Chevy malibu 2000, almost overheating

chances are, its the intake gaskets. if you look under the oil cap and its milky, you are getting antifreeze in your engine. gm v sixes are noted for this.

Are the fan/s working?Low speed comes on around 223 degreees and high speed 230.Do you have any way of monitoring coolant temp with scan tool?Usually an overheat at idle is a fan issue

just pop that thermostat right out...could be the wrong one is in it.

they make em to hold back at diff temp settings...try running it without any thermostat at all....(2-3 bolts is all). Do it yourself, free too!

It's right under the top radiator hose...let us know how ya make out!!

If the temperature drops at highway speed, it's probably not the thermostat.  You can check your radiator fans by turning on the A/C which should cause them to come on. I had a similar overheating problem and it was caused by air lock.  When you change the coolant in the malibu it is extremely important that the air bleeder screw is open when you refill the radiator.  The screw is at the top front of the engine on the small hose which runs from the thermostat housing to the coolant reservoir.  Don't try just running the engine with the screw open because it doesn't work.  You must drain and refill the radiator.  Lot's of luck.