Consumer Review Video - 2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.5L V6

Common problems and easy repairs on a 2004 Malibu

The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS is a relatively easy vehicle to maintain, and a good choice for the average vehicle owner. The engine coolant reservoir is easily visible in the engine bay. This will allow you to check and replenish the fluid level on a regular basis. Checking the oil level is no problem, as the oil dipstick is easily accessible in the engine bay. The engine fuse box is easy to access. This will allow you to complete electrical troubleshooting with reliability.

Some things are more problematic on the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS. You will have to remove a large panel from under the vehicle for access to the petcock. This will require you to contend with gravity as you complete. Changing the engine air filter is difficult to do, as you will have to use more tools than usual in order to access and replace the filter. This vehicle does not come equipped with a transmission fluid dipstick. You will have to take your vehicle into a dealer to check the fluid level.

Author

Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road.

How to add transmission fluid

If your transmission is running low on fluid, be sure to add some - find out how to do this here!

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.5L V6

Replace reverse light

White light when you back up - yup, they burn out and you can replace them with bright LEDs

2005 Chevrolet Malibu 2.2L 4 Cyl.

Change a rear blinker

Don't send mixed signals - if your turn signal doesn't blink, or blinks rapidly, you likely have a burnt out bulb

2005 Chevrolet Malibu 2.2L 4 Cyl.

Complete oil & filter change

Sure you can take it in for a $19 lube, but are you OK with a stripped oil pan and cheap parts in return?

2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.5L V6