🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Malibu

Year:

2012

Generation Designation:

8th Generation

Platform:

Epsilon II

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Target Audience:

Family car buyers seeking comfort, fuel efficiency, and modern features.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Sonata

Styling:

Sleek, modern, aerodynamic design with a European influence.

Interior:

Comfortable, well-appointed interior with quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit.

Powertrain Options:

Efficient 4-cylinder and powerful V6 engine choices.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2012 Chevrolet Malibu (8th Gen)

Engine Variants Covered:

2.4L Ecotec (LU9), 3.0L V6 (LF1), 3.6L V6 (LLT)

Transmission Variants Covered:

6-speed automatic (6T45, 6T70)

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.4L, 3.0L, 3.6L), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (6T45, 6T70), Drivetrain

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System

Electrical:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Airbag) System

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Scan Tool Procedures, Component Testing

Repair Procedures:

Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Special Procedures:

Wheel Alignment, Air Conditioning Service, SRS System Calibration, ECM/TCM Programming & Initialization

Diagnostic Depth:

Advanced diagnostics with wiring diagrams, sensor data interpretation, and specific test procedures.

Rebuild Depth:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF.

Text Searchability:

Full text search functionality.

Printable:

Yes, printable pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.4L Ecotec (Lu9):

Inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves, VVT

2.4L Ecotec (Lu9) - Power:

182 hp @ 6,700 rpm

2.4L Ecotec (Lu9) - Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm

3.6L V6 (Llt):

V6, DOHC, 24 valves, Direct Injection, VVT

3.6L V6 (Llt) - Power:

304 hp @ 6,400 rpm

3.6L V6 (Llt) - Torque:

264 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.4L, Direct Injection (DI) for 3.6L V6.

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (91 octane recommended for 3.6L V6 for optimal performance).

Cooling System Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed automatic (6T45) for 2.4L, 6-speed automatic (6T70) for 3.6L.

Type:

N/A (Automatic standard for all trims).

Shifting Modes:

Driver Shift Control (DSC) with manual mode.

Transmission Fluid:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

190.2 inches (4831 mm)

Width:

72.0 inches (1829 mm)

Height:

58.4 inches (1483 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.5 inches (978 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.9 inches (963 mm)

Front Legroom:

42.2 inches (1072 mm)

Rear Legroom:

36.8 inches (935 mm)

Trunk Volume:

15.1 cubic feet (428 L)

Curb Weight Min:

3,470 lbs (1574 kg) (2.4L)

Curb Weight Max:

3,700 lbs (1678 kg) (3.6L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star

NHTSA Rollover:

4-Star

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes

Brakes:

4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)

Stability Control:

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Dual front, front-seat side-impact, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with front pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (optional), featuring a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system.

Rearview Camera:

Optional rearview camera system.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming on higher trims and optional on others.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for severe driving conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plugs:

Iridium-tip spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) for 2.4L, 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) for 3.6L (with filter).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil meeting GM specification GM6094M.

Coolant Type:

GM Dex-Cool (Orange) Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Hesitation:

Some reports of hesitation or rough idle, potentially related to fuel system cleanliness or intake manifold issues.

Transmission Harshness:

Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, often addressed by software updates or fluid changes.

HVAC Issues:

Water leaks into the cabin affecting HVAC components or electronics, especially in the HVAC blower motor housing.

Power Steering Pump:

Some early models had reports of premature power steering pump failure, particularly on V6 engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet History:

Founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, Chevrolet is one of America's most iconic automotive brands, known for producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Malibu History:

The Malibu nameplate has a long history within Chevrolet, originally introduced as a premium trim level of the Chevelle in 1964. It evolved into its own model and has undergone numerous redesigns and platform changes over the decades.

8Th Gen Production Years:

2008-2012

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Lansing, Michigan, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Recognition:

Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Consumerreports Reliability:

Mixed to average reliability ratings in consumer surveys for this generation.

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.