How many liters of transmission fluid does the Malibu require?
2 Answers
The Malibu requires approximately 6 liters of transmission fluid when using the gravity method for replacement, and around 12 liters when using a transmission fluid exchange machine. There are three key points to note regarding transmission fluid during driving: 1. Under normal driving conditions, the transmission fluid temperature is typically below 135°C. However, excessive use of the vehicle, such as towing heavy loads, driving in 4WD mode on snowy terrain, or off-road conditions, can cause the transmission fluid temperature to reach 135°C due to excessive torque converter slippage. 2. When the transmission fluid temperature reaches 135°C, the system will issue an overheating warning: it will display a message and sound an alarm. The purpose of this warning is to actively prompt the user to park the vehicle, shift to neutral, engage the parking brake, and keep the engine idling. This allows the fluid to circulate in cooling mode for rapid temperature reduction, preventing potential safety hazards caused by continuously rising fluid temperatures. 3. If no parking action is taken promptly, the alarm will continue to sound. Additionally, the lubrication performance will weaken as the fluid temperature rises. When the fluid temperature reaches 143°C, the lubrication performance may be lost entirely, leading to internal transmission component failures due to excessive friction and overheating.
I've encountered this issue before, as I've been driving a Malibu for several years and need to change the transmission fluid at every service. To be honest, the exact capacity depends more on the model year. For my 2018 model, the manual states that the automatic transmission requires about 6 to 6.5 liters, while a manual change might need slightly less. It's best to use the manufacturer-recommended Dexron VI fluid. I once had it changed at a 4S shop, which cost me less than 1,000 yuan, but if you're doing it yourself, you'll need the right tools and a suitable oil container. The key point is that not changing the fluid can lead to premature transmission wear or even breakdowns, so I recommend checking it every few tens of thousands of kilometers. Also, different model years may vary—for example, older Malibu models might require over 7 liters—but generally, around 6 liters should suffice. Don't worry too much; just ask at a professional shop to be sure. Safety comes first.
