CHEVROLET MALIBU 1997 5.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L (CODE T) Engine
When you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap
C. Engine Oil Dipstick D. Power
Steering Fluid Reservoir E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
E Air Cleaner
G. Battery
H. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I100 (CODE M) Engine
Yhen you open the hood, you’ll see:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap
D. Engine Oil Dipstick
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Air Cleaner
G. Battery
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil
CHECK
OIL
If your vehicle is equipped with the
3 100 engine, you
have a
CHECK
OIL light on the
instrument panel.
If
the CHECK OIL light on the instrument panel comes
on,
it means you need to check your engine oil level
right away. For
more information, see “Check Oil
Light” in the Index. You should check your engine oil
level regularly; this is
an added reminder. It’s a good idea to check your engine
oil every time you
get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reachng, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
2.4L Engine 3100 Engine
The engine oil dipstick handle is yellow.
The engine oil dipstick on the 2.4L engine is located on
the rear of the engine.
The engine oil dipstick
on the 3 100 engine is located on
the front
of the engine.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Turn off the engine and give the oil a few minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don’t, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil When
to Add Oil
If
the oil is at or below the ADD line, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of
oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind
of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity, see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L Engine
The engine oil fill cap for the 2.4L engine is located on
the rear, right side of the engine.
3100 Engine
The oil fill cap for the 3 100 engine is located on the
front of the engine.
Be sure
to fill it enough to put the level somewhere in
the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when you’re through.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What Kind of Oil to Use
Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by
looking for the “Starburst” symbol. This symbol
indicates that the oil has been certified by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
Do not use any oil which
does not carry this Starburst symbol.
If you change your
own oil, be sure you
use oil that has the
Starburst symbol
on the front
of the
oil container.
If you have your oil changed for you, be sure the oil put
into your engine is American Petroleum Institute
certified for gasoline engines.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your
vehicle, as shown in the following chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
+loo- - +38
+EO- - +27
t6O--t16
t40--+4
+20- --7
0---I8

COLD
WEATHER
LOOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
I SAL I 1OW-30
SAE 5W-30 PREFERRED
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
6-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your
vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 1OW-30 if it’s going
to be
0°F (- 18 “C) or above. These numbers on an oil
container show its viscosity, or thickness.
Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as
SAE 20W-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified
For Gasoline Engines
“Starburst” symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage not
covered by your warranty.
I
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29”C), consider using either an
SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an
SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Chevrolet dealer is
ready to advise if you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
If any one of these is true for you, use the short trip/city
maintenance schedule:
0
0
0
0
0
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving
in stop-and-go traffic).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of
your vehicle.
The vehicle
is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
Driving under these conditions causes engine oil to
break down sooner.
If any one of these is true for your
vehicle, then you need to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) or 3 months -- whichever
occurs first.
If none of them is true, use the long triphighway
maintenance schedule. Change the oil and filter every
7,500 miles (12
500 km) or 12 months -- whichever
occurs first. Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed
engine under highway conditions causes engine oil to
break down slower.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain
elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could
even cause cancer? Don’t let used oil stay on your skin
for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and
water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw
away clothing or rags containing used engine oil. (See
the manufacturer’s warnings about the use and disposal
of oil products.)
Used oil can be a real threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all free-flowing oil
from the filter before disposal. Don’t ever dispose of oil
by putting it
in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead,
recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If
you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil,
ask your dealer, a service station or
a local recycling
center for help.
Air Cleaner
The air cleaner is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment.
To check or replace the air filter:
1. Unscrew the four Phillips-head screws, then pull the
cover back.
2. Remove the air cleaner filter.
3. Be sure to install the air cleaner filter and replace the \
cover tightly.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air,
it stops flame if the engine
backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it
off, and be careful working on the engine with
the
air cleaner off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transaxle fluid level.
A transaxle fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your Chevrolet
dealership Service Department and have it repaired as
soon as possible. You may
also have your fluid level
checked by your dealer or service center when you have
your oil changed.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with new
DEX-COOL” engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs fist, if you add only
DEX-COOL TM extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system
and how to
add coolant when it is low.
If you have a problem with
engine overheating, see “Engine Overheating” in
the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A 50/50 mixture of water and the proper coolant for
your Chevrolet will:
Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 OF (129 O C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you use
only
DEX-COOL TM (silicate-free) coolant.
If silicated coolant is added to the system,
premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion may result. In addition, the engine
coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean water (preferably
distilled) and one-half
DEX-COOL TM coolant which
won’t damage aluminum parts.
If you use this mixture,
you don’t need to add anything else.
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, your engine could
get too hot but you wouldn’t get the overheat
warning. Your engine could catch fire and
you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mix of clean
water and
DEX-COOL TM coolant.
6-19