1.5L Turbo Engine Complete Assembly for 2017-2022 Chevrolet Malibu

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Confirm the 8th digit of your vehicle's VIN is 'T'.
• Verify the Service Parts Identification label lists option code LFV.
• Visually confirm the engine is a 4-cylinder with a turbocharger mounted on the rear side (firewall side).
• Confirm your transmission type (CVT or 6-speed automatic FWD).

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• GM Camshaft Holding/Timing Tool (EN-51367)
• Fuel Injector Remover/Installer Tool (EN-51146)
• GM MDI 2 with GDS2 software
• Fuel line disconnect tools
• Torque-angle gauge

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Dexos1 Gen 2 or Gen 3 full synthetic oil (0W-20 or 5W-30)
• New OE-spec oil filter
• GM-approved Dex-Cool coolant (50/50 pre-diluted)
• Intake manifold gasket
• Throttle body gasket
• Vacuum pump seal/gasket
• High-pressure fuel pump O-ring
• New high-pressure fuel pipe (one-time-use)
• New OE-spec iridium spark plugs
• Direct injector Teflon seals (if transferring injectors)
• New turbo mounting gaskets and oil/coolant line seals
• New serpentine belt

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Variation Relearn, Throttle Body Idle Air Flow Compensation Reset, and potential Immobilizer/Security Relearn

A Crankshaft Position Variation (CASE) Relearn is mandatory after installation. A dealer-level scan tool (such as GM GDS2) or equivalent high-end bi-directional diagnostic tool is required. If the ECM is replaced, security remarriage and VIN programming are also required.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Vacuum Pump Drive Lugs & Camshaft Inspection: Inspect the rear of the exhaust camshaft where the mechanical vacuum pump mounts to ensure drive lugs are intact and clean.
• High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Replacement: The high-pressure fuel line running from the high-pressure pump to the fuel rail is a one-time-use, crush-seal component. Reusing this pipe is a major safety hazard.
• Charge Air Cooler (CAC) / Intercooler Inspection: If the original engine failed due to a blown piston or turbocharger failure, the intercooler must be thoroughly flushed or replaced to prevent debris ingestion.
• Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: The crankshaft balancer bolt, camshaft actuator bolts, and cylinder head bolts are torque-to-yield and must never be reused.
• Turbocharger Lines: Replace the gaskets and sealing washers for the transferred turbo's oil and coolant lines to prevent leaks.
• Ground Straps: Ensure all engine and transmission ground straps are clean, secure, and reconnected to their original locations.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing the High-Pressure Fuel Pipe: Reusing the metal high-pressure fuel line leads to fuel spraying under 2,000+ PSI of pressure.
• Using Non-Dexos Oil: Using non-Dexos-approved motor oil triggers Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), leading to cracked pistons.
• Failing to Flush the Intercooler: Leaving an oil-soaked or debris-filled intercooler untouched can cause engine runaway or immediate hydro-lock.
• Ignoring the Vacuum Pump Alignment: Failing to properly align the pump's drive lugs with the exhaust camshaft slots can crack the camshaft.
• Not Priming the Turbo: Starting a dry transferred turbocharger can destroy its bearings in seconds.
• Skipping the CASE Relearn: Assuming the engine will run correctly without performing the crankshaft position sensor relearn.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: