GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (LX9) 🢒 Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 1556785 Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Position a suitable drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
  3. Remove the oil pan drain plug.
  4. Allow the engine oil to drain completely.
  5. Clean and inspect the oil pan drain plug sealing surface, replace the oil pan if necessary.
  6. Wipe any remaining oil from the drain plug hole and reinstall the oil pan drain plug until snug.

    7. Object Number: 1556786 Size: SH
  7. Position a suitable drain pan under the oil filter.
  8. Remove the oil filter.
  9. Ensure that the oil filter gasket is still on the old filter. If not remove the oil filter gasket from the adapter.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1556786 Size: SH
  1. Apply clean engine oil to the NEW oil filter gasket.
  2. Install the NEW oil filter.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the new filter to 3/4 to 1 full turn, after the oil filter gasket contacts the adapter.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1556785 Size: SH
  3. Tighten the oil pan drain plug.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the oil pan drain plug to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

  4. Remove the oil drain pan from under the vehicle.
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Fill the engine with new engine oil. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  7. Start the engine.
  8. Inspect the for oil leaks after engine start up.
  9. Turn OFF the engine and allow the oil a few minutes to drain back into the oil pan.
  10. Remove the oil level indicator from the oil level indicator tube.
  11. Clean off the indicator end of the oil level indicator with a clean paper towel or cloth.
  12. Install the oil level indicator into the oil level indicator tube until the oil level indicator handle contacts the top of the oil level indicator tube.
  13. Again, remove the oil level indicator from the oil level indicator tube keeping the tip of the oil level indicator down.
  14. Check the level if the engine oil on the oil level indicator.
  15. If necessary, adjust the oil level by adding or draining oil.
  16. Check for oil leaks.