Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Advantage:
Licensed OE data offers superior accuracy and completeness compared to generic aftermarket guides.
Convenience:
Instant online access, eliminating the need for physical manuals and shipping.
Cost Effectiveness:
Saves money compared to dealership service costs or expensive printed manuals.
Data Source:
Derived from Original Equipment (OE) materials.
Engine Mechanical:
Full coverage of engine assembly, teardown, and component diagnostics.
Engine Management:
Detailed information on fuel injection, ignition system, emissions controls, and ECU diagnostics.
Transmission:
Coverage for automatic transmission operation, maintenance, and repair.
Brakes:
Comprehensive details on hydraulic systems, ABS diagnostics, and component replacement.
Suspension Steering:
In-depth coverage of front and rear suspension, steering linkage, and power steering systems.
Electrical System:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component location, and troubleshooting for all electrical circuits.
HVAC:
Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Body Interior:
Information on interior trim, body panel repair, and door/window mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks, filter replacements, and tune-up procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and system repair.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, and component testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, electrical values, and component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.4 L (2398 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.82 in (89.0 mm x 97.0 mm)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Horsepower Net:
150 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Net:
155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Capacity W Filter:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L)
Cooling System Capacity:
8.5 US quarts (8.0 L)
Spark Plug Gap:
0.040-0.044 inches (1.0-1.1 mm)
Displacement:
3.8 L (3800 cc)
Horsepower Net:
190 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque Net:
225 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4 Stars (as per available data for the era)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4 Stars (as per available data for the era)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Front: Pretensioners with Load Limiters; Rear: Three-point belts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with CD or cassette player options available.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional feature depending on trim level.
Connectivity Options:
Limited by era; typically basic auxiliary input for aftermarket audio devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid
Engine Performance:
Intake manifold gasket leaks (especially on the 3800 V6), spark plug blowouts (common on early 3800s), occasional O2 sensor failures.
Transmission:
Transmission fluid leaks, solenoid issues causing harsh shifting (4T65-E).
Suspension Steering:
Worn sway bar end links, tie rod ends, and strut mounts due to vehicle weight.
Electrical:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, and dashboard illumination problems.
Brand:
Chevrolet: A division of General Motors, established in 1911, known for a wide range of vehicles from economy cars to trucks.
Previous Generation:
1997-1998 Chevrolet Malibu (Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme based)
Redesign Context:
The 1997 redesign marked the return of the Malibu nameplate to Chevrolet, repositioning it as a mid-size sedan on the GM W-body platform shared with cars like the Buick Regal and Oldsmobile Intrigue.
Manufacturing Plant:
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Production Years:
1997-2003 (Sixth Generation)
Safety Awards:
While specific awards for the '99 model are scarce, the W-body platform generally received average to good safety ratings for its time.
Consumer Reviews:
Mixed reviews during its production run, often praised for comfort and the strong 3800 V6 engine, but criticized for some interior materials and reliability concerns.
