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Home/ Repair guides/ 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check
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1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check

Checking the fluid levels on your car can...

iFixit Library 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Very easy 5 - 15 minutes Guide 11424
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Guide overview

Before you begin

Checking the fluid levels on your car can significantly increase its life. Maintaining the correct fluid levels will prevent engine component failures.

Step 1

Brake Fluid

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check — Brake Fluid ⌕
  • Use caution while handling brake fluid. Brake fluid strips paint and dissolves plastic.
  • There is a maximum fluid line on the right side of the reservoir. Remove the brake fluid cap and fill the brake fluid to the maximum level line.
Step 2

Power Steering Fluid

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check — Power Steering Fluid ⌕
  • Do not overfill the power steering fluid reservoir, as this can overwork the power steering pump and cause it to burn up.
  • Remove the power steering fluid cap. Check the fluid level using the dipstick attached to the cap.
  • Fill the power steering fluid to the appropriate level indicated by the "H" for hot and the "C" for cold.
  • If the car has not been started then the fluid is cold. If the engine has been running for five minutes or more, then it is hot.
Step 3

Engine Oil

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check — Engine Oil ⌕
  • Use the yellow handled oil dipstick to check the oil level by removing the dipstick, wiping off the oil, and re-inserting it.
  • Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. Full level is read on the right side of the dipstick.
Step 4

Engine Oil Continued

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check — Engine Oil Continued ⌕
  • If the oil level is below full, add oil to the car by removing the cap labeled "Engine Oil."
  • Add a small amount of oil and repeat Step 3 until the oil level is full.
Step 5

Radiator Coolant Resrvoir

1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Check — Radiator Coolant Resrvoir ⌕
  • Make sure the engine is cool before removing the radiator reservoir cap. Radiator coolant needs to be disposed of properly. Visit this link for more information http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/material...
  • Remove the radiator reservoir cap and fill it with coolant until it reaches the full level indicator line on the front side of the reservoir.