How to Jump Start a Chevrolet Malibu

1. Check that the other vehicle has a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system, and park the two vehicles so they are not touching.
2. Set the parking brake firmly on both vehicles, with an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual in Neutral.
3. Turn the ignition off and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles, except hazard flashers if needed.
4. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery positive (+) terminal, then the other end to the good battery positive (+) terminal.
5. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the good battery negative (−) terminal, then the other end to the discharged battery negative (–) grounding point.
6. Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it idle for at least four minutes.
7. Try to start the vehicle with the discharged battery; if it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

• The discharged battery positive (+) terminal is under a trim cover on the driver side; open the cover to expose it.
• Remove the jumper cables by reversing the connection sequence exactly, then let the started vehicle idle for several minutes.
• Connecting or removing cables in the wrong order can cause electrical shorting and damage the vehicle.

Source: 2025 Chevrolet Malibu owner's manual, PDF pages 287, 288. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.