1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU checking oil

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CAUTION:
Don't keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches fire. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have your
vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Damage to your engine from neglected oil
problems can be costly and is not covered by
your warranty.
Check Oil Light (If Equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped
with a 3100 V6 engine, then
you will have a CHECK
OIL light in your instrument
panel cluster.
This light will come on briefly when you start
your vehicle.
If the light stays on after starting your vehicle, or comes
on and chimes while you are driving, your engine oil
level should be checked.
Prior to checking the oil level, be sure your vehicle has
been shut off for several minutes and is on a level
surface. Check the oil level on your dipstick and bring it
to the proper level. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index.
NOTE: A false CHECK OIL light may be generated
when parking on steep grades.

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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6-8
Checking Things Under the Hood
CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like gasoline,
oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and
other fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others
could be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill
things that will burn onto a hot engine.
The following sections tell you how to check fluids,
lubricants and important parts under the hood.
Hood Release
1. To open the hood, first
pull the hood release
handle inside
the vehicle.

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3100 V6 Engine
The engine oil dipstick on the 3100 V6 engine is located
in front of the engine.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to
drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick
might not show the actual level.
Checking Engine Oil
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.
2.4L V6 Engine Shown
3400 V6 Engine Similar
When to Add Engine 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 ªCapacities and Specificationsº
in the Index.

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Brake
Adjustment 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-52, 6-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock 2-26, 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transaxle Shift Interlock Check 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 2-53, 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI 2-26, 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back-Up Lamp 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHMSL 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamp 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 6-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamp 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-10, 2-27, 4-28, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of Your Compact Disc Player 3
-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Compact Discs 3-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-10, 3-15, 3-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Adapter Kit 3-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player 3-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CD Player Theft-Deterrent Feature 3-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Console Storage Area 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center High-Mounted Stop Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-30 . . .
Center Rear Passenger Position 1-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Light 2-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Oil Light 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Rear Seat Position 1-45 . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-46 . . . . . . . . . .
Top Strap 1-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Driving
City 4-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Hill and Mountain Roads 4-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Snow and Ice 4-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Through Water 4-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wet Roads 4-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter 4-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken Driving 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electrical Equipment, Adding 2-16, 2-17, 3-23, 6-55 . . . . .
Electrical System 6-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 6-10, 6-11, 6-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Heater 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Level Check 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Temperature Gage 2-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust 2-10, 2-27, 4-28, 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuse Block 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification 6
-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Level Check 7-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overheating 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Running While Parked 2-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Your 2-15, 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 6-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adding 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additives 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking 6-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Warning Light 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When to Change 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil, What Kind to Use 6-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps 2-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric Cleaning 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Fuel Container 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filter, Air 6-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Care 6-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Finish Damage 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Gear, Automatic Transaxle 2-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flashers, Hazard Warning 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flash-to-Pass 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flat Tire, Changing 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluids and Lubricants 7-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .