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Maintenance and Lubrication Chevrolet Malibu VI

Lubrication System ~2413 words

Capacities - Approximate Fluid

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
IMPORTANT: All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a0.6 kg1.1 lb
Automatic Transaxle Complete Overhaul9.0 L9.5 qt
Engine Cooling
2.2L L61 Engine6.5 L6.9 qt
3.5L LX9 Engine9.6 L10.1 qt
Engine Oil with Filter
2.2L L61 Engine4.7 L5 qt
3.5L LX9 Engine4.7 L5 qt
Fuel Tank62.5 L16.5 gal
Power Steering System0.7 L1.5 pt
Wheel Nut Torque140 N.m100 lb ft
IMPORTANT
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the appropriate level, as recommended in this manual.

Fluid Capacities

EngineVIN CodeTransaxleSpark Plug Gap
2.2L L61FAutomatic 4T40-E/4T45-E (RPO MN4/MN5)1 mm (0.040 in)
3.5L LX98Automatic 4T40-E/4T45-E (RPO MN4/MN5)1.5 mm (0.060 in)

Engine Specifications

Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations

ApplicationFluid/Lubricant
Automatic TransaxleDEXRON®-III Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Engine CoolantA 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL® Coolant.
Engine OilEngine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified for Gasoline Engines Starburst symbol of the proper viscosity.
Hinges, Hood and DoorMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube® GM P/N 12346241 (Canadian P/N 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor and Release PawlLubriplate® Lubricant Aerosol GM P/N 12346293 or (Canadian P/N 992723) or equivalent lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake SystemDelco Supreme 11® Brake Fluid equivalent DOT-3 Brake Fluid.
Key Lock CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube® GM P/N 12346241 (Canadian P/N 10953474).
Power Steering SystemGM Power Steering Fluid GM P/N 89021184 or (Canadian P/N 89021186).
Weatherstrip ConditioningDielectric Silicone Grease GM P/N 12345579 (Canadian P/N 992887).
Windshield Washer SolventGM Optikleen® Washer Solvent.

Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations

Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications

ApplicationMetricEnglish
Front and Rear Tires205 kPa30 psi
Compact Spare420 kPa60 psi

Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications

Maintenance Items

ItemPart Number
Engine Air Cleaner/FilterGM P/N 24577608 AC Delco® P/N A-1615C
Engine Oil Filter
2.2L L61 EngineGM P/N 24460713 AC Delco® P/N PF-2244G
3.5L LX5 EngineGM P/N 24460713 AC Delco® P/N PF-47
Spark Plugs
2.2L L61 EngineGM P/N 25337472 Delco® P/N 41-081
3.5L LX9 EngineGM P/N 12568387 AC Delco® P/N 41-101
Windshield Wiper Blades
Passenger Side Length 48.0 cm (19.0 in)GM P/N 22688086 AC Delco® P/N
Driver Side Length 56.0 cm (22.0 in)GM P/N 22688087 AC Delco® P/N

Maintenance Items

Using the Maintenance Schedule

Because of all the different ways that customers use their vehicles, maintenance needs vary. Some vehicles may need more frequent inspections and replacements.

This schedule is for vehicles that adhere to certain driving conditions

  1. Vehicles that carry passengers and cargo within recommended limits - These limits are described on the vehicle's Certification/Tire label. Refer to «Label - Vehicle Certification»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) and «Tire Placard»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Vehicles that are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal driving limits
  3. Vehicles that use the recommended fuel

Perform the services in Scheduled Maintenance when indicated. Refer to Additional Required Services and Maintenance Footnotes for further information.

Refer to Owner Checks and Services for information on the following conditions

  1. What parts should be inspected
  2. When to perform the inspection
  3. What can be done to help keep the vehicle in good condition

Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations and to Maintenance Items for the proper replacement parts, fluids, and lubricants to use. All parts should be replaced and all necessary repairs done before the vehicle is driven.

Scheduled Maintenance

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes on, service is required for the vehicle. On vehicles driven under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over a year. However the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset.

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally, the customer must have the vehicle serviced within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since your last service. Reset the oil life system whenever you change the oil. Refer to GM Oil Life System - Resetting for information on the engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light appears, certain services and inspections are required. Required services are described in the following paragraphs for Maintenance I and Maintenance II. It is recommended that the first service on a vehicle be Maintenance I, the second service be Maintenance II and that you alternate between the two thereafter. However, in some cases, Maintenance II may be required more often.

