How to Change Transmission Fluid In A 2011 Chevy Malibu with A Sealed Trans
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- Опубліковано 19 вер 2017
- With todays cost rising, it's getting more expensive to do car maint. In this video, I'm showing you how to easily change your trans fluid in a 2011 Chevy Malibu with a sealed trans and 4 cyl. There is no dipstick to check fluid. It took a total of 5.3 qts of ATF6 fluid and about 30 min to change from start to finish. You can use 12 qts and run it through and drain to flush if you'd like, but anything is better then nothing! Cost to do a drain and fill, if you have a funnel, drain pan and jacks is under $30. If you do a flush, plan on about 17 qts and approx. $75. These prices are for the diy, not at a local shop. Being a 4 cyl, there was no replaceable filter on this transmission(I believe the 6 cyl does have one). I have not torn one of these trans apart yet to see if there is a filter inside. I'm just assuming there is. Thanks for watching!
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I’m 6 years late to this video but I loved it.. I’m about to change my transmission fluid today.
Thanks for watching!
Hey i have a 2010 chevy malibu LT 2.4L i want to change my transmission fluid aswell but idk what fluid my car takes any help?
@@j.2391if you have any access to looking up your VIN do that on websites that tell you all the info of your car. or else look at the stickers and placards that are in your door jam or under your hood of the car. RPO codes could help too
Excellent presentation: I could also see, by you showing the oil filter, that my wife's 2011 engine is the same. Thank you for your time and presentation. Gary
Good presentation:) I am experience mechanic but I had troubles finding the drain plug for the Tranny oil. After watching your video it was easy to locate. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with others-Malibu owners.
Great video and great presentation. Very timely being on the need to do this I didn't want to pay to have it done.
Literally one of the best videos that actually shows where and how and the location, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Hola ana
Thanks, I did a doubled down version by draining out 9 pints refilling with 9 pints driving the car a couple days then repeating the process. Cost me 9 Qts of ATF but at $3.56 each, it wasn't a bad deal.
This takes dex 6. It's 10 dollars a quart. Even adjusting for inflation you used the wrong stuff. 😂
Thanks for the info. I'm just going to do this myself.
Helped me save time and money. Much appreciated!!
Thank you so much for this video! Extremely informative! I have the same year and engine size so this helps tremendously! So here's a million more thank yous!
@okc Great video! At what points do you lift the front and rear of the car? Just asking as you have the car on 4 stands but there are no official front and rear lifting points, just the pinch welds at the side.
this is an effective way, the flush is usually done thru the trans cooler lines and they are able to flush out the whole system. the drain and fill does not drain fluid in torque converter or trans cooler but the dealer is the usually the only place that can actually do a flush, most other shops use this method because the flush machine is expensive
Yes true ,I have had my car flush and fill twice with the machine ...dude in video really said they just pour 12quarts in and let it come out the drain hole 🤣 that ain't no damm flush lol
4 speed trans is 7 quarts
6 speed trans is 5.3 quarts
Per dealer. Make sure you know what speed you have. Side note: this is not Engine cylinder’s. This is the number of gears you have. Hope this clears up any confusion
Pretty late to this, unsure if my 2010 mailbu has had transmission fluid change ever, I'm at 187k....should I go ahead and change it, also how do you know if it's 4 or 6 speed?
@@payton3938 so I had about 120k on mine and noticed it shifting oddly. I discovered there is no dipstick for the trans. So i drained it and it was empty…I put in 7 quarts and it’s been good every since.
You can always search your VIN number to find out if it’s a 4 or 6 speed. Good luck! I believe the 6 speeds have the option to put the shifter in a manual +/- mode. My 4 speed doesn’t not have that option.
@@topwater4427 thanks for the reply man I appreciate it
@@topwater4427Yeah my 6 speed's at 260k and going strong. 6 speed is a much better transmission.
@@matthewmorgan582 agreed, I have the 4 but still going strong at 183k minus the hole in the flex pipe and air bag light on 😅
Thanks brother i needed this
do I replace what came out or put the 5.3 in'
Question can i Change the Transmission oil from the top with a extractor?
