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Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    And when it does nothing is that because you ceased trying to start vehicle or because vehicle stopped cranking on its own?

    I don't think there is a difference between the two, is there? IIRC the Malibu has an electronic start that is PCM controlled. When the key is turned to the start position the PCM engages the starter until RPMs come up sufficiently to consider the vehicle running or until a set amount of time elapses, whichever comes first. You can hold the key on start all day, but the starter is disengaged by the PCM when the engine is considered started or is shut off to prevent damage. I always start by breifly turning the key to start and then releasing.
  • maxxolivermaxxoliver Member Posts: 78
    Yes it always happens when I first start the car and goes away immediately and never lasts more than a few seconds in fact if I weren't looking I would never know it happened.
    I had these messages with the first Maxx too so I was not alarmed just curious as to what they meant. The service guys don't seem to know what they are either. Thank you for your help. This has only happened 3 or 4 times since I purchased the car in June.
    It has a build date of 1/06/05.
  • lljxhmaxxlljxhmaxx Member Posts: 3
    I just got a 05 Maxx on July. I am wondering what's the normal engine temperature. Mine normal stays at the middle. However sometimes it is higher than middle. Particularly today, it is about 1/3 between middle and high. No special driving. Should it be stable? The engine temperature of my old ten year Escort is very stable and about 1/3 lower than middle. Thanks.
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    Normal is anything below the red-zone. And in fact, sometimes it can go into the red-zone and be considered normal as well, as long as the engine doesn't overheat. My dealer is rather vague as to high it has to go to be considered a problem. I live in Phoenix, AZ, so I've seen it go as high as 3/4 between 1/2 and the red-zone in stop and go traffic. At that point it was idling very roughly and I decided to kick the heater on and it came right down. Regular driving in the summer here makes my guage go to 1/3 to 1/2 of the way up from normal to red-zone.
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    There is no update available for the "computer" that controls the HVAC system and temperature/mode actuators on your vehicle.

    Too bad, mine is pretty wacky. Try these things:

    1. Fan speed on Auto, Level selector on Auto. Temp @ 60.
    2. Feel the air coming out of the vents, note how fast it is going.
    3. Turn the fan speed up to the highest setting. Air speeds up. In the manual and SI, it says that the air speed is supposed to be at high when both knobs are Auto and temp is at 60.

    1. Fan speed anywhere but off or Auto. Level selector on Auto. Temp somewhere between 60 and 70. A/C off, fresh air.
    2. Set fan speed to Auto.
    3. Order 60 degrees. Unit doesn't turn on A/C, even though it is in fully automatic mode.
  • lljxhmaxxlljxhmaxx Member Posts: 3
    Thanks. I am also in stop and go traffic for about half an hour and idling is also a little bit rough. What do you mean "kick the heater on"? Will it make you very hot?
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    I turned the HVAC controls to maximum heat and fan settings and rolled down the windows. Yeah, I got hot but it only took about a minute to cool it off.
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    Fixed. I compressed the headliner with one hand and snapped the dome lamp cover back on with the other.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    You have a different HVAC system in your vehicle than original poster.
  • 79377937 Member Posts: 390
    Problem found and fixed. By removing the fuse box cover and sitting in the passenger seat I was able to put my right hand into the opening and reach up behind the temperature control panel. There appears to be several multiwire plugs going into said panel. I found a plug that did not seem to be all the way into its socket. After pushing it firmly home the heat started to work and has kept on working.

    Thankfully I did not have to take it to the dealer although I am very happy with the work he has done so far. The new steering column works great and the car tracks straight and true. He also updated the software for my ECM and the intermittent no-start has never happened again. I did not even buy the car from him. I relocated from California to Kentucky and if anybody is looking for a good dealer try Wilson Brothers in Bardstown.
  • drejdrej Member Posts: 119
    Thanks for the reply, Yes I went to the local (Union) dealer and the key was ~ $39 and they were nice enough to program it for me (pretty simple :))
    As far as the Key fob, I bought one also ~ $59 each..... (Total for key & fob=$105)
    But I see the dealer has to program that separate. At $95/hr labor rate I'm going to shop around... I'm just a lil P. O' d and feel taked advantage of... that I have to pay for all the programming costs for a key fob I "just bought" to replace one that was stolen from me in the 1st place. (fyi -I was on Business on theTexas Gulf coast and my rental car was broke into... they got my belongings which included my home keys and these car keys/fob) D~
  • drejdrej Member Posts: 119
    Hi. I found this old post and wonder if many have taken thier 05's back for alignment. Mine Does drift to the left but minor until I hit feeway speeds [sschriber]explains in his post #1567 of 2354 that he hesitates to take to the dealer but I did and they say everything is fine. I DON"T BELIEVE THEM & I TOLD THEM SO !
    I'm on my 3rd tire rotation and it still tracks to the left at hi speeds. ANY Comments on a fix would be great?. At the price of Gas driving around for a qualified dealer is a pain. I think they wanrrant alignment for 12K only anyway. I've hit 13K now and seem ripped of with the last visit and No satidfaction at the dealer! D~
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    Alignment is covered for the 1st 7,500 miles. If you brought it in for pulling before that and it still pulls (in other words, was never fixed) you should be able to take it in and they should fix it, even if it is alignment, under warranty. If the dealer won't do it ask to talk to an Area Service Manager and explain the situation.

