malibu

gotburnt

I just wanted to see if any other 1997 malibu owners have had a problem with the theft lock security system? I have had a problem with the theft lock since day one. For no apparent reason the theft lock is engaged and the vehicle will not start because the gas line is cut off. Three times the car had to be towed because it just would not start. Other times I have to wait 10 to 15 minutes then the car starts. Not surprisingly the chevy dealer can not find any thing wrong with my vehicle other than re-programming the theft lock system. I even asked to have the whole system disconnected but the chewy dealer said it could not be done. I even sent a letter to chewy headquarters, but the only response I got was from an incompitant customer service rep. If anyone else has had problems with the theft lock system I would be interested to hear your story.

nmoore1

Response to gotburnt:

I took over my son's 98 chevy malibu in Sept. and have had NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT STARTING!!! because of the antitheft kicking in. My mechanice can find nothing wrong. I've had it in 3 times and he came out once (no charge). Chevy was totally unhelpful. If I let it sit 10 min. for the theft light to quit flashing, I can usually -- but not always -- start it. I'm very ready to trade it in. We now call it "cranky".

yurakm

But the 98 Malibu have no theft protection system, except for radio, did not it?

laddie2

Had the same trouble with my 98 Malibu and so does my niece. Had to have the car towed and the dealer said it would cost $900 to replace some module.

brett18

My father owned a 98 for one yar and traded after many elec problems,valve covers,fuel injection,
suspension,besides they are basically a chevy corsica w/new skin,ugly and unreliable, teraded for a honda accord, not a single little problem,gm could learn a thing about enginerring from hondas nissan toyota ETC.no ofnse just my opinion.LOL

elopez412

I picked up my Malibu LS (2001) this past November. Noticed a tapping sound from engine compartment. Service department calls it "normal piston slack." After threatening dealership with Lemon Law, entire engine was replaced. Noise is back. After speaking to 12 2001 Malibu owners I found that they are all having the same problem. I am now Going ahead with Lemon Law Unit.

jwootang

The noise you are hearing IS normal piston slap. Not piston slack. GM has been making the 3.1 liter V6 for years. We have a 92 cutlass supreme with the 3.1 v6 and it has the same sound.

No lemon here.

adc100

92 and 94 Corsica. The 92 has 130K (Daughter has), My 94 has 70K and neither has this condition. (Both 3.1L) I am hearing the current batch has some or all parts made/assembled in Mexico and there have been problems. That would be a shame as this engine is one of the best GM ever made.

skipper8

I have a 99 Malibu...and asked service department at the local chevy dealer. They said the "chatter" was normal for this 6 cylinder engine. Noise stops after a few minutes...

paross

I also have a 1997 Malibu and had several occasions where the theft lock security system activated itself. After the third time, I took the car back to the dealer. They replaced the Ignition cylinder. I haven't had this problem since. Unfortunately, the warranty on the car had expired so I had to pay for the "repair".

now2

I am noticing moisture inside the headlights after I have my 2000 Malibu washed. Has anyone else experienced this?