ServiceMaintenance IMaintenance II
Change the engine oil and filter. Reset the oil life system. Refer to GM Oil Life System - Resetting .XX
Visually inspect for any leaks or damage. Refer to footnote (13) in Maintenance Footnotes .XX
Inspect the engine air cleaner filter. If necessary, replace the filter. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-2.2L or to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-3.5L. Refer to footnote (1) in Maintenance Footnotes .XX
Rotate the tires and inspect the tire inflation pressures and the tire wear. Refer to Tire Rotation and to Tire Inflation Description in Tires and Wheels.XX
Inspect the brake system. Refer to footnote (3) in Maintenance Footnotes .XX
Inspect the engine coolant and the windshield washer fluid levels. Add fluid as needed.XX
Perform any needed additional services. Refer to Additional Required Services .XX
Inspect the suspension and steering components. Refer to footnote (4) in Maintenance Footnotes .X
Inspect the engine cooling system. Refer to footnote (5) in Maintenance Footnotes .X
Inspect the wiper blades. Refer to footnote (6) in Maintenance Footnotes .X
Inspect the restraint system components. Refer to footnote (7) in Maintenance Footnotes .X
Lubricate the body components. Refer to footnote (8) in Maintenance Footnotes .X
Inspect the throttle system. Refer to footnote (12) in Maintenance Footnotes .X

Scheduled Maintenance

Additional Required Services

Perform the following services during the first maintenance (Maintenance I or Maintenance II) after the indicated kilometers (miles) shown for each item.

Service41 500 km (25,000 mi)83 000 km (50,000 mi)125 000 km (75,000 mi)166 000 km (100,000 mi)207 500 km (125,000 mi)240 000 km (150,000 mi)
Inspect the fuel system for damage or leaks.XXXXXX
Inspect the exhaust system for loose or damaged components.XXXXXX
Replace the engine air cleaner filter. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-2.2L or to Air Cleaner Element Replacement in Engine Controls-3.5L.XXXXXX
For severe service, change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter. Refer to footnote (10) in Maintenance Footnotes .XXX
For normal service, change the automatic transaxle fluid and filter.X
Replace the spark plugs.X
Engine cooling system service or every 5 years, whichever occurs first. Refer to footnote (11) in Maintenance Footnotes .X
Inspect the engine accessory drive belt.X

Additional Required Services

Footnotes

  1. In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 32°C (90°F) or higher
  2. In hilly or mountainous terrain
  3. When doing frequent trailer towing
  4. In uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service

Engine Oil

If the LOW OIL LEVEL message appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC), test the engine oil level right away. Although the driver should test the engine oil level regularly, this message is an added reminder.

What Kind of Engine Oil to Use

Two factors should be considered when determining type of oil to use in a vehicle

  1. The engine requires oil meeting GM Standard GM6094M. Use only oil that meets this standard.
  2. SAE 5W-30 is the only viscosity grade recommended for use in GM vehicles. If the temperature is greater than -18°C (0°F) and if SAE 5W-30 is not available, you may use SAE 10W-30. Oils meeting these requirements should also have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). If the temperature falls below -20°C (-4°F), it is recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperature.

Engine Oil Additives

Do NOT engine oil additives. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard GM6094M are all that is needed for good performance and engine protection.

When to Change Engine Oil-GM Oil Life System

The vehicle has a computer system that tells the owner when to change the engine oil and filter. This system is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed.

When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, the system will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) will come on. The oil should be changed within the next 2 gasoline fill-ups after this message appears. It is possible that, if the car is being driven under the best condition, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset.

If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changed within 5000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change. Reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.

Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation

  1. Tires should be rotated every 8 000-13 000 km (5,000-8,000 mi). Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate the tires as soon as possible and test the wheel alignment. Also inspect for damaged tires or wheels. Refer to «Tire Rotation»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-wheels__tire-rotation) in Tires and Wheels.
  2. The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation is the most important. Refer to «Scheduled Maintenance»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/lubrication-system/#maintenance-and-lubrication__scheduled-maintenance) for scheduled rotation intervals. When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation pattern shown here.
  3. Do not include the compact spare tire in your tire rotation.
  4. After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and rear inflation pressures. Refer to «Tire Placard»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  5. Ensure that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. Refer to «Capacities - Approximate Fluid»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/lubrication-system/#maintenance-and-lubrication__capacities-approximate-fluid) .

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter

Inspect the air cleaner filter every oil change and replace at the first oil change after 40 000 km (25,000 mi).