Would your car not won’t switch gears if it’s low of transmission fluid mine did that but it’s back running regularly now so i think I’m low on fluid too
I have a 2011 impala, does the same apply for my vehicle?
I have a Chevy Malibu 2011 LS 2.4 do I have to change the filter as well ?
Great video very informational
This is why I love older cars!
More DIY friendly! They’re trying their best to keep you out of da loop on repairing your vehicles these days! Greed is everywhere now! Look at apartment & housing cost! Devil’s hands are busy!😮
Sir pls tell what is 5.3 Qrts. How can I measure the ammount of fluid to put in the car. I need help
How many miles did it have when changed its pretty dark already I heard that if it’s that dark it’s not worth changing because it’s to late and will damage the transmission is your car still good
same procedure for 2008 chevy Malibu?
Thanks for the video!
Can I do the same with a 2012 lt Malibu???
Do you leave it running?
Thank you. Sir. Nice and easy
Thank you for this video
Cool , thanks for a good video.
Can i use ramps?
There should be a fill plug on the side. Fill transmission until fluid runs out the side drain plug. (Same as on a rear axle). As a pro mechanic, I suggest 1 drain and refill. Drive a few days, then another drain and refill. This helps cleanse the old fluid in the torque convertor. And 2 or even 3 fluid flushes is far cheaper than having a $500-1500 used transmission and $1500 labor to swap it out. $2500-3000 or do $150 in flushes???❤
Great video. Str8 to the meat. Thank you!!
The flush also gets most of the old fluid out of the torque converter
Helped me 💯
Every video I have seen on UA-cam no one tells about the overfill plug. Very good video though after talking to our local transmission repair shop. There is an plug to pull for the fill level, so one gets the fluid up to operating temperature and then pull this plug it is the same size as the drain plug and located just behind and slightly below the drivers side driveshaft.
Some transmissions don't have a check plug. Vehicles could have several engine/trans options. Even though yours may have a plug, doesn't mean the next car has a plug. Hope I didn't confuse you. Thanks for watching!
Does this apply to my 2010 Malibu?
My 2011 Malibu does not have an overfill plug.
My '04 Pontiac Grand Am 2.2L 4spd has a check plug (different location from the Bu) and the fill cap is in the same spot.
'10 Malibu has the same sealed trans setup (like I said, check plug is in a different spot though)
If there's no dipstick, there's a Check Plug somewhere down on the trans, usually sitting in an odd spot all by itself
2009 Malibu with a dipstick. Where's the level check plug?
My daughter's base model 2011 Malibu will drain only a little over 4 quarts by pulling the plug. Since there is no dip stick, it is best to simply put back in the same amount. I recommend Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic ATF which only costs $17 a gallon a Walmart. A bargain and the best AFT on the market. The fluid should be changed every 60-70 K miles or less. Since you are only changing 1/2 of the fluid each time, you should do it twice over 1 year. By the second time, you have replaced 75% of the old fluid. It is very simple to do and I did ours with 2 oil changes.
Got a question? Do I need to drain all fluid in torque converter? Also is there a filter /screen to change?
You can't get to the tq conv without pulling the trans. If you pulled the trans, you wouldn't be able to drain the conv unless it had a drain plug, which the one in this video does not have a drain plug according to the service diagram. Draining and filling, how I showed in this video is the factory suggested service method. If your worried about the fluid in the tq conv, the best way is to drain/fill, run a few miles, then drain/fill, run a few miles, then drain/fill again. I usually suggest just doing a drain and fill. This trans may have an internal filter but must be removed and disassembled to access it. It doesn't have a filter that gets changed for normal service. Yours may be different so to be sure, call the dealer, give them your vin, and verify what yours has. Hope this helps. Thanks for your question, and if you haven't already, please subscribe!
Thanks for the video. Chevy malibus are a headache to work on!
Can you please let me know the exact spots you placed the jacks? I have A 2011 Malibu and am planning on getting it up in the air. I can’t find any info on the safest Middle jack
Point for the front end of the car. According to forums there isn’t one indicated in the manual. I don’t want to damage anything with the jack or with the placement of jack stands … and obviously safety. THANK YOU
The ALI guide shows just behind the front wheels slightly inward. If I remember correctly, it's just a flat spot a few inches from the pinch weld.
