Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan
Target Audience:
Families, commuters seeking comfortable and reliable transportation
Competitors:
Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chrysler Sebring
Platform Sharing:
Based on the GM Epsilon platform, shared with European models like the Opel Vectra
Styling:
Significant redesign from previous generations, offering a more contemporary and European-inspired look
Interior Comfort:
Emphasis on refined interior materials and ride comfort for its class
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Interior, Body Control Module (BCM), Restraints (Airbags), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Total Pages:
Approximately 1800+
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system
Engine Performance:
Engine management, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4T65-E) service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive axle shafts, constant velocity (CV) joints, differential service
Suspension:
Front strut assembly, rear shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater, climate control, blower motor, refrigerant specifications
Body Interior:
Interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, exterior body panels, bumpers, glass, seals
Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, diagnostic procedures for airbag faults
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid flushes, belt inspections/replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues, wiring diagrams for electrical faults
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, component testing and calibration
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) scan tool usage, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs)
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.2 L (2198 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline-4 (Ecotec)
Engine 1 Power:
144 hp @ 5600 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
154 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 1 Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine 1 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
3.49 x 3.78 in (88.9 x 95.9 mm)
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.5:1
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5 L (3524 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
3.5L V6 (High Value Option)
Engine 2 Power:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 2 Fuel System:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Engine 2 Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
3.50 x 3.07 in (88.9 x 78.0 mm)
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.8:1
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Driver:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, using synthetic blend or synthetic oil
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
2.2L Ecotec: Approximately 100,000 miles (iridium plugs). 3.5L V6: Approximately 100,000 miles (iridium plugs).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (check owner's manual or service manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) for 2.2L; 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) for 3.5L V6
Coolant Specification:
GM P/N 89017247 (Orange) - Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 US quarts (7.6 L)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3
Common Issue 1:
Intake manifold gaskets (especially on V6 engines) can leak coolant or oil.
Common Issue 2:
Power steering pump leaks or noisy operation.
Common Issue 3:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, control arm bushings) wear prematurely due to vehicle weight and road conditions.
Common Issue 4:
Transmission (4T65-E) solenoids can fail, leading to shifting problems or limp mode.
Common Issue 5:
Electric Power Steering (EPS) issues or motor failures (though less common on this specific year, it became more prevalent in later models using similar systems).
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is a cornerstone American automotive brand known for a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate has a history dating back to the 1960s as a Chevelle model, evolving into its own distinct model line.
Sixth Gen Start:
Introduced for the 2004 model year, representing a significant redesign and the first Malibu built on a global platform (GM Epsilon).
Manufacturing Location:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA (as well as other GM plants)