Greetings, all! I've just acquired a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu for my daughter, as an upgrade from her 1999 Chrysler Cirrus. Given that she'll be commuting to an out-of-state college, she'll be doing quite a bit of driving. While browsing the owner's manual, I couldn't locate any information linked to the maintenance requirements for the car's automatic transmission. Are there any fellow owners of a recent Chevrolet model here? I'm curious to know how frequently you recommend changing the transmission fluid. Additionally, I couldn't find any mention of whether this car employs a chain or belt mechanism. Could someone clarify which of these components the vehicle utilizes? It's equipped with a 1.5-liter L4 engine.
I couldn't locate any information linked to the maintenance requirements for the car's automatic transmission.
Change the automatic transmission fluid (and filter if applicable) every 40,000 miles. Use OEM fluid.
Additionally, I couldn't find any mention of whether this car employs a chain or belt mechanism. Could someone clarify which of these components the vehicle utilizes? It's equipped with a 1.5-liter L4 engine.
That 1.5L turbo I4 engine has a timing chain.
.
https://cararac.com/blog/chevy-malibu-1-5-turbo-engine-problems-durability.html
Looks like this car has the LFV engine. They have timing chains.
You likely won't find much in regards to the automatic transmission. They're "sealed for life" units. It's really designed to last 60k miles, then it becomes your problem, not the dealership's. They're not sealed for life, unless you only drive 60,000 miles and scrap it. All transmission fluids get dirty. Like @DayWalker said, change it every 40k miles. Those automatic transmissions are already weak enough.
