How to Change the Oil in a 2005 Chevy Malibu 2.2

The 2005 2.2-liter Chevy Malibu employs the same procedure to change the oil and oil filter as the Chevy Cavalier with the same engine (which discontinued production in 2005). While draining oil from the oil pan underneath the vehicle is a standardized procedure for many vehicles, the distinction of the four-cylinder Malibu is the oil filter location. Many do-it-yourself enthusiasts may be a bit confused until they realize where the filter is and how to replace it.

Apply the parking brake and run the engine for approximately five minutes if the engine is cold. Warming the engine oil will allow it to drain more quickly from the oil pan.

Shut off the engine off (if applicable) and open the hood. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the valve cover.

Lift up the front of the Malibu with the jack (one front quarter at a time) and support the car down onto jack stands placed under each front frame rail.

Put on the safety glasses and latex gloves and crawl under the front of the Malibu with the 15 mm wrench, drain pan and shop rags.

Align the drain pan below the oil pan drain plug and remove the plug with the wrench. Allow several minutes for the oil to drain thoroughly from the pan until it is sporadically dripping. Replace the drain pan plug and tighten it snugly with the wrench. Wipe off any dripping oil from the pan and under the engine frame.

Crawl out from under the Malibu with the items and then lower the Malibu back to the ground.

Locate the oil filter housing at the front lower center of the engine. It is located on the right hand side (facing the engine) of the air tube running to the throttle body. A large black cover with a 1 1/4-inch hex-head top indicates the oil filter housing cover. Remove the cover with the ratchet, extension and shallow 1 1/4-inch socket.

Pull the old oil filter out of the housing and discard it. Remove the old gasket from the oil filter housing cover and replace it with the new one supplied in the replacement oil filter cartridge. Push the replacement filter into the oil filter housing until the tab snaps into place. Replace the cover and tighten with the ratchet, extension and socket.

Add four quarts of 5W30 engine oil, using the funnel placed in the oil fill spout. Replace the oil fill cap and then start the engine for 10 to 15 seconds.

Remove the dipstick (yellow handle located on the passenger side of the front engine) and wipe the dipstick clean with a shop rag. Reinsert it fully into the dipstick tube and remove it again. Check the bottom of the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary until the oil level is in the top of the crosshatch marks indicating "FULL." Remove the funnel and shop rag, replace the oil fill cap and close the hood.