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2023 Chevrolet Malibu Owners Manual - Keys and Locks



Keys and Locks

Keys

Warning

Leaving children in a vehicle with a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is dangerous and children or others could be seriously injured or killed.

They could operate the power windows or other controls or make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the RKE transmitter in the vehicle, and children or others could be caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave children in a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.

The mechanical key that is part of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all locks.

To remove the key, press the button near the bottom of the transmitter, and pull the key out. Never pull the key out without pressing the button.

If it becomes difficult to turn the key, inspect the key blade for debris. See your dealer if a new key is needed. If locked out of the vehicle.

With an active OnStar or connected service plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle.

Remote Key

If there is a decrease in the remote key operating range:

  • Check the distance. The remote key may be too far from the vehicle.
  • Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
  • Check the remote key battery. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
  • If the remote key is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

 Remote Key Operation

The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle entry when the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft).

The remote key functions may work up to 60 m (197 ft) away from the vehicle.

Other conditions can impact the performance of the remote key.

With Remote Start Shown

With Remote Start Shown

: Press to lock all doors.

The turn signal indicators may flash and/or the horn may sound on the second press to indicate locking. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

If the driver door is open when Q is pressed and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all doors will lock and then the driver door will immediately unlock. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Power Door Locks.

If the passenger door is open when Q is pressed, all doors lock. Pressing Q may also arm the alarm system.

K : Press to unlock the driver door. Press again within five seconds to unlock all doors. The remote key can be programmed to unlock all doors on the first button press. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

The turn signal indicators may flash to indicate unlocking. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start. Pressing K will disarm the alarm system.

X : Press twice quickly to release the trunk. 7 : Press and release one time to initiate vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and the horn chirps three times. Press and hold 7 for at least three seconds to sound the panic alarm.

The horn sounds and the turn signals flash for about 30 seconds until 7 is pressed again or the vehicle is started. / : If equipped, press Q and release and then press and hold / for at least four seconds to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the remote key.

Keyless Access Operation

The Keyless Access system lets you lock and unlock the doors and access the trunk without removing the remote key from your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc.

The remote key should be within 1 m (3 ft) of the trunk or door being opened. If equipped, there will be buttons on the outside door handles.

Keyless Access can be programmed to unlock all doors on the first unlock/lock button press from the driver door. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start. If equipped with memory seats, remote keys 1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of memory 1 or 2.

Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the Driver Door

When the doors are locked and the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the driver door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on the driver door handle will unlock the driver door.

If the lock/unlock button is pressed again within five seconds, all passenger doors will unlock. Pull the door handle to unlatch the door.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger Similar

Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause all doors to lock if any of the following occur:

  • It has been no more than five seconds since the first lock/unlock button press.
  • Two lock/unlock button presses were used to unlock all doors.
  • Any vehicle door has opened and all doors are now closed.

Keyless Unlocking/Locking from Passenger Door(s)

When the doors are locked and the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on that door handle will unlock the front doors or all doors. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause the front doors or all doors to lock if any of the following occur:

  • The lock/unlock button was used to unlock all doors.
  • Any vehicle door has opened and all doors are now closed.

Disable/Enable Keyless Unlocking of Exterior Door Handles and Trunk

If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior door handles and trunk can be disabled and enabled.

Disabling Keyless Unlocking

With the vehicle off, press and hold Q and K on the remote key at the same time for approximately three seconds. The turn signal lamps will flash four times quickly to indicate access is disabled.

Using any exterior handle to unlock the doors or open the trunk will cause the turn signal lamps to flash four times quickly, indicating access is disabled. If disabled, disarm the alarm system before starting the vehicle.

Enabling Keyless Unlocking

With the vehicle off, press and hold Q and K on the remote key at the same time for approximately three seconds. The turn signal lamps will flash twice quickly to indicate access is enabled.

Passive Locking

This feature will lock the vehicle several seconds after all doors are closed, if the vehicle is off and at least one remote key has been removed from the interior or none remain in the interior.

If other electronic devices interfere with the remote key signal, the vehicle may not detect the remote key inside the vehicle. If passive locking is enabled, the doors may lock with the remote key inside the vehicle. Do not leave the remote key in an unattended vehicle.

To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

Temporary Disable of Passive Locking

Temporarily disable passive locking by pressing and holding K on the interior door switch with a door open for at least four seconds, or until three chimes are heard. Passive locking will then remain disabled until Q on the interior door is pressed, or until the vehicle is turned on.

Remote Left In Vehicle Alert

When the vehicle is turned off and an remote key is left in the vehicle, the horn will chirp three times after all doors are closed. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert

If the vehicle is on with a door open, and then all doors are closed, the vehicle will check for an remote key inside. If an remote key is not detected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp three times.

This occurs only once each time the vehicle is driven. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

Keyless Trunk Opening

Press the touch pad on the rear of the trunk to open it if the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the trunk.

Key Access

To access a vehicle with a weak remote key battery.

Programming Remote Keys to the Vehicle

Only remote keys programmed to the vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer.

The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen remote keys no longer work. Any remaining remote keys will need to be reprogrammed. Each vehicle can have up to eight remote keys matched to it.

Programming with Recognized Remote Keys

A new remote key can be programmed to the vehicle when there are two recognized remote keys. To program, the vehicle must be off and all of the remote keys, both currently recognized and new, must be with you.

  1. Place the two recognized remote keys in the cupholder.
  2. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks 0 14. Insert the vehicle key of the new remote key into the key lock cylinder on theoutside of the driver door and turn the key counterclockwise five times within 10 seconds.
    The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE #2, 3, 4, or 5.
  3. Place the first new remote key into the remote key pocket with the buttons facing the rear of the vehicle. The remote key pocket is inside the center console storage area.
  4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned, the DIC will show that it is ready to program the next remote key.
  5. Remove the remote key from the remote key pocket and press K or Q.
    To program additional remote keys, repeat Steps 3–5 for each new remote key.
    When all additional remote keys are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
  6. Put the key back into the remote key.
  7. Replace the key lock cylinder cap.

Programming without Recognized Remote Keys

If two currently recognized remote keys are not available, follow this procedure to program up to eight remote keys. This feature is not available in Canada.

This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off and all of the remote keys to be programmed must be with you.

1. Remove the key lock cylinder cap on the driver door handle. See Door Locks 0 14. Insert the vehicle key of the remote key into the key lock cylinder on the outside of the driver door and turn the key counterclockwise five times within 10 seconds.

The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.

2. Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN and then press ENGINE START/STOP. The DIC will again display REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.

3. Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known remote keys will no longer work with the vehicle. Remaining remote keys can be relearned during the next steps. The DIC should now display READY FOR REMOTE # 1.

4. Place the new remote key into the remote key pocket with the buttons facing toward the rear of the vehicle. The remote key pocket is inside the center console storage area.

5. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned, the DIC will show that it is ready to program the next remote key.

6. Remove the remote key from the remote key pocket and press K or Q. To program additional remote keys, repeat Steps 4–6.

When all additional remote keys are programmed, press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for 12 seconds to exit programming mode

7. Return the key back into the remote key.

8. Replace the key lock cylinder cap.

Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote Key Battery

While trying to start the vehicle, if the remote key battery is weak or if there is interference with the signal, the DIC may display NO REMOTE DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY WAS DETECTED PLACE KEY IN TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN START YOUR VEHICLE. The DIC may also display REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.

To start the vehicle:

1. Open the center console and place the remote key in the remote key pocket with the buttons facing the rear of the vehicle.

2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and press ENGINE START/STOP. Replace the remote key battery as soon as possible.

Battery Replacement

Warning

Never allow children to play with the remote key. The remote key contains a small battery, which can be a choking hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can occur, resulting in severe injury or death. Seek medical attention immediately if a battery is swallowed.

Warning

To avoid personal injury, do not touch metal surfaces on the remote key when it has been exposed to extreme heat. These surfaces can be hot to the touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138 °F).

Caution

When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the remote key. Static from your body could damage the remote key.

Caution

Always replace the battery with the correct type. Replacing the battery with an incorrect type could potentially create a risk of battery explosion.

Dispose of used batteries according to instructions and local laws. Do not attempt to burn, crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid exposing the battery to environments with extremely low air pressures or high temperatures.

Caution

If the remote key is not reassembled properly, liquids could enter the housing and damage the circuitry, resulting in a remote key malfunction and/or failure.

To prevent damage, always follow the steps for remote key reassembly in this manual to ensure the remote key is sealed properly whenever the remote key is opened.

Replace the battery if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.

The battery is not rechargeable. To replace the battery:

1. Press the button on the side of the remote key near the bottom and pull the key out. Never pull the key out without pressing the button.

2. Separate the two halves of the remote key using a flat tool inserted into the bottom center of the remote key. Do not use the key slot.

3. Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it toward the bottom of the remote key. Do not use a metal object.

4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery down until it is held in place. Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.

5. Ensure that the silicone mat is correctly positioned with no gaps or wrinkles.

6. Set remote key button side down on a hard surface and press the other half straight down to force the halves together.

7. Reinsert the key.

Remote Vehicle Start

If equipped, this feature allows the engine to be started from outside the vehicle. / : This button will be on the remote key if the vehicle has remote start.

The climate control system will determine the best mode and temperature setting for operation during the remote start. Once the vehicle is started with the Engine Start/Stop button, the climate control system will begin to operate at the last customer selected operating mode and temperature.

The rear window defogger may come on during a remote start based on cold ambient conditions. The rear defog indicator light does not come on during a remote start.

If the vehicle has heated seats, they may come on during a remote start. See Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 0 34.

Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view. Check local regulations for any requirements. Other conditions can affect the performance of the remote key.

If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the remote start feature. The vehicle may run out of fuel.

Starting the Engine Using Remote Start

To start the engine using the remote start feature:

1. Press and release Q.

2. Immediately after completing Step 1, press and hold / for at least four seconds or until the turn signal lamps flash. The turn signal lamps flashing confirms the request to remote start the vehicle has been received.

When the engine starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on as long as the engine is running. The doors will be locked and the climate control system may come on.

The engine will continue to run for 15 minutes. After 30 seconds, repeat the steps if a 15-minute extension is desired. Remote start can be extended only once.

Start the vehicle before driving.

Extending Engine Run Time

The engine run time can be extended by another 15 minutes, if during the first 15 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while the engine is still running. An extension can be requested 30 seconds after starting. When the remote start is extended, the second 15-minute period is added on to the first 15 minutes for a total of 30 minutes.

The remote start can only be extended once.

A maximum of two remote starts, or a single start with an extension, is allowed between ignition cycles.

The vehicle's ignition must be turned on and then back off before the remote start procedure can be used again.

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start, do one of the following:

  • Aim the remote key at the vehicle and press and hold / until the parking lamps turn off.
  • Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
  • Turn the vehicle on and then off.

Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:

  • A remote key is in the vehicle.
  • The hood is not closed.
  • The vehicle is on.
  • The hazard warning flashers are on.
  • The malfunction indicator lamp is on.
  • The engine coolant temperature is too high.
  • The oil pressure is low.
  • Two remote vehicle starts, or a single remote start with an extension, have already been used.
  • The vehicle is not in P (Park).

Door Locks

Warning

Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

  • Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. The doors can be unlocked and opened while the vehicle is moving. The chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are not locked. So, all passengers should wear seat belts properly and the doors should be locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
  • Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out. A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock the vehicle whenever leaving it.
  • Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors can help prevent this from happening.

To lock or unlock the doors from the outside:

  • Press Q or K on the remote key.
  • In the case of a dead battery, use the key in the driver door. The key lock cylinder is covered with a cap

To lock or unlock the doors from the inside:

  • Press Q or K on the power door lock switch.
  • Pull the door handle once to unlock the door. Pull the handle again to unlatch it.

Keyless Access

The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the trunk or door being opened. Press the button on the door handle to open.

Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In Case of Dead Battery)

To access the driver door key lock cylinder:

1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap removal is complete.

2. Insert the key into the slot (3) on the bottom of the cap (2) and lift the key upward.

3. Move the cap (2) rearward and remove.

4. Use the key in the cylinder.

To replace the cap:

1. Pull the door handle (1) to the open position and hold it open until cap installation is complete.

2. Insert the two tabs (6) at the back of the cap between the seal (5) and the metal base (4).

3. Slide the cap forward and press the forward edge to install the cap in place.

4. Release the door handle.

5. Check that the cap is secure.

Free-Turning Locks

The door key lock cylinder turns freely when either the wrong key is used, or the correct key is not fully inserted. The free-turning door lock feature prevents the lock from being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it to the vertical position with the correct key fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it again. If this does not reset the lock, turn the key halfway around in the cylinder and repeat the reset procedure.

Power Door Locks

Q : Press to lock the doors.

K : Press to unlock the doors.

The indicator light in the switch will illuminate when the door is locked.

Locking or unlocking the doors will also lock or unlock the trunk.

Delayed Locking

This feature delays the actual locking of the doors until five seconds after all doors are closed.

Delayed locking can only be turned on when the Open Door Anti-Lockout feature has been turned off. When Q is pressed on the power door lock switch with the door open, a chime will sound three times indicating that delayed locking is active.

The doors will then lock automatically five seconds after all doors are closed. If a door is reopened before five seconds have elapsed, the five-second timer will reset once all the doors are closed again.

Press Q on the door lock switch again, or press Q on the RKE transmitter, to override this feature and lock the doors immediately. Delayed locking can be programmed.

To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”.

Automatic Door Locks

The doors will lock automatically when all doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).

If a vehicle door is unlocked, and then opened and closed, the doors will lock either when your foot is removed from the brake or the vehicle speed becomes faster than 13 km/h (8 mph).

To unlock the doors:

  • Press K on the power door lock switch.
  • Shift the transmission into P (Park).

Automatic door locking cannot be disabled. Automatic door unlocking can be programmed. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”.

Lockout Protection

If the ignition is on or in accessory mode and the power door lock switch is pressed with the driver door open, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock.

If the vehicle is off and locking is requested while a door is open, when all doors are closed the vehicle will check for remote keys inside.

If an remote key is detected and the number of remote keys inside has not reduced, the driver door will unlock and the horn will chirp three times.

Lockout Protection can be manually overridden with the driver door open by pressing and holding Q on the power door lock switch.

Open Door Anti-Lockout

If Open Door Anti-Lockout has been turned on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is open, and locking is requested, all the doors will lock and the driver door will remain open.

The Open Door Anti-Lockout feature can be turned on or off. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch the Settings > Vehicle > Power Door Locks.

Safety Locks

The rear door safety locks prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from inside the vehicle.

Manual Safety Locks

If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside edge of the rear doors. To use the safety lock:

1. Move the lever forward to the lock position.

2. Close the door.

3. Do the same for the other rear door.

To open a rear door when the safety lock is on:

1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door lock switch, or by using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.

2. Open the door from the outside.

When the safety lock is enabled, adults and older children will not be able to open the rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety locks to enable the doors to open from the inside.

To cancel the safety lock:

1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.

2. Move the lever rearward to unlock. Do the same for the other door.


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