air filter CHEVROLET MALIBU 1999 5.G Owners Manual

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2-18
3100 V6 Engine
In very cold weather, 0
F (
-18
C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You'll get easier starting and
better fuel economy during engine warm
-up. Usually,
the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of
four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. On
the 2.4L L4 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is
located in front of the engine coolant surge tank. On
the 3100 V6 engine, the engine coolant heater cord is
located near the air cleaner/filter.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110
-volt AC outlet.
CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could overheat and cause
a fire. You could be seriously injured. Plug the
cord into a properly grounded three
-prong
11 0
-volt AC outlet. If the cord won't reach, use a
heavy
-duty three-prong extension cord rated for
at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store
the cord as it was before to keep it away from moving
engine parts. If you don't, it could be damaged.

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-3 Fuel
6
-5 Fuels in Foreign Countries
6
-5 Filling Your Tank
6
-7 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-8 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-13 Engine Oil
6
-18 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-19 Automatic Transaxle Fluid
6
-20 Surge Tank Pressure Cap
6
-20 Thermostat
6
-20 Engine Coolant
6
-24 Power Steering Fluid
6
-25 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-26 Brakes
6
-29 Battery6
-30 Bulb Replacement
6
-38 Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
6
-38 Tires
6
-46 Appearance Care
6
-47 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-49 Care of Safety Belts
6
-50 Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
6
-51 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels (If Equipped)
6
-52 Finish Damage
6
-53 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-54 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-55 Electrical System
6
-60 Replacement Bulbs
6
-61 Capacities and Specifications
6
-62 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
6
-62 Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts

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6-10 2.4L L4 (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 ReservoirE. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Air Cleaner/Filter
G. Battery
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

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6-11 3100 V6 (CODE J) Engine
When 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 DipstickE. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Air Cleaner/Filter
G. Battery
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

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6-12 3100 V6 (CODE M) Engine
When 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 DipstickE. Brake Fluid Reservoir
F. Air Cleaner/Filter
G. Battery
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir

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6-18
If none of them is true, use the long trip/highway
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.
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.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
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 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.

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6-19
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
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/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter 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/filter 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 the 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.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.

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6-58
Fuse Usage
F Interior Lamps, Body Function Control Module.
G Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H Sunroof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CIRCUIT BRKR PWR WNDWS Power Windows. .
MICRO RELAY FOG LPS Fog Lamps. . . . . . . . . . Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is located on the
driver's side of the engine compartment, near the air
cleaner filter.

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6-62
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the
air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant is used. If
you're not sure, ask your dealer.
Normal Maintenance
Replacement Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.4L L4 Engine AC Type A
-1279C . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3100 V6 Engine AC Type A
-1279C . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.4L L4 Engine AC Type PF
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3100 V6 Engine AC Type PF
-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plugs
2.4L L4 Engine AC Type
41
-942 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Platinum Plug) Gap: 0.050 inch (1.27 mm)
3100 V6 Engine AC Type
41
-940 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Platinum Plug) Gap: 0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Passenger's Side 19.0 inches (48.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver's Side 22.0 inches (56.0 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle Dimensions
Length 190.4 inches (483.7 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Width 69.4 inches (176.3 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Height 56.4 inches (143.2 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheelbase 107.0 inches (271.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Tread 59.0 inches (149.9 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Tread 59.3 inches (150.5 cm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Scheduled Maintenance
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7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

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. (With some models, you should never
tow a trailer. See ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.)

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule if
you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Inspection, if driving in dusty conditions.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Air Cleaner Filter
Replacement. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection.
Every 50,000 Miles (83 000 km): Automatic Transaxle
Service (severe conditions only).
Every 60,000 Miles (100 000 km): Engine Accessory
Drive Belt Inspection.
Every 100,000 Miles (166 000 km): Spark Plug Wire
Inspection. Spark Plug Replacement.
Every 150,000 Miles (240 000 km): Cooling System
Service (or every 60 months, whichever occurs first).
These intervals only summarize maintenance services.
Be sure to follow the complete scheduled maintenance
on the following pages.