[exuL1B47]

Hi I'm a proud owner of a 2005 Malibu Maxx. When I change my oil and filter and replace the oil it only requires (4.5) quarts to reach the full mark on the oil dipstick, even after the car is driven many miles (3000) between changes. This was true even when the car was under warranty but the dealer thought that the technician over filled the crankcase, however, now that I change my own oil/filter and add the oil one quart at a time I find that to add the recommended (5) quarts would show approx. (.5) quart over the full mark.
My questions:
*Have you come across this situation with other 2005 Malibu (3.5) liter V6's?
*Could the oil dipstick be missing some part that allows it to penetrate the crankcase further than it should? (in its present form it has (1) 'O' ring (0.07MMX6.07MM) on the yellow handle)
*Am I correct that the crankcase capacity is (5) quarts when the filter is changed?
When I drain the oil I allow sufficient time to completely drain. This is a low mileage car (approx. 11,000) miles and I have had (0) problems and am very satisfied with it in all respects. It leaks no oil what so ever and I neither want to over fill it or under fill it. Any help/advice you can give on this subject will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Starship]

I'd just go by what the owner's manual says (5 quarts with filter change) and worry about more important things like properly tightening the oil filter, oil cap, and drain plug. The dip stick just shows the approximate level (will show less when checked during a fill-up vs. after sitting overnight). You're not overfilling as long as you don't see any air bubbles on the dip stick.

 

[shecky]

I have a 2005 Malibu LT 3.5L 6cyl and have noticed the same thing when using the 5QT jugs.

I drain the car while on ramps, so it's not 100% level but it's not far off given the driveway slopes somewhat. The car will take about 4.75 with filter for me to hit the max line. In fact I'm usually over by about 2mm on the dip stick.

With 67K on the car now, I've noticed that the oil level drops slightly over the course of about 4K miles. I usually change filter and oil every 3-5K.

Like noted already though, I figure this can't be an exact science. Those quarts and jugs the oil comes in are probably off by some margin (hopefully in the consumers favor...) and the car isn't going to throw a fit if your a tad over the max fill mark.

Oh and I appreciate the fact that the filter is insanely easy to access on the 3.5L - even if it's a mess to remove

 

[Answer069]

I used to work for Jiffy Lube. Your cars should only take 4.5 Qts of oil to be full. That is what we put in every single 3.5L and 4.3L V6 that chevy has made.

 

[Starship]

Some years called for 4 quarts and some, 5. Was this "4.5 Qts" something done by all Jiffy Lube, just your shop, or just yourself?

 

[exuL1B47]

Some years called for 4 quarts and some, 5. Was this "4.5 Qts" something done by all Jiffy Lube, just your shop, or just yourself?

I change my oil and filter. According to my owners manual the 2005 3.5 takes (5) quarts with filter.

 

[Answer069]

Some years called for 4 quarts and some, 5. Was this "4.5 Qts" something done by all Jiffy Lube, just your shop, or just yourself?

That amount was dictated by our computer systems based on individual manufacturer guidelines. I think that the 3.1s took 4 qts. Even some of the foreign makes were a bit odd with how much oil we used. The older Honda's owners manuals say that they take 4 qts with filter but they were always full when we added 3.75qts.

 

[Starship]

I just found it curious, is all. Also, I've never owned a vehicle (all domestic except for one) that called for a fraction of a quart. I don't suppose it make a whole lot of difference whether you go by the dipstick or owner's manual, whatever makes one sleep easier at night.

 

[rf overlord]

I have seen some owner's manuals (not necessarily for this car) that actually stated that the oil quantity specified is only an approximate and that the actual level should be determined by the dipstick, following their their specific checking procedure. I don't think the difference between 4.5 qts and 5 is significant as long as the level is between the add and full marks, or at most just slightly over.

My Mercury Marauder calls for 6 qts in the manual, but that brings the level about 1/8" over full. I used to be really A/R about it, but I stopped worrying a couple of oil changes ago...