2015 Chevrolet Malibu Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu holds approximately 7.4 to 7.9 quarts (7.0 to 7.5 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. This guide provides detailed information on coolant capacity, type, flush intervals, and common cooling system issues for your 2015 Malibu.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity:
  • 2.5L L4 (LKW): 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters)
  • 2.0L L4 Turbo (LTG): 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: Dex-Cool (Orange, OAT, GM Spec GM6277M long-life antifreeze)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mix (or concentrate mixed with distilled water)

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu was available with two engine options, each with a slightly different coolant capacity:

Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications for your specific vehicle configuration.

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant system is crucial for the longevity of your engine. The recommended flush intervals for a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu are:

• Normal Duty: Replace every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you operate your vehicle under severe conditions (e.g., heavy towing, extreme temperatures, dusty environments), consider more frequent inspections and potentially earlier replacement.

Regularly check your coolant level and condition between flush intervals. If your coolant appears discolored or murky, it's a good indication that it might be time for a flush.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system correctly is essential to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating. Here's a general procedure for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before attempting any work on the cooling system. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
2. Drain Old Coolant: Place a drain pan under the radiator drain petcock (usually located at the bottom of the radiator on one side) and open it. Remove the radiator cap to speed up draining. If your vehicle has an engine block drain, open that as well.
3. Flush (Optional but Recommended): Once drained, close the drain petcock. You can optionally flush the system with distilled water until it runs clear. Some technicians prefer a dedicated cooling system cleaner, following the product instructions carefully.
4. Close Drains & Refill: Close all drain points. Begin refilling the system slowly with the recommended Dex-Cool 50/50 mix through the radiator fill neck. Pour slowly to allow air to escape.
5. Bleed Air:
   • Start the engine and let it idle with the heater on full blast (this opens the heater core, allowing coolant to flow through it).
   • Keep the radiator cap off (or loosely placed) and observe the coolant level. As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and the coolant level may drop. Add more coolant as needed to maintain the "COLD FILL" line in the reservoir.
   • Some Malibus may have a bleeder screw (often on or near the thermostat housing). If present, open it slightly to allow trapped air to escape until a steady stream of coolant comes out. Close it once air is purged.
   • Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses repeatedly to help dislodge air bubbles.
   • Continue this process until the engine reaches operating temperature and no more air bubbles appear in the radiator fill neck or reservoir. You may need to rev the engine gently a few times (to about 2,000-2,500 RPM for 30 seconds) to help circulate the coolant and purge air.
6. Final Check: Once the engine is fully warm and no more air is escaping, replace the radiator cap securely. Allow the engine to cool completely, then recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary.
7. Monitor: For the next few days, keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir and check for any leaks.

Common Cooling System Issues (2015 Chevrolet Malibu Generation)

The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and its generation, can experience some common cooling system issues, including:

• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump is a common failure point over time. Symptoms include coolant puddles under the vehicle, a whining noise from the engine bay, or an overheating engine. The 2.5L engine, in particular, has had reports of water pump failures.
• Thermostat Failures: A stuck-open thermostat can cause the engine to run cold, leading to poor fuel economy and reduced heater performance. A stuck-closed thermostat will cause the engine to overheat rapidly.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiators can develop leaks due to corrosion, cracks from impacts, or general wear and tear, especially around the plastic end tanks commonly found on modern radiators.
• Coolant Hose Leaks: Hoses can degrade over time, leading to cracks, bulges, and leaks. Inspect hoses regularly for signs of wear.
• Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Failure: A faulty ECT sensor can send incorrect readings to the engine control module (ECM), leading to improper fuel mixtures, poor cooling fan operation, and potentially overheating or an engine that runs too cold.
• Degradation of Dex-Cool: While designed for long life, if Dex-Cool is mixed with conventional green coolant or if the system is not properly maintained, it can degrade and lead to sludge formation or corrosion within the cooling system.

Prompt diagnosis and repair of any cooling system issues are crucial to prevent more severe engine damage.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.