CHEVROLET MALIBU 2011 7.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 2011, Model line: MALIBU, Model: CHEVROLET MALIBU 2011 7.GPages: 382, PDF Size: 5.81 MB
Page 251 of 382

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filteron
page 10‑14.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid
on
page 10‑21.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
E. Electric Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling
System on page 10‑15.
F. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. See Engine Coolant
on
page 10‑16. G. Pressure Cap. See
Cooling
System on page 10‑15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
under Brakes on page 10‑22.
I. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View). See
“Checking the Fluid Level”
under Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 10‑13.
J. See Battery on page 10‑25.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑31.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluidon
page 10‑22.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil.”
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do With
Used Oil.”
Page 252 of 382

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
10-10 Vehicle Care
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow
loop. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview
on page 10‑6for the
location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutesfor the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking your oil level too soon
after engine shut off will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
2. 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.
When to Add Engine Oil
L4 Engine
V6 Engine
If the oil is below the MIN
(minimum) mark for the L4 engine or
below the cross‐hatched area at the
tip of the dipstick for the V6 engine,
add one liter/quart of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
on
page 12‑2. Notice:
Do not add too much oil.
If the engine has so much oil that
the oil level gets above the upper
mark that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Use and ask for engine oils with the
dexos™ certification mark. Oils
meeting the requirements of your
vehicle should have the dexos™
certification mark on the container.
Page 253 of 382

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-11
This certification mark indicates that
the oil has been approved to the
dexos™specification.
Your vehicle was filled at the factory
with dexos™ approved engine oil.
Notice: Use only engine oil that is
approved to the dexos™
specification or an equivalent
engine oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos™
specification will show the
dexos™ symbol on the container.
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
unsure whether your oil is
approved to the dexos™
specification, ask your service
provider. Use of Substitute Engine Oils if
dexos™
is unavailable: In the event
that dexos™ approved engine oil is
not available at an oil change or for
maintaining proper oil level, you
may use substitute engine oil
displaying the API Starburst symbol
and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.
Use of oils that do not meet the
dexos™ specification, however, may
result in reduced performance under
certain circumstances.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not use
other viscosity oils such as
SAE 10W‐30, 10W‐40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29°C
(−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should
Page 254 of 382

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
10-12 Vehicle Care
be used. An oil of this viscosity
grade will provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity
grade, be sure to always select an
oil that meets the required
specification, dexos™. See
“Specification”for more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the dexos™
specification and displaying the
dexos™certification mark are all
that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not 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 dispose of 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 threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates 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 is
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
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE OIL SOON
message comes on. See Engine Oil
Messages
on page 5‑27. Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is
possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is
not necessary for up to a year.
Page 255 of 382

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-13
The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Turn the ignition toON/RUN, with the
engine off.
2. Press and hold the DIC INFO and reset buttons, on the left
side of the steering wheel, at the
same time to enter the
personalization menu. The OIL
LIFE RESET message displays.
See Driver Information Center
(DIC)
on page 5‑23and Engine
Oil Messages on page 5‑27. 3. Press and hold the reset button
until the DIC display shows
ACKNOWLEDGED.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE OIL SOON message
is off.
If the CHANGE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as
soon as possible.
Page 256 of 382

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
10-14 Vehicle Care
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2, and be
sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Notice: Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission
fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 11‑6.
For the 2.4 L and 3.6 L engines,
the transmission fluid will not reach
the end of the dipstick unless the
transmission is at operating
temperature. If the transmission
fluid level needs to be checked,
please take the vehicle to the
dealer.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overviewon page 10‑6for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 11‑2for
more information. If driving in dusty/
dirty conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the spring clamps that
hold the cover on.
2. Lift off the cover.
Page 257 of 382

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
3. Inspect or replace the engine aircleaner/filter.
4. Align the filter correctly using the alignment tab.
5. Install the cover by guiding the tabs on the rim of the top cover
into the bottom hinges and turn
the cover down to close it.
6. The spring clips will engage easily, if the cover is properly
seated.
{WARNING
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
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, dirt can easily get into the
engine, which could damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter
in place when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
3.6 L V6 Engine Shown,
2.4 L L4 Engine Similar
A. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
B. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
C. Pressure Cap
Page 258 of 382

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.Notice:
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL
®can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing
sooner, at 50 000 km
(30,000 miles) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating
on
page 10‑19.
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Page 259 of 382

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-17
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to−37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the FULL COLD mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this is
done. See Engine Overheating
on
page 10‑19for more information.
The coolant level should be at or
above the FULL COLD mark on the
coolant surge tank. If it is not, there
may be a leak at the pressure cap
or in the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling
system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{WARNING
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant surge tank.
Page 260 of 382

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
How to Add Coolant to the
Radiator
{WARNING
An electric engine cooling fan
under the hood can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the surge tank pressure
cap—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the surge tank
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the
cooling system and surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
mixture directly to the radiator, but
be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap
slowly counterclockwise about
two or two and one-half turns.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any
pressure still left to be vented
out the discharge hose.
2. Then keep turning the pressurecap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture, to the FULL
COLD mark. Wait about
five minutes, then check to see if
the level is below the mark. If the
level is below the FULL COLD
mark, add additional coolant to
bring the level up to the mark.
Repeat this procedure until the
level remains constant at the
FULL COLD mark for at least
five minutes.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.