2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280)

GMX280 / Sedan / North America / select global markets

LNFLY7LZEExact year/trim recordGold

Engine identity

Engine code

LNF, LY7, LZE

Engine summary

Multiple engines offered including 2.4L Ecotec I4 (LAF), 3.6L V6 (LY7) and a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 (LNF) mainly for SS trims.

Displacement

2.4L I4 / 3.6L V6 / 2.0L turbo I4

Power

169 hp (2.4L I4), 252 hp (3.6L V6), 259 hp (2.0L turbo I4)

Torque

160 lb-ft (2.4L I4), 251 lb-ft (3.6L V6), 260 lb-ft (2.0L turbo I4)

Fuel system

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for 2.4L and 3.6L; Direct Injection for 2.0L turbo

Timing drive

Timing chain

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 5W-30, meeting GM dexos1 Gen2 specification

Oil capacity

4.2 US quarts (approximately 4.0 liters) with filter, service-fill

Coolant

Approximately 6.1 US quarts (5.8 liters)

Fluid

DEXRON VI automatic transmission fluid

Differential fluid

Typically Dexron VI or equivalent (for AWD versions if applicable)

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

5-speed manual (2.4L I4 and 2.0L turbo variants in some markets)

Automatic transmission

4-speed automatic (2.4L I4), 6-speed automatic (3.6L V6 and 2.0L turbo I4)

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped recommended

Service interval

Oil change every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first)

Tire sizes

P215/60R16, P225/50R17 (SS)

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Intake manifold gasket leaks (3.6L V6)
Timing chain noise (early 2.4L engines)
Transmission shift concerns in 4-speed automatics

First checks

Inspect intake manifold gasket condition
Confirm no oil leaks around valve covers
Check transmission fluid quality and level

Before replacing parts

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

2009 Chevrolet Malibu was sold mainly in North America with production localized in the USA and Mexico.
Engine offerings vary by market; turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec primarily in SS trims in North America.
Oil capacity refers to service fill including oil filter change.

Common codes

Source and verification notes

Chevrolet 2009 Malibu owner’s manual technical specifications section
EPA and GM service bulletins for 2009 Malibu engines and drivetrains

Compatible tools

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) use? 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) is listed here with engine code LNF, LY7, LZE; engine summary: Multiple engines offered including 2.4L Ecotec I4 (LAF), 3.6L V6 (LY7) and a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 (LNF) mainly for SS trims..
What oil and capacity does the 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) use? 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) is listed with SAE 5W-30, meeting GM dexos1 Gen2 specification and oil capacity 4.2 US quarts (approximately 4.0 liters) with filter, service-fill. Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) problems? Highlighted checks for 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280): Intake manifold gasket leaks (3.6L V6), Timing chain noise (early 2.4L engines), Transmission shift concerns in 4-speed automatics.

Engine identity

Engine code

LNF, LY7, LZE

Engine summary

Multiple engines offered including 2.4L Ecotec I4 (LAF), 3.6L V6 (LY7) and a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 (LNF) mainly for SS trims.

Displacement

2.4L I4 / 3.6L V6 / 2.0L turbo I4

Power

169 hp (2.4L I4), 252 hp (3.6L V6), 259 hp (2.0L turbo I4)

Torque

160 lb-ft (2.4L I4), 251 lb-ft (3.6L V6), 260 lb-ft (2.0L turbo I4)

Fuel system

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI) for 2.4L and 3.6L; Direct Injection for 2.0L turbo

Timing drive

Timing chain

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

SAE 5W-30, meeting GM dexos1 Gen2 specification

Oil capacity

4.2 US quarts (approximately 4.0 liters) with filter, service-fill

Coolant

Approximately 6.1 US quarts (5.8 liters)

Fluid

DEXRON VI automatic transmission fluid

Differential fluid

Typically Dexron VI or equivalent (for AWD versions if applicable)

Brake fluid

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

5-speed manual (2.4L I4 and 2.0L turbo variants in some markets)

Automatic transmission

4-speed automatic (2.4L I4), 6-speed automatic (3.6L V6 and 2.0L turbo I4)

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped recommended

Service interval

Oil change every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first)

Tire sizes

P215/60R16, P225/50R17 (SS)

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) use? 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) is listed here with engine code LNF, LY7, LZE; engine summary: Multiple engines offered including 2.4L Ecotec I4 (LAF), 3.6L V6 (LY7) and a turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec I4 (LNF) mainly for SS trims..

What oil and capacity does the 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) use? 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) is listed with SAE 5W-30, meeting GM dexos1 Gen2 specification and oil capacity 4.2 US quarts (approximately 4.0 liters) with filter, service-fill. Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280) problems? Highlighted checks for 2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280): Intake manifold gasket leaks (3.6L V6), Timing chain noise (early 2.4L engines), Transmission shift concerns in 4-speed automatics.

2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

2009 CHEVROLET Malibu LNF/LY7 (GMX280)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes