1998 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity
The 1998 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2.4 T takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts with filter); the Base, 3.1 M takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter); the LS takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2.4 T: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 3.1 M: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- LS: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.4 T — 2.4L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 3.1 M — 3.1L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | — | — |
| LS — 3.1L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | — | — |
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More specs & repair guides for your Malibu
1998 Chevrolet Malibu factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.3 quarts (10.69 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean water (preferably distilled)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2.4 T uses 5W-30; Base, 3.1 M uses 5W-30; LS uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2.4 T holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Base, 3.1 M holds 4.5 quarts with filter; LS holds 4.5 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.