2001 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 251

Engine Oil If the CHECK OIL light appears on the instrument panel, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see "Check Oil Light" in the Index. You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder. Checking Engine Oil It's a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick is located in the front of the engine compartment. The top of the dipstick is a round, yellow loop. See "Engine Compartment Overview" in the Index for more information on location. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level. 6-12