2013–2015 Chevrolet Malibu
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| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5W-30 dexos engine oil (5 quarts) | — | — | |
| Cartridge oil filter with O-ring | — | — |
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
Idle the Malibu for 2–3 minutes to thin the oil, then park on level ground and set the parking brake. The 2.5L four-cylinder takes 5 quarts of 5W-30 dexos — have the oil, a cartridge filter, and a drain pan ready. Open the hood.
Remove the oil fill cap to vent the crankcase. The 2.5L's cartridge filter housing is on top of the engine — locate the black plastic cap. You will change the filter from above, which keeps the job clean.
Raise the front on ramps or jack stands. Find the drain plug on the oil pan, position the drain pan, and remove the plug with a wrench. The 2.5L sump drains in about 10 minutes.
Unscrew the filter housing cap with a filter socket from above. Lift out the old element, wipe the housing, install the new element, oil the fresh O-ring, and thread the cap back on snugly by hand. Do not crank down on the plastic.
Reinstall the drain plug (hand-thread, then snug). Lower the car. Pour in 5 quarts of 5W-30 dexos. Start the engine for 30 seconds, shut off, wait 2 minutes, and check the dipstick. Look for leaks at the plug and filter housing.
Reset the oil-life monitor through the driver information center. Seal the used oil in containers for recycling at a parts store. Log the mileage — the 2.5L does well with 7,500-mile intervals on dexos synthetic.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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