Market Segment:
Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
Families, commuters, individuals seeking comfort and practicality.
Key Competitors 2012:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata.
Key Features Of Malibu 2012
Design Philosophy:
Sleek, aerodynamic styling with a more premium interior feel compared to predecessors.
Interior Appointments:
Dual-cockpit design, advanced sound deadening, available leather seating.
Powertrain Options:
Fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and V6 engines, focus on improved performance and efficiency.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine performance diagnostics, starting and charging.
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission (6T40, 6T45, 6T50) diagnosis, overhaul, and repair; manual transmission (MH9) diagnosis and repair.
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, axle shafts, differential, CV joints.
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, coil springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, electronic power steering (EPS) components and diagnosis.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid specifications, replacement, bleeding, and component repair.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, horns, wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, interior/exterior lighting, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core), climate control modules.
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals, frame specifications, corrosion protection.
Restraints Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components, seat belts, pre-tensioners, control modules.
Infotainment And Electronics:
Radio, navigation system, display screens, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input, speaker system, driver information center.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, scan tool usage.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems.
Component Rebuilds:
Engine internal component rebuilds (pistons, rings, bearings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and master cylinder repair.
Wiring Repair:
Detailed wiring schematics, connector pinouts, harness repair and splicing techniques.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic flowcharts, DTC explanations, and live data interpretation.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Engine and component internal clearances and wear tolerances.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 model year, where applicable)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2012 model year, depending on specific features and testing)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel anti-lock braking system)
Traction Control:
Standard (Electronic Traction Control System - TCSA)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak with ABS and Traction Control)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags (front and rear outboard), curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil (or refer to oil life monitoring system).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.4L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs (ACDelco Professional Iridium).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with iridium-tipped spark plugs (ACDelco Professional Iridium).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or under severe driving conditions; inspect periodically. DEXRON-VI fluid only.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (GM dexos1™ or equivalent)
Engine Coolant Spec:
GM Super Coolant (Blue) - P/N 10-9100 or P/N 88987989 (or equivalent orange silicate-free)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Issue 1:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Common Issue 2:
Transmission harsh shifting or delayed engagement, potentially related to valve body issues or fluid degradation.
Common Issue 3:
Premature wear of suspension components such as control arm bushings and struts.
Common Issue 4:
Water pump leaks on 3.6L V6 engine.
Common Issue 5:
Power steering assist issues or noise, potentially related to the electric power steering pump or rack.
Chevrolet History:
Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is one of the oldest and most recognized automotive brands globally, known for a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to performance trucks.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate dates back to the 1960s, initially as a Chevrolet Chevelle model. It was reintroduced as a standalone model in 1997 and has evolved through several generations.
Eighth Generation Introduction:
The eighth generation Malibu debuted in 2008 for the 2008 model year and received a significant refresh for 2012, marking the transition to a global platform.
Production Locations:
Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Fairfax, Kansas, USA; and distributed globally.