerative Braking (Hybrid Only)
28
Battery
28
Service
28
Performance and Maintenance
29
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
29
Tire Pressure Monitor
29
Fuel (1.5L and 1.8L Engines)
29
Fuel (2.0L Engine)
30
E85 or FlexFuel
30
Engine Oil Life System
30
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
31
Roadside Assistance Program
31
Keys, Doors, and Windows
32
Keys and Locks
32
Keys
32
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
33
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
33
Remote Vehicle Start
39
Door Locks
41
Power Door Locks
43
Delayed Locking
44
Automatic Door Locks
44
Lockout Protection
44
Safety Locks
45
Doors
46
Trunk
46
Vehicle Security
47
Vehicle Alarm System
47
Immobilizer
49
Immobilizer Operation
49
Exterior Mirrors
50
Convex Mirrors
50
Power Mirrors
50
Folding Mirrors
50
Heated Mirrors
50
Reverse Tilt Mirrors
51
Interior Mirrors
51
Interior Rearview Mirrors
51
Manual Rearview Mirror
51
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
51
Windows
51
Power Windows
52
Sun Visors
53
Roof
54
Sunroof
54
Seats and Restraints
56
Head Restraints
57
Front Seats
58
Seat Adjustment
58
Power Seat Adjustment
59
Lumbar Adjustment
59
Reclining Seatbacks
59
Memory Seats
61
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
63
Rear Seats
65
Rear Seat Armrest
67
Seat Belts
67
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly
69
Lap-Shoulder Belt
70
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy
72
Seat Belt Extender
72
Safety System Check
73
Seat Belt Care
73
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash
73
Airbag System
74
Where Are the Airbags?
76
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
77
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
78
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
78
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
79
Passenger Sensing System
80
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
84
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
85
Airbag System Check
85
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
86
Child Restraints
86
Older Children
86
Infants and Young Children
88
Child Restraint Systems
90
Where to Put the Restraint
92
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
93
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
99
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Rear Seat)
99
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the Front Seat)
101
Storage
104
Storage Compartments
104
Glove Box
104
Cupholders
104
Center Console Storage
105
Umbrella Storage
105
Additional Storage Features
105
Cargo Tie-Downs
105
Convenience Net
105
Instruments and Controls
106
Controls
107
Steering Wheel Adjustment
107
Steering Wheel Controls
107
Heated Steering Wheel
108
Horn
108
Windshield Wiper/Washer
108
Compass
109
Clock
110
Power Outlets
111
Wireless Charging
112
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
114
Instrument Cluster (Base Level)
115
Instrument Cluster (Uplevel)
117
Speedometer
120
Odometer
120
Trip Odometer
120
Tachometer (Non-Hybrid)
120
Fuel Gauge
121
Power Indicator Gauge (Hybrid)
122
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
122
Seat Belt Reminders
123
Airbag Readiness Light
123
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
124
Charging System Light
125
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
125
Brake System Warning Light
127
Electric Parking Brake Light
127
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
128
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
128
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
128
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
129
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
129
Traction Off Light
129
StabiliTrak OFF Light
130
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light
130
Tire Pressure Light
130
Engine Oil Pressure Light
131
Low Fuel Warning Light (Uplevel)
131
Low Fuel Warning Light (Base Level)
132
Security Light
132
Vehicle Ready Light (Hybrid)
132
High-Beam On Light
132
Lamps On Reminder
133
Cruise Control Light
133
Door Ajar Light (Uplevel)
133
Information Displays
134
Power Flows (Hybrid)
134
Energy Information (Hybrid)
134
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
134
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
137
Vehicle Messages
141
Engine Power Messages
141
Vehicle Speed Messages
141
Vehicle Personalization
142
Universal Remote System
154
Universal Remote System Programming
154
Universal Remote System Operation
157
Lighting
158
Exterior Lighting
158
Exterior Lamp Controls
158
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
160
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
160
Flash-to-Pass
160
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
160
Automatic Headlamp System
161
Hazard Warning Flashers
161
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
162
Interior Lighting
162
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
162
Courtesy Lamps
163
Dome Lamps
163
Reading Lamps
163
Lighting Features
164
Entry Lighting
164
Exit Lighting
164
Battery Load Management
164
Battery Power Protection
165
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
165
Infotainment System
166
Introduction
166
Infotainment
166
Theft-Deterrent Feature
167
Overview
168
Home Page (Radio with Touchscreen)
170
Operation
171
Software Updates
174
Radio
174
AM-FM Radio
174
Satellite Radio
177
Radio Reception
178
Backglass Antenna
179
Multi-Band Antenna
180
Audio Players
180
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
180
USB Port
180
Phone
186
Bluetooth (Overview)
186
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls Radio without Touchscreen)
187
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls Radio with Touchscreen)
191
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
196
Hands-Free Phone
196
Trademarks and License Agreements
199
Climate Controls
201
Climate Control Systems
201
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
204
Air Vents
208
Maintenance
208
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
208
Service
209
Driving and Operating
210
Driving Information
211
Distracted Driving
211
Defensive Driving
212
Drunk Driving
212
Control of a Vehicle
212
Braking
212
Steering
213
Off-Road Recovery
213
Loss of Control
214
Driving on Wet Roads
214
Hill and Mountain Roads
215
Winter Driving
216
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
217
Vehicle Load Limits
217
Starting and Operating
221
New Vehicle Break-In
221
Ignition Positions
221
Starting the Engine
223
Engine Heater
225
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
226
Shifting Into Park
226
Shifting out of Park
227
Parking over Things That Burn
227
Extended Parking
228
Engine Exhaust
228
Running the Vehicle While Parked
229
Automatic Transmission
229
Manual Mode
231
Brakes
232
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
232
Parking Brake
233
Electric Parking Brake
233
Brake Assist
235
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
235
Regenerative Braking (Hybrid Only)
236
Ride Control Systems
236
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
236
Cruise Control
238
Adaptive Cruise Control
241
Driver Assistance Systems
248
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing
249
Assistance Systems for Driving
253
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
253
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB)
255
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System
257
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
259
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
259
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
261
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
261
Fuel
263
California Fuel Requirements
264
Fuels in Foreign Countries
265
Fuel Additives
265
Filling the Tank
265
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
267
Trailer Towing
267
General Towing Information
267
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
268
Towing Equipment
272
Conversions and Add-Ons
273
Add-On Electrical Equipment
273
Vehicle Care
274
General Information
275
California Proposition 65 Warning
276
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
276
Accessories and Modifications
276
Vehicle Checks
277
Doing Your Own Service Work
277
Hood
277
Engine Compartment Overview
279
Engine Oil
284
Engine Oil Life System
287
Automatic Transmission Fluid
288
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
288
Cooling System (Engine)
290
Cooling System (Power Electronics)
293
Engine Overheating
294
Washer Fluid
295
Brakes
296
Brake Fluid
297
Battery - North America
298
Starter Switch Check
299
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
300
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
300
Wiper Blade Replacement
300
Windshield Replacement
301
Gas Strut(s)
301
Headlamp Aiming
302
Bulb Replacement
303
Halogen Bulbs
303
LED Lighting
303
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps
303
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LS and LT)
304
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps (LTZ)
305
License Plate Lamp
306
Electrical System
307
High Voltage Devices and Wiring
307
Electrical System Overload
307
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
307
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
308
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
312
Wheels and Tires
314
Tires
314
All-Season Tires
315
Winter Tires
316
Low-Profile Tires
316
Summer Tires
316
Tire Sidewall Labeling
317
Tire Designations
319
Tire Terminology and Definitions
320
Tire Pressure
322
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation
324
Tire Pressure Monitor System
324
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
325
Tire Inspection
328
Tire Rotation
329
When It Is Time for New Tires
330
Buying New Tires
330
Different Size Tires and Wheels
332
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
332
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
334
Wheel Replacement
334
Tire Chains
335
If a Tire Goes Flat
335
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
337
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
343
Tire Changing
344
Compact Spare Tire
349
Jump Starting
350
Jump Starting - North America
350
Towing the Vehicle
353
Recreational Vehicle Towing
354
Appearance Care
356
Exterior Care
356
Interior Care
361
Floor Mats
364
Service and Maintenance
366
General Information
366
Maintenance Schedule
368
Special Application Services
373
Additional Maintenance and Care
373
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
376
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
376
Maintenance Replacement Parts
377
Maintenance Records
378
Technical Data
379
Vehicle Identification
379
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
379
Service Parts Identification Label
379
Vehicle Data
380
Capacities and Specifications
380
Engine Drive Belt Routing
382
Customer Information
383
Customer Information
383
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
383
Customer Assistance Offices
385
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
386
Online Owner Center
386
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
387
Roadside Assistance Program
387
Scheduling Service Appointments
389
Courtesy Transportation Program
389
Collision Damage Repair
390
Service Publications Ordering Information
392
Radio Frequency Statement
393
Reporting Safety Defects
393
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
393
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
394
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
394
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
395
Event Data Recorders
395
OnStar
396
Infotainment System
396
OnStar
397
OnStar Overview
397
OnStar Services
398
Emergency
398
Security
399
Navigation
399
Connections
400
Diagnostics
402
OnStar Additional Information
403
Index
409
Index_A
409
Index_B
410
Index_C
410
Index_D
411
Index_E
412
Index_F
412
Index_G
413
Index_H
413
Index_I
414
Index_J
414
Index_K
414
Index_L
414
Index_M
415
Index_N
415
Index_O
415
Index_P
416
Index_R
416
Index_S
417
Index_T
418
Index_U
419
Index_V
419
Index_W
419