What. Type of. Fluid. goes in it .?? Thank. You..I. Subscribed to. Your. Channel .
Thank you!
My 2011 Chevy Malibu will barley go in first gear, it takes a long time to get any speed but after it gets going its running just fine. Just started this morning on top of my power steering going in and out, that has been happening for a long time but rarely. Anyways I Just left Walmart with trans fluid. My question is could this be the problem just needs fresh fluid? Or is it a bigger issue that’s gone too far? I don’t smell any burning.
It could be just needing a fluid change. Sometimes changing fluid gets you by for a little while if you have a major problem. You won't know until you try it.
I have a 09 Malibu with 88,000 and do a lot of stop and go driving due to my job but it still shifts good and is shifting a little rough not to much into the next gear after a stop. Should I still change it? Will it help shift smoother?
Absolutely! Yes.
Can this be accomplised affectively by driving it up onto car ramps. I only have two jack stands.
Yes, that's what I'll do today lol
Is this the same for a 2010? Did an oil change already but now I want to change the transmission fluid. Approaching 90k miles.
I haven't changed mine yet. 200k miles
I have a ? I have a 2010 Chevy Malibu it shifts kind of hard in reverse and when i put it in drive it starts off slow and the pick up speed when it get to about 30-40 mph do you think changing the trans fluid my help if not what do you it might be
Absolutely. Change the transmission fluid!
Absolutely change the ATF but it may be too late!
How about power steering
Thank you !!!!
I’m kinda scared to change it I have a feeling there’s gonna be shavings in it ... the transmission had made some “grinding” noises a couple months back and is there a specific number of miles one should perform every transmission fluid change ?
If your trans was slipping I'd suggest changing the fluid to see if that helps the issue. Your fluid could simply be breaking down or be too contaminated to work properly. But if you hear grinding/clunking noises, its a toss in the air if changing fluid helps. It's always worth a try though. If you have metal shavings you at least know it has internal failure and need to prepare for the worst.
Most manufacturers suggest changing fluid somewhere in the 80-120k range. A lot depends on usage, environment, and how you drive.
@@okcvet1st do you think of i use ramps it would work as well? I dont trust putting it in the air myself
i have a 2010 malibu just changed the motor but transmission just hit 200,000 miles and still works fine should i do a fluid change or just leave it alone ?
I would probably leave it.
Would you have any idea why my 2006 Pontiac g6 2.4L shifts rough from 1-2, 2-3 when it gets up to operating temp? Shifts fine when cold
Brandyn M I called around to some transmission places and they say if you change your fluid with high miles it will ruin your transmission. Watch a few videos on that. I also have a Pontiac G6 2007 and it shifts hard like you said. I've read that it must be that it is low on fluid so I think I am going to top it off and see if it helps. I am kinda worried about changing it completely in regards to the transmission going out like they say it will.
Brandyn M. Could be different reasons. Internal parts could be worn or fluid is breaking down when getting hot.
Corey Orr I've heard so many rumors about fluid changing. My mom has a 2011 Malibu with the 6 speed and at 88k miles the transmission fluid was very dark. Flushed it at the dealer and never had a problem.
I changed the fluid and put some Lucas in there too. But it actually turned out to be a bad camshaft position sensor. Put a new one on and she shifts fine. Code was P013 or something along those lines
Brandyn M Sometimes its hard to diagnose issues. The more information you have about a vehicle, the easier it is. Usually the first thing I do before working on a vehicle is put my scanner on to see if any codes are present, or stored. Glad you got it fixed.
I bought a 2011 with 185k for 1800 its my first car before registering it i did an oil change and trans drain and refill but only 4.7 quarts came out, i put 5 quarts in and its now at 188k and climbing it drives fine but sometime the rpms surge beteeen 3 and 4 uphill, i pulled the cap and took a sniff, it smells like its still a tad burnt, i last changed it last month at 185k so I'm wondering if its too soon and i should wait to 200k but also I'm wondering if i should change it again since obviously its supposed to have 5.3 and add some sort of product like amsoil to it? Thanks!
Thanks for sharing! Do they have a filter also?