Automatic Transaxle Fluid

It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level. A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Change both the fluid and filter every 83 000 km (50,000 mi) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions

  1. In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches 32°C (90°F) or higher
  2. In hilly or mountainous terrain
  3. When doing frequent trailer towing
  4. Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service

Cooling System

The cooling system is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or for 166 000 km (100,000 mi), whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL extended life coolant.

Windshield Washer Fluid

When adding windshield washer fluid, be sure to read the instructions before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient protection against freezing.

Brake Fluid

Your brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT-3 brake fluid.

There are only 2 reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go down

  1. The brake fluid goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the fluid level goes back up.
  2. The fluid may be leaking out of the brake system. If so, fix the brake system.

Adding brake fluid will not correct a leak. If you add fluid when the linings are worn, then the reservoir will contain too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. You should add or remove brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is being done on the brake hydraulic system.

Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up binding, leaks, cracks or chafing. Inspect disc brake pads for wear. Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes. Inspect the rotors for poor surface condition. Inspect other brake system components, including brake calipers and the parking brake. Test the parking brake adjustment. The brakes may need to be inspected more often if the customer's driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

GM Oil Life System - Resetting

The vehicle has a computer system that has a CHANGE ENGINE OIL light, indicating when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, the system must be reset every time the oil is changed. When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. The CHANGE ENGINE OIL light will come on. The oil must be changed as soon as possible. It is possible that, if the vehicle is driven under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be changes at 5 000 km (3,000 miles) since the last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil and filter is changed.

  1. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the driver information center (DIC).
  2. Press and hold the ENTER button for at least one second. An ACKNOWLEDGED display message will appear for 3 seconds or until the next button is pressed. This will tell you the system has been reset.
  3. Turn the key OFF. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL light comes back on and stays on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not been reset. Repeat the procedure.

Owner Checks and Services

The following information covers the tests, inspections, and services required to train the safety, dependability, and emission control performance of the vehicle.

Complete the necessary repairs and procedures on time. Use only the recommended fluids and lubricants. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

At Each Fuel Fill

Perform the following underhood procedures at each fuel fill.

Engine Oil Level

Inspect the engine oil level and add the proper oil when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Note. It is important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to keep your engine oil at the proper level can cause damage to your engine not covered by your warranty.

Engine Coolant Level

Inspect the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL® coolant mixture when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Windshield Washer Fluid Level

Inspect the fluid level in the windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid when necessary. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .

Tire Inflation

Visually inspect tires including the spare tire. Verify that the tires are inflated to the pressures specified on the Certification/Tire label located on the driver door lock pillar. Refer to Label - Vehicle Certification .

Cassette Tape Player Service

If applicable, clean the tape player for every 50 hours of tape play.

At Least Once a Year

Starter Switch Check

  1. Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
  2. Firmly apply both the park brake and the regular brake.
  3. Start the engine: On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the starter works in any other position, the vehicle needs service. On manual transmission vehicles, put the shift lever in NEUTRAL (N), push the clutch down halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should work only when the clutch is pushed down all the way to the floor. If the starter works when the clutch is not pushed all the way down, the vehicle needs service.

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Check

  1. Ensure that you have enough room around the vehicle, which should be parked on a level surface.
  2. Firmly apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if the vehicle begins to move.
  3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position, but don't start the engine.
  4. Without applying the regular brake, try to move the shift lever out of PARK (P) with normal effort.
  5. If the shift lever moves out of PARK (P), the vehicle needs service.

Ignition Transmission Lock Check

  1. With the vehicle parked, set the parking brake.
  2. Try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position: With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key release button.
  3. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.

Park Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check

CAUTIONWhen you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
CAUTIONWhen performing this check, the vehicle could move suddenly. Personal injury or property damage may result. Make sure there is enough room around the vehicle, in case the vehicle does move. Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn OFF the engine immediately if it starts.
CAUTIONWhen you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in front of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.

Follow this procedure to test the park brake and the automatic transmission PARK mechanism

  1. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
  2. Keep your foot on the hydraulic brake pedal.
  3. With the park brake set, perform the following test: Start the engine. Place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. If the vehicle moves, refer to «Park Brake Adjustment (Rear Disc Brakes)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system__park-brake-adjustment-rear-disc-brakes) in Park Brake.
  4. In order to check the PARK (P) mechanism of an automatic transmission, additionally perform the following test: Shift to PARK (P). Release all brakes. If the vehicle moves, refer to «Park Brake Adjustment (Rear Disc Brakes)»(/chevrolet/malibu/vi-2003-2006/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system__park-brake-adjustment-rear-disc-brakes) in Park Brake.

Underbody Flushing Service

At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect.