1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU maintenance

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 Brake Wear
Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound may come and go or
be heard
all the time your vehicle is moving (except when
you
are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).
A CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied.
This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but
if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected.
Also, the rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual
under
Part C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don’t forget your compact spare tire. It should be
at
60 psi (420 Ea).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure.
You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out
dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 0oO to 13 0o0 km). Any time you notice unusual wear,
rotate
your tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. See
“When It’s Time for New Tires” and “Wheel
Replacement” later
in this section for more information.
The purpose
of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear
for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See “Scheduled
Maintenance Services” in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
6-37

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
t .erbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control
can collect
on the underbody. If these are not removed,
accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on the underbody
parts such as he1 lines, frame, floor pan and exhaust
system even though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this,
Chevrolet will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new vehicles damaged by this fallout
condition within 12 months or 12,000 miles (20
000 km)
of purchase, whichever occurs first.
6-51

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 2.4L Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... T
Type
.................................... L4
Displacement
........................ 2.4 Liters
Firing Order
.......................... 1-3-4-2
Horsepower
............................. 150
Thermostat Temperature
........... 180°F (82°C)
3100 Engine Specifications
VIN Engine Code ........................... M
Type .................................... V6
Displacement ........................ 3.1 Liters
Firing Order
...................... 1-2-3-4-5-6
Horsepower
............................. 155
Thermostat Temperature
........... 195°F (91 “C)
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 Chevrolet dealer.
Normal Maintenance Replacement
Parts
Air Cleaner Element
2.4L ....................... AC Type A- 1279C
3 100 ....................... AC Type A- 1279C
Engine Oil Filter
2.4L .......................... AC Type PF-44
3100
.......................... ACTypePF-47
Spark Plugs
2.4L .......... AC Qpe 041 -9 10 (Platinum Plug)
Gap:
0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
3100 .......... AC Type 04 1-940 (Platinum Plug)
Gap:
0.060 inch (1.52 mm)
Windshield Wiper Blades
Passenger’s Side ............... 19 inches (48 cm)
Driver’s Side
................. 22 inches (56 cm)
Dimensions
Length ................. 190.4 inches (483.7 cm)
Width
................... 69.4 inches (176.3 cm)
Height
................... 56.4 inches (143.2 cm)
Wheelbase
................ 107 inches (271 -9 cm)
Front Tread
................ .59 inches (149.9 cm)
Rear Tread
............... 59.3 inches (1 50.5 cm)
6-62

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
This section covers the maintenance required for your Chevrolet. Your vehicle needs these services to retain its safety,
dependability and emission control performance.
7-2
7-2
7-3
7-4
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7-5
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7-6
Introduction to Your Maintenance Schedule
Your Vehicle and the Environment
How
this Section is Organized
Using Your Maintenance Schedule
Selecting the Right Schedule for
Your Vehicle
Short Trip/City Definition
Short TripKity Intervals
Long TripMghway Definition
Long TripMghway Intervals
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7-38 Owner Checks
at Each Fuel Fill-up
What to Check at Least Once a Month
What to Check at Least Twice a Year
What to Check at Least Once a Year
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Tips for Keeping Track of Maintenance
A Place to Record Maintenance Procedures

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine IMPORTANT:
KEEP ENGINE OIL
AT THE PROPER
LEVEL AND CHANGE AS
RECOMMENDED
I
1
Protection
Plan
Introduction
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but
also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance procedures
are important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality
of the air we breathe. Improper fluid
levels or the wrong tire inflation can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle.
To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good
condition, please maintain your vehicle properly.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements
your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet, or your
Chevrolet dealer for details.
7-2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How This Section is Organized
The remainder of this section is divided into five parts:
“Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services” shows
what to have done and how often. Some of these
services can be complex,
so unless you are technically
qualified and have the necessary equipment, you should
let your dealer’s service department or another qualified
service center do these jobs.
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs, you can
be seriously injured.
Do your own maintenance
work only if you have the required know-how
and the proper
tools and equipment for the job.
If you have any doubt, have a qualified
technician do the work.
If you are skilled enough to do some work on your
vehicle, you will probably want to get the service
information GM publishes. See “Service and Owner
Publications’’ in the Index.
“Part B: Owner Checks and Services” tells
you what should be checked and when. It also explains what you can easily do to help keep your vehicle in
good condition.
“Part C: Periodic Maintenance Inspections’’ explains
important inspections that your Chevrolet dealer’s service department or another qualified service center
should perform.
“Part D: Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” lists
some products GM recommends to help keep your
vehicle properly maintained. These products, or their
equivalents, should be used whether you do the work
yourself or have it done.
“Part E: Maintenance Record” provides a place for
you to record the maintenance performed on your
vehicle. Whenever
any maintenance is performed, be
sure to write it down in this part. This will help you
determine when your next maintenance should be done.
In addition,
it is a good idea to keep your maintenance
receipts. They may be needed to qualify your vehicle for
warranty repairs.
7-3