The Malibu had different drivetrain options. This one had the sealed transmission with no serviceable filter and no way of draining the torque converter. If you were to remove the transmission, disassemble and break it down, you'd find a strainer that you could call a filter. This video may or may not apply to yours. Most shop manuals would prob say trans "not serviceable." Thanks for watching!
Could you show exactly where you placed your jack stands?
I normally place jacks close to the lift points under the vehicle.
Tenks bro
any chance of reaching the drain plug and doing this with the car on the floor?
can confirm this is easy to drain with the car on the floor. 16q pan from Oreilly/walmart.
You should talk about the fill plug to after the drain bolt is placed back you have to take out fill plug fill with fluid until comes out the side then put the fill plug back
Not on this car.
I think you meant to say the "Check Plug" after you replace the drain plug and start filling. On a 2.4 6spd it's on the left side (11mm Wrench is needed for removal) and it's a couple inches towards the rear from the axle/cv-shaft
You know that there is a fill plug on the side of the transmission once you remove the tire you're supposed to get it to operate in temperature and make sure the fluid runs out and then once it comes to a drip you are full and then put the plug back in
You know that on the model in this video, it does not have a side fill plug on the transmission. You can only drain and fill with the correct amount specified. Many trans options and the one you're thinking of isn't this model.
This model transmission has no fill plug on the side.
So u don't have flush the 11s by hooking a hose up to the radiator u can just run it the the fill up whole out the bottom
To answer your question the way that he did it was. Ok but he didnt drop the pan and change the filter which holds alot of the debris so he just wasted alot of time and money and is wrongabout how the shops do a trans flush, and back to you're question the transmission flush is done throughthe transmission line that is connected to the radiator but the car is also being in the run position and the breaksapplied while shifting the trans through the gears so all of the old fluid is taken out and replaced with new fluid,
@@davidmiranda5237 No pan to drop. To do what you say on this transmission you would to split it.
$4 and some change a quart? Autozone is charging almost $12 a quart. I know this video is years old now but where was he getting his transmission fluid at?
Not exactly the inflation rate they are claiming. Clear example. I bought washer nozzles the other day. Years ago, they were $6.99 a pair. Now they are $27.99 ea. $56 a pair. Over 700% inflation. The same oil filter I've been buying for 20 years has been $3.97, now $14.99. 275% inflation.
The list keeps going. There's not much that hasn't gone up a lot. Food and house goods the same way. Every time I go to the store, I walk out with less and less and in shock with my bill.
You should measure how much you take out and replace it with the same amount, so you dont overfill it
Can anybody tell me if they did this and car their vehicle is running fine?
Of course! It is as easy as changing oil.
How often should the transmission fluid be changed?
danyboy49811 good question
Every 45K miles
where u put the stands
@Young boy The stands could be put on the pinch welds at the side. I'm wondering where @okc vet lifted the car at the front and rear positions though.
I get about 4.4qts out of my 2011 with a drain and fill. IMO 5.3qts is too much, you need to pull the check plug, or carefully measure how much fluid you took out and add the exact amount back in.
I do a drain and fill every year(20-30k) to keep the fluid fresh. The first time I changed it at 70k it came out black!
Lol, you don't measure according to what you take out. For whatever reason, yours may be low on fluid. Your dipstick may not be the correct one or modified(meaning someone put the wrong one in, broke it and rigged it, etc). OEM procedures state this trans takes 5.3 qts. Check to make sure your working on the same vehicle as in this video, and that you can properly check the amount of fluid you are putting in. This vehicle did not have a dipstick, but, if it did, the level often changes after its driven and warms up. So I assume when you change your engine oil and filter, you pour oil in, check the dipstick and call it good without starting the engine, allowing it to warm up & circulate? I normally follow the manufacturer maint manual for all vehicles.
According to my repair manual and the AmsOil website, it's actually 6.3 quarts that you need, not 5.3 quarts.
@@ViperJay5 Every vehicle could be different especially different yr models and plants but I use OEM specs. All information is derived from using the vin number and manufacturer information. The vin of the vehicle in this video according to the manufacturer requires 5.3qts.
