Key Programming: Chevrolet Malibu 2005-2012

Chevrolet Malibu 2005-2012 Key Programming Procedure
The following are the key programming procedures for the 2005 and 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
ADD DUPLICATE KEY (Requires at least one working key):
1. Verify that the new key has “PK3” or “+” stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed key into the ignition lock cylinder and start the engine. If the engine will not start, see your dealer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to LOCK/OFF and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to ON/RUN within 10 seconds of removing the previous key. The security light will turn off once the key has been programmed. It may not be apparent that the security light went on due to how quickly the key is programmed. (If your vehicle does not have a security light (04-07 Grand Prix, Bonneville, Impala), wait 10 minutes 45 seconds to make sure the key has been programmed).
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to be programmed.
About Chevrolet Malibu
For model year 2008, the Malibu was completely redesigned and reengineered, with styling by Bryan Nesbitt. Robert Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, was determined to make the nameplate competitive with Japanese mid-size cars.
Base (2008 only), LS, LT, Hybrid (2008 and 2009 only), and LTZ were the trim levels. The LTZ trim package had clear brake light lenses with red LEDs, while the other trim packages had red lenses with conventional brake lights.
The seventh generation Malibu is built on the long-wheelbase Epsilon platform, which is also shared by the Saturn Aura, Opel Signum, and Pontiac G6. It is built in Kansas City, Kansas. It is three inches (76 mm) longer overall, with a six-inch (152 mm) longer wheelbase. Despite having a longer wheelbase, interior space remains mid-size, and has been reduced from 101 cubic feet (2.9 m3) to 97.7 cubic feet (2.8 m3), while front legroom has increased from 41.9 in (1,064 mm) to 42.2 in (1,064 mm) (1,072 mm). [18] [25] The rear legroom has shrunk from 38.5 in (978 mm) to 37.6 in (955 mm). The interior design was updated, with a new two-tone color scheme (brick and tan two-tone), telescoping steering wheel, higher-quality materials, and a twin-cowl dash design. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.33.
Aluminum blocks and heads, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, twin balance shafts, and variable valve timing are features of the 2.4 L I4 and 3.6 L V6 engines. The 3.5 L V6 engine has aluminum heads, an iron block, overhead valves, and variable valve timing with a limit. The 3.5 L V6 was only available as an upgrade for special-order fleet vehicles, replacing the Ecotec engine, and was not generally available to retail customers. The 3.5 L V6 was not available in the LTZ trim level. In Israel, the 3.5 L V6 with four-speed transmission was the only drivetrain available in the 2008, 2009, and 2010 models. To improve performance and fuel economy, the 2.4 L Ecotec was offered with a six-speed automatic transmission midway through the 2008 model year.
For 2009 models, the 1LT received a six-speed transmission mated to a 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine or a 217 horsepower 3.5 L V6 mated to a four-speed automatic; the six-speed became standard on 2LT models the same year. The LS models were only available with a four-speed transmission. A manual transmission was not available. All models are sedans with front-wheel drive. Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu MAXX station wagon.
The GM badges on the front doors were removed midway through the 2010 model year.
OnStar was standard equipment on all Malibu models (excluding fleet vehicles, where this feature is optional). Six air bags were also standard on the seventh generation Malibu: two dual-stage front bags, two side-impact curtain air bags to protect both front and rear passengers’ heads, and two side-impact thorax bags mounted in the front seats. All Malibus came standard with traction control, an electronic tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel disc brakes, antilock brakes, and daytime running lamps. All models, including the entry-level LS, came standard with GM’s StabiliTrak brand electronic stability control.
In 2011, the base LS 1LS Malibu gained more standard features, such as Bluetooth technology with stereo audio playback capability, a remote USB and iPod/iPhone port, remote start, a security alarm, an upgraded OnStar system, a power front driver’s seat, chrome hubcap wheel covers, body-colored side mirrors with power adjustments and body-colored accents, a single wood dashboard accent, tinted windows, and a power front driver’s seat. The available eight-speaker Bose premium sound system was removed from the LT 1LT model. A sunroof, leather power heated seats, and other convenience and comfort features were added to the LT 2LT. The four-speed automatic transmission was dropped from the Malibu powertrain lineup for 2011. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifters on 6AT cars were also removed during this model year in favor of a selector mounted rocker switch for manual operation; no reason was ever given for the change.