🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Chevrolet Model: Malibu Year: 2004-2008 Codes Platform: Epsilon 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size sedan Target Audience: Family car, commuting, general transportation Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Dodge Stratus Key Features Design: Sleek, modern styling, spacious interior, comfortable ride Powertrain Options: Variety of fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and powerful V6 engines Safety Features: Good safety ratings, available advanced safety systems Manual Value Proposition Usefulness: Essential for DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and owners who want to understand and maintain their vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Language: English Format: Digital (PDF) Page Count Estimated Pages: 2500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 2.0L Ecotec, 2.2L Ecotec, 3.5L V6 (LZ4), 3.6L V6 (High Feature), 3.9L V6 (LZ9) Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic (4T45-E, 4T65-E), 6-Speed Automatic (6T70) Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, Rear independent multi-link Brakes: Front disc, Rear disc (ABS, EBD) Steering: Electric Power Steering (EPS) / Hydraulic Power Steering Electrical: Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Fuse boxes, Wiring diagrams, Lighting, HVAC controls, Audio system Body: Exterior panels, Interior trim, Doors, Glass, Bumpers, Seating HVAC: Air conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, Climate control Safety: Airbags, Seatbelts, Child seat anchors (LATCH) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Fluid checks and changes Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common issues, DTC code interpretation, Live data analysis Repair: Engine component replacement, Transmission overhaul, Suspension component repair, Brake system repair, Electrical component replacement Installation: Accessory installation, Component upgrades Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds and diagnostics) Diagnostic Tools: Includes procedures for using GM's scan tools (e.g., Tech 2) and diagnostic software 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF Searchability: Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for workshop use Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Base Engine: 2.2L Ecotec L61 (140 hp @ 5600 rpm, 150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) Performance Optional V6 3.5L: 3.5L LZ4 V6 (201 hp @ 5400 rpm, 220 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm) Optional V6 3.6L: 3.6L High Feature V6 (252 hp @ 6300 rpm, 251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm) - introduced later in the generation Optional V6 3.9L: 3.9L LZ9 V6 (235 hp @ 5800 rpm, 245 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm) - flex-fuel capable Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Cooling System Capacity Approx: 7.5-8.5 quarts (depending on engine) Emission Controls Catalytic Converter: Standard, OBD-II compliant Engine Management ECM Part Number Example: Various, specific to engine and year (e.g., 12581803 for 3.9L) 🔧 Transmission Standard Trans Base: 4-Speed Automatic (4T45-E for 4-cyl, 4T65-E for V6) Optional Trans Optional: 6-Speed Automatic (6T70) for V6 engines (later years) Features Shift Modes: Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability on some models) Fluid Type Atf Spec: Dexron VI (specified for most models, check manual for exact requirements) Fluid Capacity 4T65-E Capacity Approx: 4.5 quarts (dry fill) Gear Ratios 4T65-E Final Drive: 3.29:1 (typical) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 190.5 inches Width: Approx. 70.2 inches Height: Approx. 57.9 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 110.5 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 100-105 cubic feet Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 15.1 cubic feet Weights Curb Weight Approx: 3300-3600 lbs (depending on engine and trim) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash: 5-Star (Driver and Passenger) NHTSA Side Crash: 5-Star (Front), 4-Star (Rear) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for models equipped with side airbags) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Available StabiliTrak (electronic stability control) Passive Features Airbags: Dual-stage front airbags, Available front side-impact airbags, Available side curtain airbags Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, MP3 compatibility, optional premium audio systems (e.g., Bose) Navigation: Optional factory navigation system Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Parking Assist: Optional rear parking assist sensors Connectivity Onstar: Available OnStar communication system Convenience Keyless Entry: Standard or optional Remote Start: Optional 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Recommendation: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult manual) Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or as needed based on inspection Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed Spark Plug Replacement: 100,000 miles (for Ecotec engines with iridium plugs), 60,000-100,000 miles for other engines (check manual) Transmission Fluid Change: Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (check manual, depends on usage) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: SAE 5W-30 (API SM or newer) Coolant Spec: GM-spec orange silicate-free coolant (Dex-Cool) Brake Fluid Spec: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid Spec: Dexron III/VI or equivalent (if hydraulic system) Known Issues Engine Issues: Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, intake manifold gasket leaks, timing chain...