Chevrolet Malibu 2012 User Manual

Black plate (1,1)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Keys, Doors, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-31
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-16
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-30
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-48

Chevrolet Malibu 2012 Specifications

General

Brand	Chevrolet
Model	Malibu 2012
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Summary

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Overview of the vehicle's primary display and controls.

Initial Drive Information

Basic information for new drivers about vehicle features and operation.

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Instructions on operating and securing vehicle doors, windows, and locks.

Seats and Restraints

Information on adjusting seats, headrests, and using safety restraints like seat belts and child seats.

Instruments and Controls

Explanation of dashboard indicators, gauges, controls, and warning lights.

Infotainment System

Guide to the vehicle's audio, radio, and communication systems, including Bluetooth and OnStar.

Driving and Operating

Guidance on safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and handling in various conditions.

Vehicle Care

Information on routine maintenance, checks, fluid levels, and replacement parts for the vehicle.

Service and Maintenance

Schedule and details for required maintenance services to keep the vehicle in good working condition.

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Information on vehicle keys, remote keyless entry (RKE) system, and locking mechanisms.

Vehicle Security

Explanation of the anti-theft alarm system and its operation.

Seats and Restraints

Safety Belts

Proper use, importance, and features of the vehicle's safety belt system.

Airbag System

Explanation of airbag types, function, and safety precautions.

Child Restraints

Guidance on selecting and properly installing child restraint systems for children of various ages.

Instruments and Controls

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Explanation of dashboard warning lights, gauges, and indicators.

Vehicle Messages

Information on various warning and status messages displayed by the vehicle's systems.

Infotainment System

Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Guidance on safe driving practices, including avoiding distractions and driving defensively.

Starting and Operating

Procedures for starting the engine, ignition positions, and vehicle break-in.

Automatic Transmission

Instructions for operating the automatic transmission, including manual mode.

Brakes

Explanation of the antilock brake system (ABS), parking brake, and brake assist features.

Ride Control Systems

Details on Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) operation.

Fuel

Information on recommended fuel types, octane ratings, and fuel system maintenance.

Towing

Vehicle Care

Vehicle Checks

Guidance on performing basic vehicle checks and maintenance tasks.

Electrical System

Explanation of the vehicle's electrical system, including fuses, circuit breakers, and overload protection.

Wheels and Tires

Tires

Information on tire maintenance, warranty, and replacement.

Tire Pressure

Importance of correct tire inflation and potential consequences of under/overinflation.

Tire Pressure Monitor System

How the TPMS works, its components, and what its indicators mean.

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation

When It Is Time for New Tires

Buying New Tires

Service and Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts