Target Audience:
Families, commuters, general consumers seeking a comfortable and reliable vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata.
Design Philosophy:
Sculpted exterior lines, modern interior design, focus on comfort and quietness.
Platform Benefit:
Built on the global Epsilon II platform, providing a refined driving experience and shared components with other GM vehicles.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for all Chevrolet Malibu models from 2012-2016.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF/eBook) - Searchable and Printable
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (6-speed Hydra-Matic 6T40/6T45/6T70), clutch system, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM).
Chassis Systems:
Brake system (ABS, EBD, HSA), suspension system (front strut, rear multi-link), steering system (electric power steering), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), infotainment system, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), interior trim, security system.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component removal/installation (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), transmission service, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, electrical circuit testing.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Diagnostic Depth:
In-depth diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including specific troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair Complexity:
Covers basic to advanced repairs, including engine and transmission overhaul procedures where applicable.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, system-specific electrical wiring diagrams for accurate troubleshooting and repair.
Engine Option 1:
2.4L Ecotec DI (Direct Injection) Inline-4
Engine Displacement 1:
2384 cc (145 cu in)
Horsepower 1:
182 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
172 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Engine Option 2:
2.5L Ecotec DI Inline-4 (introduced for 2013MY)
Engine Displacement 2:
2457 cc (150 cu in)
Horsepower 2:
197 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
191 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Engine Option 3:
2.0L Ecotec Turbocharged Inline-4 (LTG)
Engine Displacement 3:
1998 cc (122 cu in)
Horsepower 3:
259 hp @ 5300 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3:
260 lb-ft @ 2000-5000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery System:
Direct Injection (DI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Regular 87 octane recommended, premium may offer slight performance improvement)
Engine Control Module:
ECM (Engine Control Module) / PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic Hydra-Matic (6T40/6T45/6T70)
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Automatic standard across most trims for this generation)
Transmission Features:
Driver Shift Control (manual shifting mode), adaptive shift logic.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Length:
Approx. 191.5 inches (4864 mm)
Width:
Approx. 72.1 inches (1831 mm)
Height:
Approx. 58.4 inches (1483 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 97.9 cu ft (2772 L)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14.5 cu ft (410 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400 - 3700 lbs (1542 - 1678 kg) depending on engine and trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4500 - 4700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for most model years/configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for many configurations and model years within this range)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC), Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Optional Driver Assistance:
Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning (available on higher trims).
Airbag System:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), side-impact airbags (front/rear), head curtain airbags (front/rear), knee airbags (driver).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with touchscreen interface (available on select trims, standard on higher trims from 2013 onward).
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling, USB ports, auxiliary input jack, Pandora/Stitcher app integration (depending on model year and trim).
Audio Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Bose).
Driver Assistance Availability:
Available features include rear vision camera, parking assist sensors, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims.
Remote Start:
Available on most trims, often integrated with key fob or optional app.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil). May vary based on driving conditions. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on air quality.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 90,000-100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (consult manual for specific engine). DI engines often require specific procedures.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 or newer, SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended for most engines).
Coolant Specification:
GM Original Equipment (G.M.O.E.) Dex-Cool 50/50 antifreeze/coolant or equivalent (orange silicate-free).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
N/A (Electric Power Steering system, does not use hydraulic fluid)
Common Complaints Engine:
Oil consumption on early 2.4L engines, timing chain issues on some DI engines, turbocharger issues on 2.0T engines.
Common Complaints Transmission:
Hesitation or rough shifting, solenoid issues, torque converter shudder (especially on earlier 6T40/45 units).
Common Complaints Electrical:
Infotainment system glitches, HVAC control module issues, battery drain.
Common Complaints Chassis:
Front suspension noise (strut mounts, ball joints), steering wheel vibration.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet has a long history of producing reliable and accessible vehicles for the American market since 1911.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate has a storied history within Chevrolet, originally being a trim level of the Chevelle in the 1960s, and later becoming its own model line in the 1970s and from 1997 onwards. The 2012-2016 models represent the eighth generation of the modern Malibu.
Eighth Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2008 model year, the eighth generation saw a significant redesign and shared its global platform with Opel (GM's European division), leading to improved handling and refinement. The 2013 model year brought a significant mid-cycle refresh, updating styling, interior, and powertrain options.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Fairfax, Kansas, USA; and also produced in China for the Chinese market.
Safety Awards:
Consistently earned good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting Chevrolet's commitment to safety.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Consumer Reports ratings varied by model year, with some years showing average to above-average reliability, while others were rated below average, highlighting the importance of consulting specific year reviews.
Emisiones Standards:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model years.
