Just bought a 98 Malibu...next step?

[cast1010]

Hi guys, new to these forums...great place btw.

I just bought a 98 Malibu V6 with 155,000 Km (~96K miles). I don't know the previous owner and the dealer couldn't tell me when the last major maintenance check was done. The car is running fine, the only problem is the ABS light coming up from time to time, and the common problem with the A/C resistor (speeds 1 & 2 not working).

I would like to know:

1) What engine oil should I use? With that mileage what do you recommend?

2) Should I change the transmission oil too? The transmission feels OK, just a tight hard when coupling with D if the car is still cold, but after driving for a while it feels just fine.

3) Should I flush the radiator? With winter coming (I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba) I was thinking this might be a good idea, but I've heard that could lead to some problems with gaskets, what you guys think?

4) What could be the problem with the ABS light? Where can I take the car to fix that? Midas?

And last...

I need some advice on this. I'm new to Canada and still learning my way around, can you please recommend me some shops where I can take my car safely for maintenance and repairing in Canada (or Winnipeg if you know).

a) Oil changes and radiator flushing= Mr. Lube or/and __________
b) Transmission maintenance= _____________
c) Tune-ups= ____________
d) Aligning and balancing= _____________
e) Computer scanning= _____________
f) Major repairing= ____________
g) A/C and heating= ____________
h) Suspension= ____________
i) Electrical= ____________

Thanks all for your inputs.

cast

[treeman5]

1) Engine oil - In cold weather (Chicago area) I like to stick to the 5w-30 as recommended but when springtime hits, I switch to 10w-30. I always use synthetic...I never used to because it was always $4 + a quart...now Napa makes their own brand that's only $2.60 when on sale and I just stock up... Engine runs smoother and quieter with the synthetic.

2) It's not recommended until 100K since it's a sealed design. If you're not having problems, I wouldn't worry about it. They seem to be pretty solid.

3) This is the same as the trans, not recommended until 100K miles.

4) Mine does this every once in a while, usually within the first 2 or 3 minutes of startup. I shut it off, start it up again and it's fine. I haven't looked into it, but my guess is probably a dirty wheel sensor.

[johnholl]

I'd flush the coolent. Remember 50% water 50 % Dexcool ONLY

[muzikluver]

The ABS Light is probably indicating a problem with one of the 4 speed sensors. Unfortunatly the only way to replace the sensor is to replace the entire wheel hub asembly. The Dealer has outragiosly high prices so go to a auto parts store and have a trusted mechanic fix it. Will be much cheaper. ($100.00+ cheaper.)

[richtazz]

your abs light is a wheel hub problem, common on Malibu's, as the hub design is fragile

[nick_twa]

Your next step should be to sell it.