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Overview

Introduction

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu represents a refined mid-size sedan that combines style, performance, and advanced technology in an appealing package. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive fuel efficiency, the Malibu caters to a diverse range of drivers who seek comfort without compromising on performance. This model showcases Chevrolet's commitment to quality and innovation, making it a sought-after choice in its segment.

Powertrains

The 2018 Malibu offers a selection of robust powertrains designed to meet varying driver preferences. The standard engine is a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4, producing 160 horsepower while delivering excellent fuel economy, rated at an impressive 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. For those yearning for more power, the available 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 offers a striking 250 horsepower, paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, enhancing both performance and efficiency on the road.

Trims

The Malibu comes in several trims, including the L, LS, LT, and Premier. Each trim level provides a distinct blend of features, catering to varying budgets and preferences. The LT trim adds stylish alloy wheels, an upgraded infotainment system, and advanced safety features. For the ultimate in luxury and convenience, the Premier trim elevates the experience with leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and enhanced tech-savvy options.

Features

Inside, the 2018 Malibu embraces a tech-focused philosophy, featuring an intuitive Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Safety is prioritized with advanced driver-assistance systems such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear Park Assist, providing peace of mind for every journey.

Owners Manual

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual is an essential resource, providing comprehensive information about features, maintenance schedules, safety guidelines, and troubleshooting tips. This manual ensures that owners can fully appreciate and utilize all that the Malibu has to offer, allowing for a smooth driving experience tailored to their needs.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Malibu owner manual for the 2018 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2018 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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