Chevy Malibu Maxx

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Comments

  • skyhawkskyhawk Member Posts: 126
    Call GM and see just what warranty you do have. The car wasn't totaled. I don't see why GM would not honor the rest of the warranty. If the thief tried to steal the CD player and damaged the dash, it may be an issue. Won't hurt to try.
  • tallmugtallmug Member Posts: 10
    I will give them a call today and report back.
  • fsmmcsifsmmcsi Member Posts: 792
    Sorry to hear about your antenna. When you have the new one, try some thread locking compound from teh auto parts store. It will be impossible for someone without a big wrench to get it off.
  • tallmugtallmug Member Posts: 10
    I called a few dealerships today, and got mixed answers. One said the warranty applied, but was not certain, and the other said it did not, and was certain. Bummer. I went into the deal with this in mind, so not a new revelation.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Why does charging my cell phone on an internal 12v. circuit disable my remote locks? It's no big deal since I seldom do this, and there must be some logical reason why it's set up this way-- but it certainly escapes me.
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    You have a Maxx, correct?

    Likely your cell phone charger is very noisy (electrically) which is causing the remote keyless receiver difficulty in receiving signal from key fobs.

    Do you have remote start option? The remote start and non-remote start use different technologies for communication.
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    You're probably right-- the entry works when the phone is still plugged in but fully charged.
  • cwesleygcwesleyg Member Posts: 64
    My 2002 Silverado had the same atenna... it vibrated loose on it's own, so you don't need a wrench necessarily. I learned to check it periodically after I saw it nearly fall off at one point.

    I'm loving my 2005 LS. It has 1,100 miles on it. No problems so far...
  • cwesleygcwesleyg Member Posts: 64
    :sick: I would go to a new dealership... any GM, not necessarily Chevrolet and act like you fully expect the 36 month, 36K warranty. If you approach it any other way, I'd expect them to likely deny your request. If they denied the warranty work I'd try another.
  • jw1127jw1127 Member Posts: 6
    We're looking for a new, used car. Had been focusing on small SUV's like the Escape and CRV. Test drove a Maxx we saw a dealers lot today and are contemplating purchasing. Did any of you compare the Maxx to a small SUV when purchasing? What sold you on the Maxx? Do you feel you gave up a lot in the area of cargo capacity?

    The main draw for us on the Maxx is what we would get for the money. A 2004 LT with 12k miles, sunroof, DVD for $17k. Does this sound like a good deal to you all? Escapes at a similar price typically have over 50k miles. Complete description of the car is at: link title
  • maxx4memaxx4me Member Posts: 1,340
    My decision was down to the Escape Hybrid and the Maxx. I went with the Maxx due to Ford's poor reliablity and the exceptional standards and options the Maxx had over the Escape:

    telescoping pedals and steering wheel
    rear seat entertainment
    rear seat sunroof
    great gas mileage
    easy in-out access through the doors
    remote starting
    electric steering
    adjustable rear seats with Lincoln-like legroom
    dual use cargo shelf

    Price was not a determination since I was able to get the Escape Hybrid at UBS pricing for about $100 over dealer cost, even before the model was sent to dealers. Considering people were paying $1000 over sticker at the beginning, even that deal wasn't enough to sway me out of the Maxx.
  • skyhawkskyhawk Member Posts: 126
    I looked at many vehicles before I purchased the Maxx LT. I drove a Honda pilot, their mini van, the Subaru offerings, The Vibe, the Caddy SRX. I never considered any Ford offering as I once had a Sable wagon that cured me of ever owning another Ford product including Mazda. I will note that my daughter has a Mazda hatchback that she loves and picked because she likes a standard tranny. I saw an ad for the Maxx and decided to look at them. I had not considered a Chevy. Most of my cars have been Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs. The dealer gave me the keys and let me have the car for the day. I bought it when I returned. I liked the size and the responsive engine, along with the features for the price. I like the gas mileage. I had eliminated all vehicles with AWD because they use a little more gas and the AWD adds to the price. I now have 17k and I am still happy with my choice. I wish the back seats folded flat like the Vibe and that the headlights came on with the windshield wipers like my Bonneville. Small issues. The remote start is great on these hot humid summer days. My grandkids love the "skylight" as they call it in the back seat.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    I think your wish came true. I have an 04 Maxx LS. The headlights DO come on automatically, 30 seconds after you turn on the wipers. I believe all 04 and later Malibu's work this way. You can' t tell they are on from inside the car, as the I/P lights do not come on. You can test this out during the day. Push turn signal lever away from you to turn on High Beam switch. Turn on wipers on. Watch I/P cluster. After about 30 seconds, the High Beam indicator will light up. Turn off the wipers. 30 seconds later, the High Beam indicator will go out. On the Malibu, the High Beam indicator light only works when the headlights are turned on (either automatically or manually).

