🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Malibu

Year:

2009

Product Name:

Chevrolet 2009 Malibu Owners Operators Owner Manual

Chevrolet Model Code:

GMT946

Chevrolet Platform:

Epsilon II

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Competitors:

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

Highlights:

Comfortable ride, spacious interior, available V6 engine, attractive styling, good safety ratings for its class.

Trim Levels Covered:

LS, LT, LTZ

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's manual for the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.

Estimated Page Count:

450

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

Vehicle operation, instrument panel, climate control, audio system, safety features, lighting, doors, windows, seats, mirrors, interior features, exterior features, tires and wheels, starting and operating, driving and operating, maintenance, servicing and cleaning, roadside assistance, vehicle care, controls and displays, storage, towing, specifications, driver information system.

Procedures:

Proper vehicle operation, fluid level checks, tire pressure adjustment, basic cleaning and care, understanding warning lights and indicators, emergency procedures, jump starting, changing a flat tire, fuel filling instructions, key fob operation, climate control system usage, audio system operation, child restraint system installation.

Depth:

Focuses on user-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth mechanical repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed Document)

Print Quality:

High-quality OEM printing.

Binding:

Staple-bound or perfect bound.

Paper Type:

Durable, glossy paper stock for longevity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1 Type:

2.4L Ecotec Inline-4

Engine Option 1 Hp:

169 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine Option 1 Torque:

156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Engine Option 2 Type:

3.5L High-Value V6

Engine Option 2 Hp:

214 hp @ 5800 rpm

Engine Option 2 Torque:

223 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend

Oil Capacity 4 Cyl:

4.8 quarts (4.5 L)

Oil Capacity V6:

5.0 quarts (4.7 L)

Spark Plug Type:

ACDelco 41-110 (Iridium) or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic (Hydra-Matic 6T40/6T45)

Optional Transmission Type:

N/A (6-Speed Automatic was standard across all engines for 2009)

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (Manual Mode), Tow/Haul Mode (on some variants).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.7 quarts (7.3 L) (Total Fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.7 inches (4869 mm)

Width:

70.3 inches (1786 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.5 inches (2807 mm)

Passenger Volume:

97.7 cu ft (2767 L)

Trunk Volume:

15.1 cu ft (428 L)

Curb Weight 4 Cyl Est:

3450 lbs (1565 kg)

Curb Weight V6 Est:

3550 lbs (1610 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4630 lbs (2100 kg) (Varies by configuration)

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch

Optional Wheel Size:

18-inch

Standard Tire Size:

P225/55R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x115mm

Lug Nut Torque:

140 lb-ft (190 Nm)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Crash Rating:

5-Star

NHTSA Front Passenger Crash Rating:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Driver Crash Rating:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Rating:

5-Star

IIHS Head Restraint Good:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength:

N/A (Rated later models)

ABS:

Standard (4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (StabiliTrak)

Airbags Front:

Standard Dual Front Airbags

Airbags Side:

Standard Front Seat-Mounted Side-Impact Airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Standard Roof-Mounted Side-Impact Airbags (Front and Rear Outboard)

Seatbelts:

3-point Seat Belts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) System

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Options:

Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, optional Bose® premium audio system, available navigation system, auxiliary input jack.

Display Screen Size:

Up to 7-inch touch screen for navigation/audio (optional).

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise Control, Remote Keyless Entry, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Connectivity Options:

OnStar® communications system (subscription-based), Bluetooth® hands-free calling (optional with specific infotainment packages).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first) using synthetic blend oil, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or as needed.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement 4 Cyl:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium Plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium Plugs)

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GM P/N 89022652 or equivalent GYS12573074)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.6 L)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron VI

Common Complaints 2009 Malibu:

Some reports of transmission issues (particularly shifting performance), minor electrical gremlins, and potential for catalytic converter failure on higher mileage vehicles. Climate control blend door actuators can also be a point of failure. Check for TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for specific common repairs.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet History:

Founded in 1911, Chevrolet is a division of General Motors (GM) known for its wide range of vehicles from economy cars to performance trucks and sports cars.

Malibu History Summary:

The Malibu nameplate has a history dating back to the Chevelle Malibu in the 1960s. The modern Malibu, introduced in 1997, evolved into a significant mid-size sedan, with the 2008 redesign marking the start of the eighth generation, which this 2009 model is part of. This generation brought a new platform, updated styling, and improved performance and features.

Manufacturing Location:

Fairfax, Kansas, USA; Lake Orion, Michigan, USA

Production Years For Generation:

2008-2012

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award Example 1:

Named a 'Best Buy' by Consumers Digest in the mid-size sedan category (specific to certain configurations/years).

Fuel Economy Est Highway 4 Cyl:

Approx. 33 MPG

Fuel Economy Est Highway V6:

Approx. 28 MPG