Hi, Errol! Do you have the VIN of the Malibu yet or an order number?
On page 1-18 of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu owner’s manual is the following information;
“Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
For vehicles with FCA, this system is intended to help avoid or reduce the harm caused by front-end crashes. FCA provides a flashing visual alert and beeps when approaching a vehicle directly ahead too quickly. FCA also provides a visual alert if following another vehicle much too closely. The forward-looking FCA camera sensor is on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror. FCA detects vehicles within a distance of approximately 60m (197 ft) and operates at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System on page 9‑38 for more information.”
Then on page 9-38 through 9-40 it reads;
“Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
For vehicles with this feature, read the following section before using it.
The FCA system may help to avoid or reduce the harm caused by front-end crashes. FCA provides a flashing visual alert and beeps when approaching a vehicle directly ahead too quickly. FCA also provides a visual alert if following another vehicle much too closely.
The forward-looking FCA camera sensor is on the windshield ahead of the rearview mirror. FCA detects vehicles within a distance of approximately 60m (197 ft) and operates at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).
WARNING:
FCA is a warning system and does not apply the brakes. When approaching a slower- moving or stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly, or when following a vehicle too closely, FCA may not provide a warning with enough time to help avoid a crash. FCA does not warn of pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails, bridges, construction barrels, or other objects. Be ready to take action and apply the brakes. For more information, see Defensive Driving on page 9-3.”
On page 9-39 it continues with;
“Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
The green vehicle ahead indicator will appear when a vehicle is detected ahead. Whenever this indicator does not appear, FCA will not respond. The indicator may disappear on curves, highway exit ramps, or hills, or due to poor visibility. The FCA system will not detect another vehicle ahead until it is completely in the driving lane.
WARNING
FCA does not provide a warning to help avoid a crash, unless it detects a vehicle. FCA may not detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA sensor is blocked by dirt, snow, or ice, or if the windshield is damaged. It may also not detect a vehicle on winding or hilly roads, or in conditions that can limit visibility such as fog, rain, or snow, or if the headlamps or windshield are not cleaned or in proper condition. Keep the windshield, headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches another vehicle too rapidly, the red FCA display will flash and eight beeps will sound from the front.
When this occurs, the brake system prepares for driver braking to occur more rapidly. Continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates.
Tailgating Alert
The green vehicle ahead indicator will turn amber if the vehicle ahead remains much too close.”
You’ll probably find the following information very interesting, which is found on 9-40;
“Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the steering wheel. Press COLLISION ALERT to set the alert timing to far, medium, near, or off. The first button press shows the current control setting on the DIC. Additional button presses will change this setting. The chosen setting will remain until it is changed and will affect both the Collision Alert and the Tailgating Alert features. The timing of both alerts will vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the further away the alert will occur. Consider traffic and weather conditions when selecting the alert timing. The range of selectable alert timing may not be appropriate for all drivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts to turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes, objects that are not vehicles, or shadows. These alerts are normal operation and the vehicle does not need service.
Other Messages
There are messages that may appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument cluster to provide information about FCA. See Object Detection System Messages on page 5‑33.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate properly, clean the outside of the windshield area in front of the camera sensor before considering taking the vehicle in for service.”
The following link is to the 2013 Malibu owner’s manual:
http://www.chevrolet.com/content/da...ship/Manuals and Videos/02_pdf/2k13malibu.pdf
You can also find this by visiting
www.chevrolet.com. Once the site is loaded, at the top you’ll see “Ownership”. Drill down on this and a drop down menu will appear. At this time you’ll be able to click on “Manuals and Videos”. I new window will appear and you can choose the model year and model of the Chevrolet vehicle you would like the owner’s manual for plus there are videos to help you get to know your new Malibu.
Please, let me know if you would like me to check the status of your order.
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service