2004 Chevrolet Malibu Oil Type & Capacity
The 2004 Chevrolet Malibu oil type depends on the engine: the Base takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the LS takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts with filter); the LT takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts with filter); the Maxx takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts with filter); the Maxx LS takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts with filter); the Maxx LT takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- LS: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- LT: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Maxx: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Maxx LS: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Maxx LT: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| LS — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| LT — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Maxx — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Maxx LS — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| Maxx LT — 3.5L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 4.00 QTS. | — | Use oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Malibu
2004 Chevrolet Malibu factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
6.9 quarts (6.52 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu take?
It depends on the engine: Base uses 5W-30; LS uses 5W-30; LT uses 5W-30; Maxx uses 5W-30; Maxx LS uses 5W-30; Maxx LT uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base holds 5.0 quarts with filter; LS holds 4.0 quarts with filter; LT holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Maxx holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Maxx LS holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Maxx LT holds 4.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2004 Chevrolet Malibu?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.