@@ViperJay5 amsoil website is wrong
240$ for my car sucks but Im paying for convenience dint know what to do with used oil pain in he ass to get rid off plus getting the jacks. Plus i have no garage and its freezing lol
Jacob Reid Most part stores will take the oil for free. Walmart also takes oil for free. Most cities have free waste disposal for hazardous materials for residence. If you live in a state or city that regulates the heck out of you and charges for things like that, I'd move, lol. Jack stands can be purchased from bargain stores for under 30 a pair, or find some at a garage sale for 5 bucks. Your car jack is sufficient to lift the vehicle high enough. As far as it being cold, put on a jacket and wear gloves, lol. Its been well below freezing in Oklahoma for several days now. I have been wearing two jackets and thermals.
what kind of oil did you used?
Luis Lopez. This vehicle took 5.3 qts of ATF6. Check your owners manual or through a dealership using your vin to verify correct fluid type and capacity.
The six speed transmission was developed in a joint effort with Ford. They use it on their Taurus and Fusion, Chevy used it on the Malibu and Impala. I use Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic compatible with Mercon LV and Dexron VI. Less than $20 a gallon at Walmart. I also change mine every 15K to 20K. Its the same transmission but Ford specifies Mercon LV and Chevy Dexron VI - essentially the same fluid.
What you do with the fluid you drained?
I’m also a technician and would like to inform you that old fluid has to go to your local auto parts store (autozone/ o’Reillys) do not throw in your trash can because you will receive a giant fine in the mail.
WOW....you have ZERO faith in your fellow man. HE DRINKS IT!!!!!!! ANY person knows the proper way to discard this.......you????? are a DB for even questioning this.
10/4 thank
Still worth changing at 79k?
shi11tenshi yes, doing a fluid change is worth doing. Servicing early is better than late or not doing it at all.
A flush should include the trans cooler, do not have to pull trans to change filter, drop the pan, swap the filter, put pan back on with new gasket. A drain and fill is the procedure shown.
This vehicle doesn't have a trans pan. It would be nice if people would do their research and knew what they were talking about before commenting. Reading about something or going off what someone else says doesn't mean that's the way it is.
Yeah difference between 4 and 6 speed.
Is this a cvt transmission?
Yes!
very good^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A true transmission fluid flush is running it on a transmission flush machine the sucks all the fluid out including what's in the torque converter which does not come out when u only pull drain plug so it does cost more to do the job complete.
The only way to remove most of the fluid is by installing a new torque converter, which requires transmission removal. This vehicle has no drain plug on the converter. It's virtually impossible to remove every drop of old fluid despite what everyone wants you to believe. You have the best chance of getting all the old fluid out of a torque converter if it has a drain plug, which lots of vehicles don't have. So a drain and refill is the best, most economical thing to do. No one will pay for a tc replacement with transmission removal, just for a fluid change. The automotive world, along with lots of other industries is full of lies and promises that are deceiving. Torque converters have only one path in and out unless it has a drain plug, which will only be open for draining it. This vehicle doesn't have one so if someone told you your getting a true flush using their flush machine, they're lying to you.
You missed the part on how to check the level...?
In the caption, I state that there is no dipstick to check the level. When you change fluid, you put the specified amount in and that's how you know it has the correct level.
You're right there is no dipstick, but there is a fluid level check plug on the left(drivers) side of the transmission. Just as you did with the drain and fill you need to have the car level. Checking the fluid level can be done with the wheel on, remove the check plug and if the transmission has the correct level of fluid it should very slightly come out of the plug hole. Of course as any automatic transmission the fluid level should be checked with the transmission at operating temp and after its been run through the gears.
"lifetime trans fluid" isn't a thing, despite what the owner's manual tells you. Transmissions live longer when they have clean fluid.
They told me this but it’s bs
👍
Actually there is a filter, but you have to remove the pan on the transmission to get to it. The transmission does not have to be removed. The filter is very important and should be changed when changing fluid.
Actually there is no serviceable filter or pan on this trans. Please do your research before commenting.
@@okcvet1st Agreed - he is thinking of the 4 speed - the 6 speed is totally different animal.
Just go on Amazon and get a gallon of the AC Delco Dexron 6 for $30.
