GM Chevrolet Malibu Engine
Oil Change Guide
How to change the motor oil and oil
filter on a 2004 to 2007 Chevy Malibu with the GM 3500 3.5L LX9 V6 engine.
 GM 3500 V6 3.5L LX9 |
 Super Tech ST3387A Filter |
 4 Quarts SAE 5W-30 |
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 Wal-Mart Super Tech Oil |
 13mm Oil Drain Bolt |
 Engine Oil Filter |
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| The tools needed to
complete this oil change procedure include a 13mm wrench or socket for the
oil drain bolt, an oil filter wrench, a used oil catch container, a floor
jack, and jack stands. Other useful items to have are latex gloves, paper
towels, an automotive funnel, and newspapers.
If it isn't already, warm up the engine for a few minutes to suspend contaminants in the oil and help the old oil flow out more quickly. The first step is to jack up the passenger side of the car and then secure it with two jack stands. Place blocks or wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to keep the vehicle from moving. Engaging the parking brake is also a good idea for additional safety. The 13mm oil drain bolt is located at the rear of the engine's oil pan facing towards the back end of the car. The engine's oil filter is located just in front of the oil pan and behind an exhaust pipe. |
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 Turn Bolt Counter Clockwise |
 Old Oil Draining Out |
 Remove Oil Filler Cap |
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| Since used engine oil can contain carcinogens (cancer causing agents), it's recommended that you wear latex gloves. Place your oil catch container under the oil drain bolt and remove it by turning it counter clockwise with a 13mm wrench or socket and ratcheting wrench. Allow the old oil to drain out for at least a few minutes. Removing the oil filler cap on the top of the engine will let air into the engine and cause the old oil to drain out faster. | ||||
 Allow Air To Enter Engine |
 Dip Finger In New Oil |
 Lubricate Oil Filter O-Ring |
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| Next, dip a finger into some new engine oil and run it around the rubber o-ring on the new oil filter to lubricate it. This will help the o-ring create a better seal, prevent leaks, and makes it easier to remove during the next oil change. | ||||
 Replace Oil Drain Bolt |
 Twist Off Old Oil Filter |
 Allow Filter To Drain |
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| You may be able to remove the old oil filter just by turning it counter clockwise by hand. An oil filter wrench can make removing a stubborn oil filter much easier and they only cost a few dollars. Be sure to move your old oil catch container underneath the oil filter since some oil will leak out when it is removed. | ||||
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 Hand Tighten New Oil Filter |
 Tighten 13mm Drain Bolt |
 Pour In New 5W-30 Oil |
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| Once the old oil
has mostly stopped leaking out from the oil filter receptacle, screw on the
new oil filter in the clockwise direction until it stops. Then twist it
about 1/4 to 1/2 turn past hand tight. Do not tighten the new oil filter
with an oil filter wrench since it can cause damage to the filter or o-ring
and result in a leak. Replace the 13mm oil drain bolt with the wrench or socket until it is just past hand tight. Do not over tighten the oil drain bolt as the threads or aluminum oil pan may be damaged causing a leak. Double check that the drain bolt and oil filter are tight before lowering the car down from the jack stands and removing the floor jack. The GM 3500 3.5L V6 engine requires 4 US Quarts of new oil for an oil change with a new oil filter. Pour in about 3.5 quarts of oil, run the engine for a minute, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and then check the oil level on the dipstick. Slowly add the rest of the fourth quart of oil until the level on the dipstick reaches the "MAX" or "FULL" line. |
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 Check Oil Level On Dipstick |
 Replace Dipstick |
 Display Oil Life on DIC |
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| It's much better to run an engine with slightly less oil than needed than to run it with too much oil. Running an engine with too much oil can cause damage to the seals, gaskets or other components. Depending on how long you allowed the old oil to drain out from the engine, you may not need the entire 4 quarts as specified in the manual to reach the "FULL" mark on the dipstick. | ||||
 Press & Hold ENTER Button |
 Oil Life Reset Screen |
 Press & Hold Enter Again |
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| The last step to complete the oil change is to reset the oil life meter on the "DIC" (Driver Information Center) feature of the Chevy Malibu's radio. Change the display of the DIC until the "Oil Life xx%" screen appears. Then press and hold the "Enter" button until the "Oil Life Reset" message is displayed. Release the "Enter" button and then hold it again for a few seconds until the "Acknowledged" message appears. Release the "Enter" button and you should see "Oil Life 100%" on the screen. | ||||
 "Acknowledged" Message |
 Oil Life 100% |
 Oil Life Reset Instructions |
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| Check the oil level
on the engine's dipstick after your first drive and again a few days later.
Look for oil spots on your driveway, garage floor, or parking spot for the
first week to be sure that the drain bolt and filter are on tight enough. |
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| For more of my
automotive repair guides or product reviews, click on the following links:
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K&N Air Filter Cleaning Guide. |
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