How to replace the engine & transmission in a 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.5L

[@700rocket]

I think you need to hear it again, Great job on this video!!!!!. You showed me so many things ahead of me taking a car apart for the same engine/trans replacement. Tomorrow is the big day for removal.

[@s33therfan]

Thank you very much.

[@73gto52]

Great video, definitely helped with my 2.5ltr swap!! Just a quick note- some may find it easier to lift motor out the top side. You can cut the lower battery tray mount (extending from the inner fender) off with a Sawzall, then simply weld it back on when new motor installed. Only other item to remove is a wire harness extending from engine harness to steering rack. These hoods are super light and remove very easily as well. Taking that path was definitely easier than dropping the cradle when working without a hoist. Thanks again!

[@codyrusch115]

Did you take the motor and trans out?

[@r2d2326]

Im here to thank you for the video and to vent. 2013 malibu 131k miles. This car has been nothing but problems. Stalls at stop lights. Never could find the cause after thousands in repairs. Finally the engine seized up going down the road yesterday. Engine had no coolant yet none of the gauges or lights said overheat or low coolant. Im almost happy to be rid of this car.

[@s33therfan]

Thank you for sharing and thanks for watching.

[@jordansoboleski3992]

When I was having that issue I replaced my vvt solenoids and tightened the intake manifold myself at the same time, it stopped the stalling. I had already tried almost everything else before those 2.

[@jordansoboleski3992]

One of those if not both fixed it

[@johnscheffler1514]

I think you missed your calling. You definitely should of been a teacher. ;) great video. Thank you

[@s33therfan]

Love this comment , thank you very much for the great feedback.

[@cameronchaffee6201]

I did a complete engine replacement, bought a remanufactured one from Chevy. So there was a little more work. But I am putting the suspension parts back on and I got the Chevy manual and they recommend replacing a lot of the bolts for the suspension (torque to yield). I see you put back the old bolts with thread locker.

[@lazerrrbeam4290]

Watching this at 1:30 am cuz I have nothing else to do with the same car and I know for a fact ima have to do this soon thank you for this helpful video!

[@s33therfan]

Hope all goes smoothly with yours , I appreciate the great feedback.

[@Lazerrrbeam]

The time has come motor siezed up…

[@Roberto-gp3yx]

For those doing such a project I would definitely recommend to change all the coolant line hoses and the ones that lead to the heater core also along with the motor mounts/transmission mount. And the alternator as it is wedged deep at the bottom My alternator has a lifespan of 6yrs as I replaced it in 2021 So my suggestions are based on my personal experience with this engine model

[@sonichauling]

Hey bud, great video!! Thanks for putting the time in this video to show the viewers how to replace the engine and transmission .A lot of RWD videos but not enough FWD videos. I did watch the whole video from start to finish while baking and eating a frozen lasagna. I own a 2.0 2015. Stay safe and keep those videos coming. Would like to see what you got coming next I liked and subscribed this video and others should too!!

[@s33therfan]

Thank you for the awesome feedback and the sub , it is much appreciated.

[@armymp1582]

Very detailed and definitely worked smart on this one!

[@s33therfan]

Thank you for watching.

[@championoleboo]

Thank you. I appreciate it all the recording, it helped me , I'm still haven't finished but getting to it. Though

[@s33therfan]

Thank you for the great feedback, much appreciated.

[@championoleboo]

@@s33therfan you deserve it, have a good day sir..

[@lordsagat2503]

If I just want to replace exhaust manifold gasket do I have to drop the down pipe to remove manifold? Can I just lift manifold out after separating from head and that down pipe(cat converter?)?

[@s33therfan]

You should be able to lift it out once all the brackets are loose. Thanks for the feedback

[@cameronchaffee6201]

One question. Is the procedure similar to the 2011 Chevy Malibu with a V6?

[@s33therfan]

Yes it should be similar, there will be differences and less room due to the engine size. Thanks for watching.

[@TJ-we8nr]

When are the fuel injectors located I cant find the fuel rail and i need my injectors replaced asap could you help with this videos make it look way easier than in person

[@NEWMUSIC2033]

Thank you for the great video

[@s33therfan]

I really appreciate it.

[@nikkijackson1924]

Great Video,, I watched the entire Video.. wish you could done mines... very detailed.... Thanks so much

[@s33therfan]

I love feedback like this , truly appreciate it.

[@chrishans5629]

i purchased a 2017 gm 2.0l ecotec turbocharged and have a 2015 malibu 2.ol Ecotec. Do i need to find a pcm and harness from a 2017 , or will the 2015 harness work on the 2017 engine and just have the pcm programed ?

