Chevrolet Malibu Limited Warning Lights: What They Mean

13 warning and indicator lights from the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited owner's manual, with what to do and the manual page for each.

Amber: check soon

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
Green when LDW is on and ready; flashes amber when a lane marking is crossed without using the turn signal. PDF page 109
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
Green when a vehicle is detected ahead; amber when you are following a vehicle much too closely. PDF page 110

Other warnings and indicators

Brake System Warning Light
Comes on when the parking brake is set or doesn't fully release; if it stays on after release, the vehicle has a brake problem.
What to do: Pull off the road and stop carefully. If the light stays on, have the vehicle towed for service. PDF page 109
Charging System Light
Stays on or comes on while driving: possible charging system problem, such as a generator drive belt or electrical fault.
What to do: Have it checked right away. If you must drive a short distance, turn off accessories like the radio and air conditioner. PDF page 106
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
One or more tires are significantly under-inflated. Flashing then staying on indicates a TPMS malfunction.
What to do: Stop as soon as possible and inflate tires to the pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label. PDF page 271
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
If it stays on or comes on while driving, the antilock brakes need service. Regular brakes still work unless the brake light is also on.
What to do: Stop safely, turn ignition off, and restart. If the light stays on or returns, have the vehicle serviced. PDF page 109
Airbag Readiness Light
If it comes on and stays on, something may be wrong with the airbag system.
What to do: Have the vehicle serviced right away. PDF page 106
Low Fuel Warning Light
Comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel.
What to do: Add fuel; the light turns off. If it doesn't, have the vehicle serviced. PDF page 112
Security Light
If it stays on and the engine won't start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
What to do: See the Immobilizer Operation sections; have the vehicle serviced if it doesn't come on briefly at start. PDF page 112
Traction Off Light
Comes on when the Traction Control System has been turned off; wheel spin is not limited.
What to do: Adjust driving accordingly; press the TCS/StabiliTrak button to turn the system back on. PDF page 110
StabiliTrak OFF Light
Comes on when StabiliTrak is turned off, which also turns TCS off; the system won't assist in controlling the vehicle.
What to do: Turn on the TCS and StabiliTrak systems and the light turns off. PDF page 110
High-Beam On Light
Comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. PDF page 112
Front Fog Lamp Light
Comes on when the fog lamps are in use. PDF page 112

Summarized in our own words from the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.

Confirm with your own manual, dipstick or door-jamb label.
Report a problem with this page →