2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU recommended oil

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
364 Vehicle Care
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft, lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
. When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface
using a soft brush attachment. If a
rotating vacuum brush attachment is
being used, only use it on the floor
carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as
possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no
more soil can be removed.
. For solid soils, remove as much
as possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean:
1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water.
Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint
transfer to the fabric or carpet. 2. Remove excess moisture by
gently wringing until water does
not drip from the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the
center. Fold the cleaning cloth
to a clean area frequently to
prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no
longer any color transfer from
the soil to the cleaning cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution followed only by plain
water.
If the soil is not completely
removed, it may be necessary to
use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small
hidden area for colorfastness before
using a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. If ring
formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to
blot excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
and Vehicle Information and
Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss
surfaces or vehicle displays. First,
use a soft bristle brush to remove
dirt that can scratch the surface.
Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window
cleaners or solvents. Periodically
hand wash the microfiber cloth
separately, using mild soap. Do not
use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before
next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a
suction cup to the display. This
may cause damage and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Service and Maintenance 367
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 367
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 368
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 379
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
368 Service and Maintenance
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 222
ii.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0267
ii.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving. .
Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0281
ii.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0289
ii.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 325
ii.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0331
ii.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 300
ii.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Service and Maintenance 369
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0291
ii.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0331
ii.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0289
iiand Engine Oil Life
System 0291ii.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0296
ii.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0300
ii. .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0358
ii. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 305
ii.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0325
ii.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0331
ii.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 293
ii.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0358
ii.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0358
ii.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 068
ii.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks. .
Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0358
ii.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0304
ii.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0304
ii.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 304
ii.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof051
ii.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Service and Maintenance 373
(3)Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
(Engine) 0294
iior Cooling System
(Power Electronics) 0295ii.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0301
ii.
Special Application
Services
.
Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every 5 000 km/
3,000 mi.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
0 358
ii.
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services —their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
374 Service and Maintenance
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0376
iifor GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
376 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. AC Delco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 289
ii.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant.
(GM Part No. 12378390, in Canada 10953456) See Cooling System
(Engine) 0294
iior Cooling System (Power Electronics) 0295ii.
Power Electronics Cooling System (1.8L Hybrid Only) 50/50 mixture of deionized water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant. (GM
Part No. 12378390, in Canada 10953456) See Cooling System (Engine)
0 294
iior Cooling System (Power Electronics) 0295ii.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Except 2.0L Engine) DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
8-Speed Automatic Transmission (2.0L Engine Only) ATF-WS Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 88863400, in
Canada 88863401).
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and
Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category
LB or GC-LB.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9087641) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Technical Data 381
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge amount, see the refrigerant label under thehood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System 1.5L L4 Engine 6.1 L 6.4 qt
1.8L L4 Engine 6.8 L 7.2 qt
2.0L L4 Engine 7.3 L 7.7 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 1.5L L4 Engine 4.0 L 4.2 qt
1.8L L4 Engine 5.0 L 5.3 qt
2.0L L4 Engine 4.7 L 5.0 qt
Fuel Tank 1.5L L4 Engine, 1.8L L4 Engine 49.2 L 13.0 gal
2.0L L4 Engine 59.8 L 15.8 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.