2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu

2016-2025 Chevrolet Malibu - Coolant Flush

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧🔧 Moderate 60-120 minutes $55 DIY

Save $220 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $275

Quick answer: Coolant Flush on a 2016–2025 Chevrolet Malibu is rated Moderate and takes about 60-120 minutes. You'll need 3 tools for this job, and parts cost about $55. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$55.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Vehicle-specific engine coolant/antifreeze	—	$55.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Confirm coolant specification and prepare the vehicle

Verify the coolant type, mixture, capacity, and bleed procedure for your engine first. Park level, set the brake, switch off the ignition, let the system cool completely, and remove any underbody shield blocking the drain.

Drain the old coolant safely

Place a large pan under the radiator drain or lower hose. Remove the cap only once the system is cold, open the drain carefully, and collect every drop. Drain the block too if the design requires it.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

I drain into a lidded pan because coolant is sweet and lethal to pets — the neighborhood cats are my motivation. Cap comes off only when cold, and I open the drain carefully to catch every drop.

Close the system and inspect

Inspect the drain plug, hose ends, radiator, reservoir, thermostat housing, and clamps for cracks or leaks. Refit the drain plug or hose with its seal in good condition — and don't overtighten plastic fittings.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

I hand-tighten plastic fittings and check for weeping after the first heat cycle — they crack past 100k miles if you look at them wrong. Hose ends, radiator, and clamps all get inspected for cracks before I close up.

Flush only when appropriate

Flush with water only if the service procedure calls for it: close the drain, fill with the specified water, run the engine long enough to circulate with the heater on, cool, and drain again. No chemical flush products unless the manufacturer permits them.

Fill with the specified coolant

Fill through the radiator, expansion tank, or designated fill point with the correct premix or accurately mixed concentrate. Use a spill-free funnel or vacuum fill tool, and stop at the specified cold level.

Bleed trapped air

Follow the engine-specific bleed points and procedure. Set the heater as instructed and watch the level as the thermostat opens. Never lean over an open filler neck while the engine is hot or pressurized.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

An air pocket in the heater core is behind half the 'no heat' complaints I hear after a flush. I squeeze the upper radiator hose while filling to burp the system, and I never lean over an open filler neck while it's hot.

Check leaks and verify the final level

After the engine cools fully, recheck the reservoir or radiator level and inspect every drain and hose connection. Top up only with matching coolant. Confirm normal cabin heat and gauge behavior on a short drive, then recheck for leaks.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Opening the cap or drain while the engine is hot or pressurized
• Using tap water or mixing coolant chemistries without confirming compatibility
• Failing to open the vehicle-specific air-bleed points or heater circuit when required
• Stopping after the first fill without checking the level, leaks, and trapped-air symptoms

Tools You'll Need

Large drain pan and funnel Basic socket or wrench set for the drain point Distilled water if a concentrate coolant is specified Cooling-system fill funnel or vacuum filling tool Gloves, safety glasses, shop towels, and spill absorbent

Related Trouble Codes

P0128 Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temp Below Regulating Temp)

⚠️ Safety First!

• Informational DIY. EZ Car Fix is not a shop.
• Never remove a radiator or expansion-tank cap from a hot or pressurized cooling system; severe burns can result.
• Use only the coolant chemistry, concentration, and water type specified for the exact engine, and never mix incompatible coolant types.
• Collect and recycle used coolant promptly; it is toxic to people and animals and must not enter drains or soil.