🔧 Malibu - Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Changing the oil removes contaminants and protects your Malibu’s turbocharged engine. Replace the oil filter at the same time, then reset the engine-oil-life monitor.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool until the exhaust and oil are warm, not hot.
• ⚠️ Support your Malibu only with properly rated ramps or jack stands on level pavement. Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Apply the parking brake and block the rear wheels before raising the front.
• ⚠️ Keep oil away from the exhaust system and clean spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Do not overtighten the drain plug. The aluminum oil pan can be damaged.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm six-point socket
• 3/8-inch-drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench rated 10-80 ft-lbs
• 64-65mm 14-flute oil filter wrench (specialty)
• Low-profile vehicle ramps rated 3-ton minimum
• Rubber wheel chocks
• 10-quart oil drain pan
• Automotive funnel with 1-quart capacity
• Plastic trim removal tool
• Nitrile mechanic gloves
• ANSI-rated safety glasses
• Absorbent shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• SAE 5W-30 full-synthetic engine oil meeting GM dexos1 specification - Qty: 5 quarts
• Spin-on engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain-plug sealing washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📍 Park your Malibu on level pavement and run the engine for approximately three minutes. Shut it off before raising the vehicle.
• 🛑 Apply the parking brake, place the transmission in Park, and position rubber wheel chocks behind both rear tires.
• 🧰 Place the tools and new parts within reach before getting under the vehicle.
• ♻️ Prepare a sealed container for transporting used oil to an approved recycling facility.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front

• Position the 3-ton vehicle ramps straight ahead of the front tires.
• Slowly drive your Malibu onto the ramps, place the transmission in Park, and apply the parking brake again.
• Confirm both tires are centered on the ramps, then install the rubber wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Gently push the vehicle by hand to verify it is stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Open the oil-filler cap

• Open the hood and locate the oil-filler cap on top of the engine.
• Remove the cap by hand and place the automotive funnel in the opening.
• Pull the yellow-handled dipstick out slightly. This allows the old oil to drain more freely.

Step 3: Access the drain plug and filter

• Put on the nitrile mechanic gloves and ANSI-rated safety glasses.
• If a small service cover blocks access, release its retainers with the plastic trim removal tool and lower the cover carefully.
• Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan and the spin-on filter nearby. A spin-on filter is the metal canister that unscrews as one piece.

Step 4: Drain the old engine oil

• Position the 10-quart drain pan beneath and slightly behind the drain plug because the oil initially flows outward.
• Use the 15mm six-point socket and 3/8-inch-drive ratchet to loosen the plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand while pressing it lightly against the pan, then pull it away quickly.
• Allow the oil to drain until it slows to an occasional drip, usually 5-10 minutes.
• Keep the plug from falling into the drain pan.

Step 5: Reinstall the drain plug

• Use an absorbent shop towel to clean the drain plug and the sealing surface on the oil pan.
• Remove the old sealing washer and install the new engine oil drain-plug sealing washer.
• Thread the plug clockwise by hand until it seats. If it does not turn easily, remove it and start again to prevent crossed threads.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench to torque the drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the 10-quart drain pan beneath the oil filter.
• Fit the 64-65mm 14-flute oil filter wrench over the filter and loosen it counterclockwise with the 3/8-inch-drive ratchet.
• Unscrew the filter by hand while holding it upright. Some oil will spill as the seal releases.
• Use an absorbent shop towel to wipe the engine’s filter-mounting surface.
• Verify the old rubber filter gasket came off with the filter. Two stacked gaskets will cause a major leak.

Step 7: Install the new oil filter

• Apply a thin film of fresh SAE 5W-30 oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved fingertip.
• Thread the filter clockwise onto the engine by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Tighten the filter by hand an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the filter wrench for final tightening.
• Write the mileage and date on the filter.

Step 8: Refit the service cover

• Use the plastic trim removal tool to reinstall any service-cover retainers removed earlier.
• Confirm the cover is secure and does not contact the exhaust or hang below the vehicle.
• Remove the 10-quart drain pan, tools, and shop towels from beneath your Malibu.

Step 9: Add fresh engine oil

• Through the automotive funnel, add approximately 4.0 quarts of SAE 5W-30 full-synthetic dexos1 oil.
• Remove the funnel and install the oil-filler cap by hand until secure.
• Fully reinstall the dipstick.

Step 10: Check for leaks and lower the vehicle

• Start the engine and let it idle for approximately 30 seconds. The oil-pressure warning light should turn off within a few seconds.
• Shut off the engine immediately if the oil-pressure light remains on or if oil leaks rapidly.
• While staying clear of hot and moving parts, use the safety glasses and inspect the drain plug and filter for leakage.
• Remove the rubber wheel chocks, release the parking brake, and carefully back your Malibu off the ramps onto level ground.
• Reapply the parking brake and reinstall the wheel chocks.

Step 11: Set the final oil level

• Wait at least five minutes so the oil can return to the oil pan.
• Remove the dipstick, wipe it with an absorbent shop towel, fully reinstall it, and remove it again.
• Add SAE 5W-30 oil through the automotive funnel in small amounts until the level reaches the upper crosshatched mark.
• The approximate refill capacity with a new filter is 4.0 L (4.2 US quarts). Use the dipstick as the final authority and do not overfill.
• Reinstall the dipstick and oil-filler cap securely.

Step 12: Reset the engine-oil-life monitor

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine. On push-button-equipped vehicles, press the start button for five seconds without pressing the brake pedal.
• Using steering-wheel controls, display Driver Information Center > Vehicle Information > Remaining Oil Life.
• Press and hold the check-mark button until the display reads 100%.
• If your Malibu uses a turn-signal-stalk MENU button, select Vehicle Information > Remaining Oil Life, then hold SET/CLR and confirm the reset.
• Switch the ignition off after confirming the display shows 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and verify the oil-pressure warning light turns off normally.
• 🔍 Inspect the filter and drain plug again after a short drive. Neither area should be wet with fresh oil.
• 📏 Recheck the dipstick on level ground after waiting at least five minutes. Correct the level without exceeding the upper mark.
• ♻️ Pour the used oil into a sealed container and take it with the old filter to an approved oil-recycling facility. Do not place liquid oil in household trash or pour it onto the ground.
• 📝 Record the service date and mileage for future maintenance.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$80 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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