[@s33therfan]

I would start by doing a comparison with both engines , checking sensors and everything. Check the casting numbers to see if they match. I was thinking the engines were the same with the same Vin , but they could be some minor changes. If it does not work it would require programming your pcm for that year , and the 2017 harness if the old harness doesn't connect up. I would start with a comparison and go from there , it could be the engine will hook up no issues. Let me know .

[@chrishans5629]

@@s33therfan so with further research i found out that the motor i was sold isn't a 2.0l but a 1.5L. I'm just going to focus on fixing my 2.0l. so far I've found a cracked turbo and manifold. i also found coolant in the oil which was milk but not as bad as some of seen. from that I've came to know its probably a head gasket but i could have a crack internally, and only way to find that out is from a machine shop not sure what they the test at the end of the day I've had this car in the shop for a low boost. im ready to do what i need to get it running more efficiently so I can trade it in because am shy of 2k from paying this car off . its been parked in garage until this point of me trying to get it running.

[@s33therfan]

I am sorry to hear that , hopefully the head is okay and not cracked. I know the reman cylinder heads anymore are quite pricey . Best of luck on this and let me know how it goes.

[@chrishans5629]

do you know wat cam locking tool i would need the 2015 malibu 2.0l turbo. i want to go ahead and replace the head gasket but if you could help guide me on prevent the cam to roll over when changing the timing chain and head gasket . thank you @@s33therfan

[@s33therfan]

I am not sure which cam locking kit fits yours specifically , but you may be able to use a universal cam lock kit . Autozone has a loaner tool , just a deposit. This tool on ebay may work .Hope this helps. ebay.us/OpuMJd

[@masterdomhowie871]

Is there a name for that tension bar you used? Or do you just call it a tension bar. I'm going to get me one of them.

[@quezlee7946]

One question: your title say 2013 -15 my question is, this car body style was produced in 2016 also . Can the engine from 2013-15 be swap to the same body style 2016( limited not new style)?

[@denisealston2472]

Awesome video! Greatly appreciate it. I just replaced my 2011 Malibu's 3.6 L engine and it won't stay crank. The inside door locks have stopped working as well. I've checked and replaced the fuse for the door locks with no luck. Do you have any suggestions?

[@s33therfan]

It sounds like the anti theft or maybe it needs a computer reset. The chevy/gm are finicky after being unplugged for a while. You could try the key on 10 minutes , off 5 seconds then try to crank procedure if you have not tried this already. Wish I could be more help , thanks for watching

[@meganstorts181]

I been searching a while. 2013 Malibu 2.5 has 3 choices of motors, how to find out which one I need? Any tips

[@s33therfan]

All I did was match the year and the 8th vin , and there was no issues. Hope this helps.

[@briannayates3515]

putting a new transmission in my 2013 chevy malibu lt would you recommend taking the motor out to put the new transmission in? or would it be easier if I just leave the motor in while doing the transmission job?

[@s33therfan]

That's a very good question. Removing the transmission by itself will require dropping the sub frame , supporting the engine etc. You however get to leave the engine , and all its connections. Most of the time leaving the engine will be somewhat easier , but the subframe is extra work in itself , and working around the engine. Either way is work and it is debatable but I would go with leaving the engine and just removing the transmission. Thanks for the feedback.

[@inlandiggy]

@@s33therfan I am also replacing the transmission on my 2014 malibu 2.0 turbo. Would I need to drop the subfram as well? Also is there anything that needs to be done computer/electrical wise ? Or is it just plug and play type of situation?

[@dayslife]

one more to your list. nice job and demo.

[@s33therfan]

Thank you again , appreciate the great feedback.

[@signorellij1]

Hello, where in Michigan did you happen to purchase your motor from? Joe

[@s33therfan]

I actually bought from a seller on ebay. I have always had good success on ebay. Thanks for the question.

[@shalatelford5533]

Whats the name of the lines you removed from the transmission around 39:00?

[@s33therfan]

Transmission cooler lines. Thank you for watching.

[@chrishans5629]

when you swap the old engine with a newer model engine. Do you recommend changing the torque converter seal or was that done in video because of your swap?

[@s33therfan]

Most of the time I will replace the torque converter seal , just as a precaution. They usually are all but certain to leak , even when they were not leaking prior. Thank you for the question , I appreciate the feedback.

[@KelvinCordova-t9m]

any tips on how to get to the flywheel to replace?

[@s33therfan]

There is really no easy way to get to it. Either removing rhe entire engine and transmission or just fhe transmission itself. But either will be time consuming. I would probably remove just the transmission , but that requires getting the subframe out of the way . Thanks for the feedback.

[@dimzon1936]

I swapped the engine on my 2014 Malibu. No crank no start. Getting U0100 and U0101 which means no communication with ECM/TCM. Also fuel gauge stop working. Any ideas?

[@s33therfan]

Try this : Turn the key to the on position for exactly 10 minutes , then turn the back to off. Then crank the car.

[@dimzon1936]

I just did that. Still no crank

[@s33therfan]

It basically needs a reset , or there could be a wire or connector issue. Usually the reset fixes the error , seems this is common with gm when the battery is disconnected for a period of time. Wish I could be more help.

[@dimzon1936]

@@s33therfan Is any other way to reset ECM? I am tryed to reset with key on for 10 min several times, still the same. I am already checked all grounds and connectors. Just trying to figure out myself without taking car to the dealer. They want $145 an hour for diagnostic.

[@s33therfan]

Just recalled on mine I did not have any codes. Last time I seen the UO100 was replacing the ecm on a chevy cruze. The replacement had reflash/reset instructions and the code went away after a few trys.

[@MrKasee7]

Really helpful video, thanks

[@s33therfan]

Thank you for watching.

[@MrHinojosa1981]

I have a 2015 Chevy Malibu with a cracked upper oil pan. What all do I need to remove to replace the oil pan?

[@s33therfan]

The lower front timing cover bolts, the oil level connector, bolts pan to transmission , all pan bolts. Rtv all timing cover exposed surface , pan , barely tighten. Torque 96 inch 24hr later, timing cover 106 inch. Pan will be a tight fit removing as well as going back , may need a rubber mallet. Pan removal a putty knife to cut the old rtv. Hope this helps thanks for watching.

[@coreyj.7776]

@@s33therfan Do we have to lower the sub frame?

[@shavonknight5276]

Hey bro what year motor did you replace it with

[@ojdidit8250]

Quick questions did you have to reprogram anything or was it pretty much just plug and play

[@s33therfan]

No programmimg . Thanks for the question.

[@hedgepethracing9590]

Did you put the exact year donor engine in the car or was it a different year? I'm trying to find exactly what years will fit into the 13 without any major problems.

[@s33therfan]

You would need a 2013. They changed up the variable valve timing 14-15. I am sure someone has figured this out but I am not sure what would need modified. Wish I could be more help.

[@hedgepethracing9590]

I got my 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.5 L 4 block.. The head is the the same, pretty much gotta change everything.. timing cover gets changed ,because the Cadillac is rear-wheel obviously ..Cadillac also has an auxiliary air pump, Malibu does not .. unless you have them emissions. We have LCV. from what I see in your video... the glory of getting a junkyard motor is that we get to replenish all our safety connectors that we broke disconnecting the wires. Keep wrenching my brother!!!!

[@rated_r_1225]

If i lift the motor out, instead of dropping, is there a way do it without tearing apart the wheel assembly, or is it a must?

[@s33therfan]

I am really not sure. I would say no because there is so little clearance that even removing all accessories pulleys etc from the engine , I still do not know if there would be room to separate the engine from the transmission. However if you can manage that part , then yes it is possible. Thank you for the feedback.

[@dundidditnow]

It is possible....I just finished doing my 2014 Chevy Malibu with the 2.5 ...Fairly straightforward job

[@daveg8119]

Only 4 comments and 4 likes? We need to help him get his channel out there! This is the most detailed GM engine content on the Cruze Sonic, Malibu that I've seen in the last 10 years with the Cruze. As mentioned in other comment, what tool are you using to program the transmission when you do replacement? Engine not so bad as the PCM remains with the car.. But the TCM is in the trans on these 6T35, 6T40's right?

[@s33therfan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZrRin2Bj8iMfaM Thanks again

[@blakebusbee5351]

Wow , It's your wheel hub right rear

[@shavonknight5276]

I really want to know if the 2014-2015 engine can work in the 2013 because I keep on hearing there’s a slight difference with the motor

[@s33therfan]

You just need to confirm if yours has the lcv or lkw (tag on the block), mine was a lcv . The seller should have that with the engine description as well. Thanks for the feedback.

[@hedgepethracing9590]

Did you ever figure this out because I have a 13 and cannot find a cheap motor for the life of me.. the only thing that matters is if it's an lcv or the other one???

[@merrittmcdowell8675]

What happened to your engine to need a replacement?

[@nardydavis24]

Yes I hate working on dirty engines but I got to replace my transmission on my 2014 malibu don't feel like dealing with the sub but I got to 😂

[@eljohnny9567]

Hey man great video it really helped me alot! I just took out the engine on the same vehicle. My only concern is will the engine of a 2015 malibu fit on a 2013? Do you know any website or number I can call to verify?

[@s33therfan]

2013 through 2015 are 8th gen , and will fit no problem. You can do a quick wiki search of malibu to confirm or do a search of 2.5l malibu engines and it will show 13-15 are a match. Great question and thanks for watching.

[@s33therfan]

Another thing I might add is making sure the 8th vin matches the donor vehicle of the engine replacement. As long as its the same engine( as there are several) you have in your car 13-15 will work. Thanks again.

[@eljohnny9567]

Thank you so much for the response. Its amazing how you took it through the bottom just using the floor jacks. I used the engine hoist and just picked it over the top lol. Thanks to you know I can reference where each bolt goes and connectors. Keep up these great videos it really helped me.

[@s33therfan]

Thank you again for the great feedback.

[@cameronchaffee6201]

Excellent all around. Very thorough coverage of the engine swap with videography to match. I was trying to decide whether I should try this and I feel like it's very doable with this eminently helpful video. Well done.

[@cgreg2239]

Do you recall the actual seller you got your engine and transmission from off eBay ???

[@s33therfan]

gogoautoparts is the seller. The price of everything has gone up significantly since this install . Thank you for the feedback and thanks for watching.

[@hasheembarry2754]

I just replaced my transmission and now my car refused to start, can you help its 2013 malibu

[@s33therfan]

I would double check all the connections and grounds more especially. Let me know how it turns out. Thank you

[@Jarmitsu]

This is a great video but couldn’t you done this job without removing the entire engine from the subframe?

[@bigboyindaho0d]

Do you know if gm 2.5 engine is reliable?

[@s33therfan]

I would say they are about average the same as most. I will say they are much cheaper than some engines to replace. Great question and thank you for the feedback.

[@Rrbone18]

is this the 2.5 Eco engine ?

[@s33therfan]

Yes , thank you for watching.

[@Roberto-gp3yx]

Dang this car was trashed the first sign was the incorrect battery that was jerryriged and also the green coolant, obviously the previous owner did not know it needed dexos orange coolant. I have the 2015 LT 2.5 It sits at 265k and it finally spit out a bunch of transmission codes along with an emissions code that I had previously changed both O2 sensors and for it to come out again must indicate I have to put a new catalytic converter. But I know this car was trashed since it’s the first and probably the only video I’ve come across that’s goes full dive into replacing an engine. I was trying to find a video that would show the inlet and outlet hoses from the transmission so I can do a full flush on my car to see if that would help before I pull the trigger on a new(rebuilt) transmission from my local Chevy dealership. I’ve done partial drains in the past years (total of 3) so I’m surprised that my car nearly made the 300k mile mark Just goes to show that maintenance goes a long way I truly think the 2015 Malibu has been the better one of all the modern malibus Thanks for this in depth video!!! Very informative

[@s33therfan]

You are correct about the car being poorly treated , my thoughts exactly. I appreciate you watching the video thoroughly and the great feedback. Thank you for sharing information also.

[@danieloliva2084]

Great video

[@s33therfan]

Thank you very much.

[@NR-ro6pc]

I put in a engine in 2013 Chevy Malibu no crank/ No start and engine light not come on the on positive

[@s33therfan]

From my experience it has always been a missed connector not fully seated , missing ground , locked up starter , loose wire etc. Wish I could be more help. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jameerj5733]

How much would it cost for just a transmission repair/install for a 2013-2014 Chevy Malibu

[@s33therfan]

You can get a transmission for around 500 on ebay . I would check with a mobile mechanic or shop. Last one I hired out they charged 400 for a simple swap. I will say that was several years back though. Hope this helps.

[@JAMESYBOY.]

What caused that engine to fail ??

[@s33therfan]

The engine jumped time somehow and there was metal shavings in the engine, when I got the car. It had been worked on previously also. Thanks for watching.

[@killswitchthegamer696]

Find me a engine 2.5 I can’t find a good deal

[@rated_r_1225]

Lkq online l, i just ordered one with 60k miles, from a donor car that was side swiped, engine compartment was fine, and motor was tested for me, was about $668 after tax and shipping, $400 for engine alone