    When you had the rotation, did the tire pull change at all? Even just a little bit?
  • cwesleygcwesleyg Member Posts: 64
    You can buy key fob on Ebay, "buy it now" for $19.99 new. Google GM/L:22733524. Will come with program instructions. That is a steal! If you need to program one you already have, go to dealership and ask for print-out of instructions. They can download from GM...
  • cwesleygcwesleyg Member Posts: 64
    The dealership is probably correct... that is some bad luck. what did it cost to fix it? Can a regular glass shop do that repair? If so, shop around. when I needed a new windshied for my Silverado, I called 4 shops... $300, $275, $225, $178... guess which one I used?
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Only someone with a dealer scan tool can program key fob for this vehicle
  • 2002goldmalibu2002goldmalibu Member Posts: 3
    hi,

    my wife filled up her gas tank 3 days ago and today she realized she didn't tighten up the gas cap completely. today when she came home the "check engine" light symbol that looks like a little transmission came on. could this be because she didn't tighten the gas cap? how long should we wait usually to turn the car back on after tightening the gas cap to check to see if this fixed the problem?

    we bought the car brand new, it has 17,000 miles on it now after 3 years of driving and she never had 1 problem with ti so far.

    any help would be appreciated!
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    given the amount of emissions checks performed by today's computers, you are wise to ignore a "solid light" check engine light. If the check engine light starts blinking, you have a critical problem such as a transmission failure, loss of all engine oil, or a broken timing belt or chain (and should immediately pull over and turn the car off to avoid destroying the car). However, in your case, it is nearly 100% certain that your light is simply because of the gas cap issue, and the failure of the system to form a proper vacuum. Once you have properly tightened the cap, the light will go out after about 5 stop/start cycles of the engine.
    As long as your car is not shuttering, or performing differently, just sit back and enjoy the pretty orange glow for a day or two. (The following advice was given from a former Mazda 626 owner who's CEL came on a million times over the course of 7 years, and who's fellow Mazda owners often covered up their CEL with electrical tape.)
  • 2002goldmalibu2002goldmalibu Member Posts: 3
    thanks! i will keep you posted. that's what i thought after reading the manual, but it's great to know for sure.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    Are you sure your cooling fans are working, there is auto low and high settings. You should not have to turn the heater on to cool the engine. :)
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    I didn't know there were two different fan speeds. I had the A/C on at the time and was sitting in traffic (essentially idling) for about 10 minutes. It only happened once and hasn't happened since, so I haven't put much thought into it.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    It's a clever 2 speed, series wired in low and parallel in high. :)
  • rsmilesrsmiles Member Posts: 1
    I have three problems with my 2000 malibu with 58,500 miles.

    1. When reversing there is a grinding noise coming from the front left wheel well.

    2. When reversing and shifting to drive the car pauses then jumps into drive runs fine briefly and then has problems shifting.

    3. When the car starts the speedometer and tach go right up and fall and dashboard lights flash and car stops. This also happened when driving today. Car was driving fine all of sudden the car kind of paused above symptoms happened and the air bag light stayed on for a while then shut off.

    Anybody have any ideas on these problems?
  • dmclinkdmclink Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2000 Malibu and have nothing but trouble with it beginning with the brake replacement after 5 months and I purchased it new with 35 miles. 9/5 I got in an drove approximately 7 miles to fill up the gas tank and when I got back into the car it wouldn't start. Luckily someone gave me a jump as I am 9 months pregnant and without a cell phone. I drove straight home and the car became very slugish when I turned on the air so of course I became frightened and turned it off. Once I got home and parked, I turned off the car and attempted to restart it, the car was just dead. This morning at 7am I started the car without effort. I started the car several times this morning and agian this afternoon and it runs without issue. I am however taking it in today to have it checked.

    In the past I have replaced the brakes more than 5 times, have had issues with the A/C, all off the lights, turn signals, washer fluid line broke on the driver side, the trunk is not aligned properly, the trunk liner has come loose, the cassette player hasn't worked after the first year (which is a bummer as I listen to audio books), CD's get stuck in the player even after cleaning and gives a constant error message, takes forever to heat up in the winter, feels like a roller coaster ride in the back seat, shakes badly in the front area and has even stopped while driving over a bump in the road, ABS light comes on often, passenger side window control has come out of the door armrest, and the air registers stick in warm weather. The small price tag just wasn't worth the trouble. The car has 75,000 miles, I had better luck with my 1975 Malibu in 1988. :mad:
  • 79377937 Member Posts: 390
    For problem # 3 you might want to look at your battery ground connection. Also check and see if the engine grounding is secure. With a bit of luck problem # 2 might also be resolved if grounding cables are the problem.

    Bad grounding can cause all kinds of silly symptoms. For problem # 1, I would suggest that you look at your front rotors and pads.
  • bryan200kbryan200k Member Posts: 64
    Well, I believe I finally got my problem resolved with the car stuttering and hesitating when I 'step on' the gas above 2100 rpms. This was a problem when accelarating onto the highway, trying to pass someone and going up a hill. The car would jerk and surge (and stutter). After a lot of getting nowhere with the Chevy garage, I did some serious searching on the internet and confirmed that it could very well be the fuel filter. When I called the garage last week to make an appointment to replace the filter, the service manager said that the problem was not likely my fuel filter. He wanted to put the car on his computer and check it out. I stood firm and said I wanted the fuel filter changed. I took the car in yesterday morning. They replaced the filter. Service manager admitted that the fuel filter was VERY DIRTY. He then tells me that those filters need replaced every 30,000 miles.
    So far...24 hours... and the car hasn't stuttered once.
  • puhrincepuhrince Member Posts: 8
    well the insurance covers more than some of it,i have a $100 deductible..so i guess i am ok on that front..but i guess my curiosity was more towards the quality of the skylight on the maxx - i mean everytime a stone hits the skylight,should i be expecting it to break apart?
  • 2002goldmalibu2002goldmalibu Member Posts: 3
    hi there,

    well it is now almost 1 week and the constant check engine light is still on. i have filled up the gas tank once more and made sure the cap is tight. should i keep driving it because someone told me the light will go out, but it needs time. you had mentioned 5 starts and a 1-2 days, but i'm way over that.

    let me know, thanks!
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    was that the rear skylight.....wondering how a stone would impact it..unless it was dropped from above.....vice coming over the front of the vehicle from road debris....Im thinking you lost the law of physics on this event...and it probably will not occur again.......just my two cents here
  • puhrincepuhrince Member Posts: 8
    yep it was the rear skylight - and i wondered the same on the laws of physics!
  • southcarolinasouthcarolina Member Posts: 19
    Has anyone used Scotch Guard on their cloth seats in the Maxx? If so, what was the results? I read earlier on this forum that plain water was causing stains.
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    At a minimum, I'd give it a few more days. I certainly would not go racing to my favorite auto mechanic as long as you are not noticing any behavior changes. When you filled up your car, did you check your mpg? If you are still getting the same mileage, I would keep going until you are due for your next oil change (or whatever other reason you normally see your mechanic). The sensor which switched the light on has stored the code in your main computer and will not erase even if the light happens to goes out. Any certified mechanic has the equipment to read that code and determine why it went on in the first place. Again, if you have driven for a week and not noticed any performance problems, you are not likely causing any harm, again, considering that the CEL is simply a emissions issue. More importantly, you have weathered the "nervous period" when owners and first time check engine light (CEL) drivers often needlessly pay for unnecessary mechanical parts because their CEL came on. Now that you have taken that deep breath, you and your mechanic can calmly decide if a repair is needed, or if the situation requires additional monitoring once he/she turns the light off and zeros out the computer code.
  • bob9851bob9851 Member Posts: 1
    This seems like a stupid question. I was trying to get my hubcaps off my 99 Chevy Malibu and they appear to be bolted on someway. I don't have a owners manual handy. Has anybody else had this problem??
    Bob
  • 79377937 Member Posts: 390
    Why don't you just get an OBD 2 scanner and plug it into the port under your steering wheel and remove all doubt as to what is causing the check engine light to come on? A scanner made by Actron costs only $78.95 and can be used on all cars from 1996 upwards.

    The one by Actron is called the PocketScan model CP9125. Even though you may not be able to repair the fault, you will at least know the direction in which the problem lies and be better informed when you take it in for repairs to a qualified person. You can order it directly from the Actron website.

    I would be very leery of driving a car with a constant check engine light on and, it is bad advice to tell somebody to just keep on driving it.
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    Has anyone else had this problem? The first time my wife opened the cover on the visor vanity mirrror in our 2005 Maxx with all options except the engine block heater, the cover fell off in her hands. The part was ordered by the dealer warranty guy. Earlier this week I stopped by the dealer, since I had not heard from them in several weeks. It turns out that the part is on back order until November. Today, I opened the cover of teh mirror on my (the driver's) side and it felloff in my hands. A small plastic part shot out and hit my leg. I looked at it, and the cover pivots on tinly little round plastic pegs protruding from the mirror base. Both of those are broken off on both sides. The basic design is garbage, as the pivot should be metal, or a plastic or metal rod which extends all of the way across both sides. I expect better in a car which cost me $24,003.35 plus $2,306.50 tax and license. What do all of you think?
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    mine on the drivers side also popped out..but i was able to pop it right back in....I have a an 04 LT with all the options as well....poor design probably.....expect better for a 25k car...not necessarily when I seen the same thing happen on a Lexus and other high end cars as well....yes a poor design......I agree..

    have 40K on mine now...and no problems with the car at all....less this cover...and the rear window shades.....
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    For anyone interested the hardware is available to convert the 04-05 Malibu analog OnStar to digital. :)
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    but wasnt there a standing requirement to get a 3 or 5 year prepaid subscription to ONSTAR in order to get the equipment...and dont you have to pay for the installation???
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    Yes I used Scotchguard on the cloth seets in my Maxx - did not seem to cause any problems. Tried using Scotchguard on key spots on the headliner (near handle grabs) but noted slight color changes occured.

    As for "dealer fabric protection", they asked $500 for a package that wasn't guaranteed to resist any of the common stains. Noooo thanks.
  • bdobsonbdobson Member Posts: 3
    I'm interested in this . Where can I get some information on it.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    You could visit OnStar website. They have a short FAQ on this topic.

    From their home site just select the "Is your vehicle OnStar Equipped" topic.

    Then select the "What kind of hardware does my OnStar-equipped vehicle have?" sidebar topic

    From there the link to FAQ on the subject is pretty straightforward.

    Sorry I didn't want to provide a direct link, not sure if we are supposed to do that.
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    I ordered my hardware today, $549 up front for 3 yrs of Safe & Sound. Hardware and installation free with 3 yr subscription. Comes to $15.25 a month, it’s a good deal for me because I want my wife to have it. :)
  • joe3891joe3891 Member Posts: 759
    I called OnStar, they looked up my VIN and told it is available for my vehicle. I contacted my dealer to set up an appointment, went in today, they ordered my hardware and I paid the $549. When the parts come in it will be about a 2 hour installation time.
    :)
  • bdobsonbdobson Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the reply. Looks like only available in the U.S. at the moment. Canadian customers will be contacted prior to January 1 2008
  • diannejdiannej Member Posts: 4
    After putting 153,000+ miles on my 1997 Malibu LS in 8+ years, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and get a new car. I really liked my Malibu, so decided to get another one! If e2helper would be so kind as to tell me my build date ;) , that would be really great.

    Thanks,
    Dianne in FL

    2005 Chevy Malibu LS
    Last 6 numbers on VIN 339653
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Congrats on new purchase, Dianne!

    You were a very early purchaser of the previous Malibu - that was first year for model.

    I have worked on design for both that one and new model and am pleased you are a repeat customer :)

    Date for your new vehicle is July 26, 2005. That is a very recent build because later that month was model changeover when they started building 2006 models.

    Yours is the newest vehicle I have looked up for anyone here
  • diannejdiannej Member Posts: 4
    Thanks, e2helper!

    There were many things I liked about my 1997 Malibu (including the color - dark cherry metallic aka PURPLE - LOL), but the fact that was it was the first model year was a bit of a headache. Overall, though, I was really happy with it and very comfortable driving it. So when it was time for a new car, I focused on another Malibu.

    At the dealership I panicked a little over the price of the Malibu (not having bought a new car in 8 years) and ended up test driving a Cobalt as well. That sealed the deal for me on the Malibu! The Cobalt was poky (4 cylinder), and IMO the interior looked cheap with all that molded plastic.

    Thanks again for looking up my new Malibu! FYI - it is Galaxy Silver Metallic. :)

    Dianne in FL
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    NP, If you have any questions about operation of your new vehicle please post back.
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    apparently you must already have it in your vehicle for any of their upgrades or options to be of any value.

    If it is not installed in your vehicle at present, you are out of luck.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    Yes there is a bit of content in vehicle for OnStar and it would be quite a chore to add it to a vehicle that didn't have it.

    GPS Antenna, Cell Phone Antenna, Microphone, 3 OnStar Buttons in Mirror and the OnStar electronic module. These are located in various places in vehicle. Plus all the wiring that goes to each.
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