What does it mean when the Malibu displays a message after turning off in P gear?
3 Answers
When the Malibu displays a message after turning off in P gear, it indicates an issue with the gear mechanism. Below is an introduction to the Malibu: 1. Exterior: In terms of appearance, the Malibu integrates the headlights and the grille into one unit, with the headlights featuring a combined high/low beam structure and xenon light sources. 2. Powertrain: In terms of performance, the Malibu is equipped with a 1.5T engine, delivering a maximum power of 125kW (170PS). It uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, with a combined fuel consumption as low as 6.8L per 100km. 3. Model Background: As a flagship mid-to-high-end sedan launched by Shanghai GM in China, the Malibu has become a focal point in the industry. The exterior design of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu draws inspiration from Chevrolet's legendary sports cars, the Corvette and Camaro, strongly reflecting an American-inspired sporty style full of power.
I've driven a Malibu for years and occasionally encountered strange dashboard warnings after shifting to P and turning off the engine, like 'Not in Park' messages. It's quite annoying. The most likely cause is the gear not being fully engaged—some car sensors are overly sensitive and may misinterpret the position when you shut off the engine. It could also be loose wiring connections or dust buildup in the control buttons triggering false alerts. Once, I tried a quick fix: restarting the car, shifting gears to ensure proper engagement, and then turning it off again to check. If that doesn’t work, visit a professional shop immediately—don’t delay, as it might be an electrical issue affecting other components. To prevent such surprises, make it a habit to wait a few extra seconds before shutting off the engine. Also, low battery voltage can sometimes cause glitches, so regular maintenance checks are wise to avoid minor issues escalating.
I'm the type who loves delving into car issues. When the Malibu shows abnormal displays after shifting to P and turning off, it's mostly an electronic system problem. A malfunctioning gear position sensor is the most common cause—those small components can misjudge due to aging or water ingress at the connectors, triggering false alarms. For example, if the system detects an abnormal signal the moment you turn off the engine, the dashboard may pop up a warning. Here's my suggested fix: first, completely shut down the car and lock the doors for ten minutes to let the system reboot and automatically correct the error. If that doesn’t work, it might be a software glitch in the main control unit, requiring a computer firmware update. For prevention, avoid parking in humid environments for extended periods and keep the interior dry. Electronic components are delicate—regularly scan them with an OBD diagnostic tool to catch issues early and address them promptly.
