GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Malibu 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Engine Oil and Oil Filter Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Position the oil drain pan under the engine oil drain plug.

    3. Object Number: 190542 Size: SH
  3. Remove the engine oil drain plug.
  4. Clean and inspect the engine oil drain plug. Repair or replace the plug if needed.
  5. Clean and inspect the engine oil drain plug sealing surface on the oil pan. Repair or replace the oil pan if needed.

    6. Object Number: 190543 Size: SH
  6. Remove the oil filter.
  7. Clean and inspect the oil filter sealing area on the engine block. Repair or replace the oil filter sealing area if needed.

Installation Procedure
  1. Lightly oil the replacement oil filter gasket using clean oil. Install the new oil filter.

    2. Object Number: 190543 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the new oil filter. Refer to Maintenance Items in Maintenance and Lubrication.

    3. Tighten
    After the oil filter gasket contacts the oil filter mounting surface, tighten the new oil filter to ¾-1 full turn.


    Object Number: 190542 Size: SH
  3. Install the engine oil drain plug.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the engine oil drain plug to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  4. Remove the oil drain pan.
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Fill the engine using new engine oil. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities , Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations and to Explanation of Scheduled Services in Maintenance and Lubrication.
  7. Start the engine.
  8. Inspect for oil leaks after engine start up.
  9. Turn OFF the engine. Allow a few minutes in order to allow for the oil 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 using a clean paper towel or a 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. Remove the oil level indicator from the oil level indicator tube. Keep the tip of the oil level indicator down.
  14. Inspect the level of the engine oil on the oil level indicator.
  15. If needed, readjust the oil level by adding or draining the engine oil.