2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU Owners Manual

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Engine Oil Dipstick.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
D. Engine Coolant Reservoir.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-35.F. Battery.
SeeBattery on page 5-38.
G. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
See “Engine Compartment Fuse Block”
underFuses on page 5-88.
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-34.
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When you open the hood on the 3.5L LX9 engine, you’ll see the following:
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A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-22.
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
D. Engine Coolant Reservoir.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-24.
E. Brake Fluid Reservoir.
SeeBrakes on page 5-35.
F. Battery.
SeeBattery on page 5-38.
G. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
See “Engine Compartment Fuse Block”
underFuses on page 5-88.
H. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-34.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
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.
Pull 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.
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When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the MIN mark, then you will need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, seeCapacities
and Specications on page 5-96.
Notice:Do not 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.SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14
for the location of the
engine oil ll cap.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all
the way back in when you are through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
GM6094M
Your vehicle’s engine requires oil meeting GM
Standard GM6094M. You should look for and use
only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M.
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SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is
best for your vehicle. However, if it is going to
be 0°F (–18°C) or above and SAE 5W-30 is not
available, you may use SAE 10W-30.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should
also have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
You should look for this information on the oil container,
and useonlythose oils that are identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol
on the front of the oil container.
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Notice:Use only engine oil identied as meeting
GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American
Petroleum Institute Certied For Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended
oil can result in engine damage not covered by
your warranty.
GM Goodwrench
®oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−20°F (−29°C), it is
recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your
engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM6094M are all you will need for good performance
and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil
(GM Oil Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not
on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage
at which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is
necessary. A Change Oil Soon message will come on.
Change your oil as soon as possible within the next
two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you
are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system
may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for
over a year. However, your engine oil and lter must be
changed at least once a year and at this time the
system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained
service people who will perform this work using genuine
GM parts and reset the system. It is also important to
check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
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How to Reset the Oil Life System
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your
engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Anytime your
oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when
the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where
you change your oil prior to a Change Oil Soon message
being turned on, reset the system.
After changing the engine oil, reset the system by
performing the following steps:
1. Display OIL LIFE RESET on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the (ENTER) button for at least
one second. An ACKNOWLEDGED display
message will appear for three seconds or until
the next button is pressed. This will tell you
the system has been reset.
3. Turn the key to OFF.
If the Change Oil Soon message comes back on when
you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has
not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may 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 lter before disposal. Never 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.
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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for more information on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at every oil change
and replace at the rst oil change after
25,000 miles (40 000 km).
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
1. Remove the screws that hold the cover on.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3. Lift off the cover.
4. Remove the lter and lightly shake the lter to
release loose dust and dirt. If the lter remains
caked with dirt, a new lter is required.
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