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Chevrolet Malibu Maxx General Care and Maintenance

73 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 6:36 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Engine, Oil, Hatchback


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#2 of 73
They updated my computer. by medinamalibu
Jan 31, 2006 (10:26 pm)
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Wow, what a difference a lube/oil/filter makes! The steering had gotten a little heavy and chunky over the course of 5 months/1400 miles, but it's light and smooth once again. I took my Maxx into the dealer last week after the gauges died! Seriously, I started the car, and the tach, fuel, and engine temp were flat at the bottom. I started driving, and the speedometer didn't move. A 3-mile commute didn't budge the odometer. That was really fun. I took it in (after the gauges came back to life, of course) and the service guys couldn't find any trouble codes stored, or any bulletins from GM about this type of problem. Which means I have a very special car. However, there were updates available for the BCM and PCM, so they installed those, maybe it'll help. The symptoms have not recurred, but I'm feeling that the warranty was a very wise purchase. I still love the ride, though.
 
P.S. Kurt -- no clue on the suspension travel.
#3 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [medinamalibu] by reference
Feb 01, 2006 (4:09 pm)
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Replying to: medinamalibu (Jan 31, 2006 10:26 pm)

My 2005 Maxx LS did the same thing (dead gauges)a few days ago.I noticed the ABS light went on when I started the car then all the gauges went dead.Drove a short distance then shut the ignition off and restarted the car and everything has been ok since.The outside temp was right at 32 degrees and wet so I figured something got confused in the ignition or PCM by the weather conditions.Have owned the car for 8 months and other than a rough idle that comes and goes I still love the car.Typical life with high technology.............
#4 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [medinamalibu] by csandste
Feb 04, 2006 (8:37 pm)
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Replying to: medinamalibu (Jan 31, 2006 10:26 pm)

1400 miles?
 
GM V-6's are extremely easy on oil. I change with 10-20% left on the OCM and I've never done less than 6 thousand miles on a change. What kind of driving are you doing anyway?
 
BTW-That computer is very sophisticated and can be trusted when it comes to oil change warnings.
#5 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [csandste] by medinamalibu
Feb 05, 2006 (10:17 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Feb 04, 2006 8:37 pm)

1- and 3-mile commutes, mostly. Top speed of 35mph, for about half a mile. Of course there are stop signs and traffic lights too.
#6 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [medinamalibu] by csandste
Feb 05, 2006 (3:03 pm)
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Replying to: medinamalibu (Feb 05, 2006 10:17 am)

Wow-- I guess that proves that the oil change monitor can recommend short change intervals.
#7 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [csandste] by pao
Feb 06, 2006 (5:07 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Feb 05, 2006 3:03 pm)

still seems odd..I have a 70 mile round trip commute in Northern VA DC traffic..ranges from crawling along to 70MPH....and I get 6000 miles on the GMOL easily...am using sythnetic......dont know that GMOL considers time between changes...as it does the engine conditions etc with its algorithms......1400 miles with a short commute over five months....seems way too soon for the DIC to be recommending an oil change....and dont see how that would effect the steering of the car.....just my two cents
#8 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [pao] by csandste
Feb 06, 2006 (11:30 pm)
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Replying to: pao (Feb 06, 2006 5:07 am)

I would want to have the oil change monitor checked. I agree with you that there's something wrong there. The algorhythms are very sophisticated and include number of times engine is floored, ambient temperature, average speed and a lot of other things. Far more sophisticated a system than any other similarly priced car but 1500 miles would have me bringing it in for a check. I'm going way over 6000 miles in winter short cycle driving-- during the summer I could go over 9000 if I took it down to 0%. The monitor is set for dino not synthetic. I use Pennzoil 5w30 with a Wal-Mart (Champ Labs) filter.
 
Here's a quote from:
 
http://www.gm.com/automotive/vehicle_shopping/suv_facts/300_env_emissions/6_oil_- life_system.html
 
"Use of the GMOLS will often double or even triple the oil change interval for a typical vehicle when compared to the commonly recommended 3,000-mile oil change.
 
The GMOLS will automatically adjust the oil change interval based on engine characteristics, driving habits and the climate in which the vehicle is operated. For instance, mild highway driving in a warm climate will maximize the interval between oil changes. Depending on the vehicle, this could be in excess of 7,000 miles and as high as 12,000 miles. On the other hand, short-trip driving in a cold climate may limit the oil change to 3,000 miles or less. In general, most people that drive a combination of city and highway find that the GMOLS will indicate an oil change every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. GM data shows the OLS extends oil change intervals without risk to the engine."
#9 of 73
Re: They updated my computer. [pao] by medinamalibu
Feb 08, 2006 (8:55 am)
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Replying to: pao (Feb 06, 2006 5:07 am)

Actually, the oil life monitor was reading about 50%, and I'm still kind-of "babying" the car whenever possible.
 
I (hope I) didn't say the steering improved because of the oil change, but it may have been a combination of the chassis lube and the tire rotation. Seven months after purchase, I thought it was a good idea to give another tire a turn at being designated Curb Smacker. Obviously it's best if none of them are.
#10 of 73
Transmission Service by pao
May 23, 2007 (4:33 am)
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had the transmission serviced at 95K...simple drain and replace the filter....so they had to drop the pan....noticed they only replaced 4 qts of fluid, and the trans holds 9.5 for a complete overall....is it normal for that much fluid to remain in the trans with just a simpl drain....this wasnt a power flush...as I dont beleive in those....just wondering what would be the normal replacement quantity for drain and fill

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