Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and modern sedan, as well as professional automotive technicians and DIY enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima.
Vehicle Platform:
Based on GM's D2XX platform, shared with other GM vehicles, emphasizing improved ride quality and chassis rigidity.
Design Philosophy:
The 9th generation Malibu aimed for a sleeker, more European-inspired design with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and interior refinement.
Powertrain Options:
Offered with efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engines, contributing to competitive fuel economy figures.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for all systems of the 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu.
Engine Coverage:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for 1.5L Turbo (LYX) and 2.0L Turbo (LTG) engines.
Transmission Coverage:
Service and repair for 6-speed automatic (GF6) and 8-speed automatic (8T45/8T50) transmissions.
Electrical Coverage:
Extensive information on wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures, and control modules.
Body Coverage:
Body repair, panel replacement, collision repair procedures, and interior trim.
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, steering, braking system (including ABS and ESC), and wheel alignment.
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission, drivetrain components.
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, brake system (including ABS, ESC, EBD), wheel bearings, hub assemblies.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, HVAC controls, power accessories, body control module (BCM), infotainment systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, seating systems, airbags.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil change procedures, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical circuit testing, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Engine component repair (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, sensor replacement.
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines, timing belt/chain replacement.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage readings.
Depth:
In-depth, covering from routine maintenance to full component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Includes detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.5L (1490cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Engine 1 Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
184 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2.0L (1998cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Engine 2 Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5300 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 1700-4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91+ for optimal performance)
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI)
Turbocharger System:
Twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler
Transmission Type:
6-speed automatic (GF6) on 1.5L engine models
Transmission Type:
8-speed automatic (8T45/8T50) on 2.0L engine models
Shift Modes:
Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-VI (refer to manual for specific part numbers and capacities)
NHTSA Overall:
5-Star Overall Safety Rating (for most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Top Safety Pick (for models equipped with specific front crash prevention systems)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Adas Features:
Available: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert.
Airbags:
Frontal, side-impact, and curtain airbags. Knee airbags available on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with touchscreen display (7-inch or 8-inch depending on trim).
Smartphone Integration:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Navigation:
Available built-in navigation system.
Adas Availability:
Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
Onstar:
Available OnStar services, including 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Keyless Entry Start:
Keyless Access with push-button start.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 25,000 miles or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement 1.5L:
At 100,000 miles (use specified iridium plugs, ACDelco 41-115 or equivalent).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
At 70,000 miles (use specified iridium plugs, ACDelco 41-103 or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 5 years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil 1.5L:
SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification is critical, ACDelco 10-9045 or equivalent)
Engine Oil 2.0L:
SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification is critical, ACDelco 10-9045 or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Coolant (API approved, GMB-3420 specification, ACDelco 10-4043 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 (refer to manual for specific part number like ACDelco 10-4075)
Common Issues:
Occasional reports of oil consumption on some 1.5L engines, turbocharger issues, and infotainment system glitches. Transmission software updates may be needed for smoother shifting.
Chevrolet History:
Chevrolet, founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, is one of America's oldest and most recognized automotive brands, known for its broad range of vehicles from trucks to performance cars.
Malibu Legacy:
The Malibu nameplate has a long history, originally used for a trim level of the Chevrolet Chevelle in the 1960s and 1970s. It was reintroduced as a standalone model in 1997 and has undergone several redesigns.
Production Years:
9th Generation: 2016-2025 (Note: The manual covers 2016-2018 as a distinct phase of this generation).
Manufacturing Locations:
Assembled in North America (e.g., Fairfax Assembly, Kansas).
IIHS Awards:
Frequently cited by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for good performance in crash tests when equipped with optional safety features.
Kbb Consumer Satisfaction:
Generally received positive consumer satisfaction ratings for its comfort, fuel economy, and value.
