🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Malibu

Year:

2010

Generation:

Eighth Generation (2008-2012)

Platform:

Epsilon II

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Target Audience:

Families, commuters, general consumers seeking a practical and comfortable sedan.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chrysler Sebring/200.

Design:

Sleek, contemporary styling; comfortable interior; good ride quality.

Powertrain Options:

Fuel-efficient four-cylinder and refined V6 engines; smooth automatic transmission.

Safety:

Solid safety structure, good crash test performance, available advanced safety features.

Convenience:

Instant online access from any internet-connected device, replacing cumbersome printed manuals.

Cost Savings:

Enables DIY repairs, significantly reducing labor costs compared to professional service.

Accuracy:

Licensed OE (Original Equipment) information ensures accuracy and completeness.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Software/Digital Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download (via web browser access)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.4L Ecotec (LAF), 3.5L V6 (LZ9), 3.6L V6 VVT (LLT)

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Transmission:

6-speed automatic (MYB, M76)

Suspension:

Front MacPherson strut, Rear multi-link independent

Steering:

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs; ABS, EBD, Traction Control

Electrical:

Full vehicle electrical system, including wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body control module (BCM), comfort and convenience systems.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tire rotation, brake inspections.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine repair (internal and external), transmission service, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repair.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, diagnostic parameters, component test procedures.

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Includes detailed procedures, diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, clear text and diagrams (derived from OE materials)

Binding:

N/A (Digital download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.4L (145 cu in)

Engine 1 Type:

DOHC Inline-4 (Ecotec LAF)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

169 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

3.5L (213 cu in)

Engine 2 Type:

SOHC V6 (LZ9)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

217 hp @ 6200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

3.6L (220 cu in)

Engine 3 Type:

DOHC V6 VVT (LLT)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

252 hp @ 6300 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

251 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm

Fuel Requirement:

Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) for 2.4L and 3.5L. Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) recommended for 3.6L V6 for optimal performance.

Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Emissions:

Catalytic converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) compliant.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed automatic (Hydra-Matic 6T70/6T75)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (6-speed automatic was standard across all engines for 2010)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (Specific Dexron VI compatible fluid is critical for longevity).

Transmission Capacity:

Approximately 9.1 quarts (8.6 liters) for complete refill (check specific model for exact capacity).

Gear Ratios:

Detailed gear ratios for each of the 6 forward gears and reverse are available in the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

193.2 inches (4907 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

59.4 inches (1509 mm)

Wheelbase:

111.8 inches (2840 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 100.1 cu ft

Front Headroom:

38.5 inches

Rear Headroom:

37.4 inches

Trunk Volume:

16.0 cu ft

Curb Weight Min:

3,401 lbs (1543 kg) - 2.4L engine

Curb Weight Max:

3,680 lbs (1669 kg) - 3.6L V6 engine

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

★★★★★ (5-Star)

NHTSA Side Crash:

★★★★★ (5-Star)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models equipped with optional side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, available front-seat side-impact airbags, available head curtain side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters in all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (on some trims), touchscreen interface, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio input, USB connectivity, Bluetooth® for phone and audio streaming.

Available Features:

Rear parking assist, rearview camera (optional).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB port for media playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific driving conditions.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or with every oil change.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 45,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-30, API SN certified, GM dexos1™ approved synthetic oil.

Coolant Spec:

GM P/N 12346290 (or equivalent), a 50/50 mix of Dex-Cool® coolant and distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Timing Chain:

Some 3.6L V6 (LLT) engines can experience timing chain stretch or guide wear, leading to rough idling or diagnostic codes (e.g., P0016, P0017). The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Power Steering Pump:

Early models with Electric Power Steering (EPS) could experience issues with the EPS motor or control module. Troubleshooting and replacement procedures are covered.

HVAC Blend Door Actuators:

Common for blend door actuator failures, resulting in improper temperature control or air distribution. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand:

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors (GM), has a long-standing history in the automotive industry, known for a wide range of vehicles from trucks to performance cars.

Malibu Lineage:

The Malibu nameplate has been used by Chevrolet intermittently since the 1960s, evolving from a full-size car to a mid-size offering. The 2010 model represents the eighth generation, a significant redesign shared with other GM global platforms.

Assembly Locations:

Kansas City, Kansas, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

Sales Figures Trend:

The eighth-generation Malibu saw competitive sales within the mid-size segment, benefiting from its updated styling and improved powertrains compared to its predecessor.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Recognition:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for its excellent crash test performance.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Received average to above-average predicted reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for various model years.