A gallon is only 4 quarts. You will need a gallon plus 2 quarts.
He missed a step, on the side of the trans there is a fill hole plug you must take that plug out and fill the trans while the car is running until it comes out the side then replace all plugs side and top ...
Stuart Dennig Actually this trans did not have a side "fill" plug and servicing it was done by oem specification. So going to the dealer would have gotten you the exact same process as I showed in the video. If you overfill, you may have future issues or premature failure. Always verify your vehicle and drivetrain are identical when viewing how-to videos. Thanks for watching!
Yes true . This step missing
@@dwdhb9905 yes, this step is missing because there is no fill plug on the side of this trans. It is filled using the top hole!
guess I will not be taking my car to the dealer for this simple procedure cause they charge 159 dollars just to do this..
clsumjr ross Well keep in mind the dealer will flush all the old fluid, a drain and fill will only replace some of the fluid but not all.
clsumjr ross
.
@@DJR5280 The dealer will do the exact same procedure on this transmission. They will "flush" the 4 speed to keep from dropping the pan.
It should be illegal for garages to flush like that. Id say what a waste of fluid but who knows if they arnt 1) using it over and over again a few times on other cars or if theyre even using that much in the first place. I'd never let a garage touch any of my fluids.
Bro my shit been LEAKING FOR MONTHS I THOUGHT IT WAS WATER
Your half right. A flush is better than a drain. The TC holds around 2 qts that doesn't drain. The gears will hold about .5 qts. Dont go in detail lol you looked kinda ignorant, just drain it and fill it back up. Also dont run It, let it sit all night before you drain it so that the most fluid you can get at the bottom is at the bottom.
You only changed half the fluid. The rest is in the torque converter and lines, and they must be flushed. Easy to do though. It calls for Dextron VI, an aftermarket equivalent is Valvoline MaxLife ATF.
What your saying isn't practical. Real world is different then what people try to convince you of. What your saying isn't a must do situation. This torque converter does not have a drain plug or access plate so you would have to use tons of fluid to get every bit out if you tried using the cooler lines. Chances are you won't get 100% of the old fluid out, so its just not practical to spend that much money on fluid trying. Just because it may look cleaner then what was coming out, doesn't mean you got all the old out. It's not that critical to flush out 100% of the old fluid. If your trans is damaged, then 100% new fluid isn't going to help anyway. There is no magical number to how much fluid it would take to completely flush the system of all the old fluid. The process used in this vid is the same as the manufacturer service procedure, so it's completely adequate. Also keep in mind your vehicle may be different and the service procedure may not be the same.
@@okcvet1st you are only flushing half the fluid this way. A 50% flush is unacceptable.
@@alouiciousjackson5812 I'll pass the expert info on to GM....lol!
@@okcvet1st LOL What makes you think GM specifies doing it this way? The book time to change the fluid is 1.4 hrs on the 4-speed automatic. It can be done in 10 minutes just doing a drain and fill as you are doing.
@@alouiciousjackson5812 I just signed on to verify, the GM book time for servicing and flushing this trans is 0.7 hrs. Not sure what you are looking at. Make sure your looking up the correct application. This trans has no serviceable filter, no check plug on the side, no drain plug or access to torque converter, no other required fluid changing procedures. The point is, your method is not a must do (can be considered optional)and 5.3 qts is the official fluid change capacity when servicing the transmission by GM specifications. Everyone has the right to believe what they want, but correct procedures and pointless procedures are two different things. Pointless waste money, time and resources for no reason. Keep in mind, oem procedures for other makes and models may require a full fluid line flush, but not in the case of this vehicle.
👍🌹
Is there anyway you can email or message me an give me a little bit more information on how to do it the right way thank u
1 quarter cost 10 plus tax😁
Change the oil without replace the filter is useless
In vehicles with serviceable filters, that may be true. Vehicles have different options, which include engines and transmissions, which apply to this one. This particular trans has no serviceable filter, so the comment has no merit. This video is over 6 yrs old, and the cost of the fluid has increased over 100% now, so the prices mentioned are off a bit.
Shitty idea from GM - Place the trans filter inside the transmission.