    I agree, it would have been nice if the rear seats folded flat.
  • juswheelsjuswheels Member Posts: 42
    Just purchased my new 2005 Maxx in early June - a little over 3,000 miles and absolutely no problems, so far. Certainly price played a factor but Maxx4me's reply spells out all of it. However before purchasing I did look at and test drove the Ford Escape, Honda CV and Hyundai Santa Fe. The best of the bunch was the Honda but it does suffer from considerable road noise and the 4 cylinder is a little underpowered in the mountains. In my opinion only, I thought the Honda's interior was sparten and not the quality I expected. The 4 cylinder Ford is also underpowered. Fine in the city but very noticible in the mountains, get the V-6, if you choose the Ford. None of the small SUV's would make a bad choice but again IMO, the Hyundai was the worst of the bunch . It has considerable body roll in turns and brakes that can only be described as spongy. Plus, very unsatisfying MPG. If you check the Hyundai Forum, you will find that disappointing MPG is a universal complaint.
    Keep in mind, that you can purchase a new 2005 LS Maxx, with nearly everything but leather and On Star for a little over $18,000. I know, because I did just that. On out first road trip, just over 800 miles, on 2 lane roads, through mountains, I averaged 30.8 MPG. With todays gas prices, you have to go a long way to beat the Maxx for quality, ride comfort, equipment, & great MPG. I'm very satisfied. Hope this helps. :)
  • ericw55ericw55 Member Posts: 53
    In addition to all of the tangibles mentioned above, I give my Maxx high marks for drivability. I have had it for a year, and still enjoy getting behind the wheel. It's a pleasure to drive, local and highway!
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    I know we have discussed this some where but can seem to find the thread on it..perhaps..if E2helper...is still monitoring...you could give us an explanation of just how this system works...and monitoring oil life?...is there a sensor in the oil pan...or does it monitor engine performance?
  • cwesleygcwesleyg Member Posts: 64
    The reading I've done makes me wonder if th 2004 is a good used car value. It seems it had a lot of service issues... I just bought an employee priced 2005. I am loving it and hoping the bugs are gone. Mileage for the average driver will be 25-28... for a lead foot, the 3.5 can suck some fuel... you can dog this car and only get 19-21 mpg...
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    I jumped into advanced search and looked for "oil monitor" to try and find where it had been discussed before. Here's one possibility:

    clarencehollow, "Chevrolet Malibu Owners: Meet the Members" #118, 15 Aug 2005 10:38 am

    If you can remember something specific, even just a short phrase, the advanced search tool is a really handy way to track down posts and information you're trying to relocate!
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    I am still around pao ;)

    Just haven't had much to contribute the discussions recently. The Oil Life Monitoring system in Malibu (as well as most GM vehicles) is a software algorithm and is not a sensor measuring any characteristics in oil directly. I am sure there is all kinds of patent protection on the details of the algorithm but if I find any generic description of the types of engine parameters it uses I will post back.

    The one big thing that can confuse folks is that being based on an algorithm requires that when oil is changed in a vehicle that you or service person must reset the oil life monitoring system so that it goes back to 100%. The method of doing this unfortunately varies by vehicle (depends on the capabilities of vehicle). In the case of the Malibu it is pretty easy by using the DIC menu button. Of course you don't want to practice this because you will mess up settings.

    So again if I come up with anything more of interest not already posted I will let you know.

    :)
  • ericw55ericw55 Member Posts: 53
    Some links from GM:
    http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/environment/news_issues/news/oillife_monitor_041603.ht- ml

    http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/environment/news_issues/news/oillife_how_041603.html

    http://www.gm.com/company/gmability/environment/news_issues/news/oillife_qa_041603.html
  • snowcatsnowcat Member Posts: 13
    Sorry I missed this ... *L* ... Life got a little bit crazy back in January - I went from single and alone(and just damn fine, thankyouverymuch) to happily married in the past 8 months. go figure.

    They finally uploaded the patch for the radio ... I'll say about 3 months ago. Other than a couple skips/ hangs that I think were the cd's themselves, the radio is definitely behaving. :D

    A one year post about Crow to soon follow.

    SnowCat
    Drive like a screaming maniac with my hair on fire.
    '04 Malibu Maxx 'Crow'
    '69 Cutlass S Holiday Coupe 'Goldfinger'
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    Thanks to all who helped out on the oil life monitoring system.....all good info!
  • schnooks2schnooks2 Member Posts: 6
    Go for a new one! Great gas mileage! And much better ride than our CRV!
  • maxx4usmaxx4us Member Posts: 5
    Check out the 2006 LTZ and SS on the Chevy website. They have tweaked the styling on the 06 and they look sweet. I was sitting on the fence, but now I think I'll go for the LTZ!!!!
  • kurtamaxxguykurtamaxxguy Member Posts: 677
    that the LTZ was an LT upgraded with the Variable Valve engine, but no such luck. You only get that in the SS (at least the wheels they finally chose for the SS look nice!)

    The LS apparently is now called the LT, the LT is moved up to LTZ. No idea why they bothered with that, just makes things confusing. Chevy site suggests the LT now has steel wheels with a silver cover (cost savings, no doubt).
    As of this moment, they are unavailable (the site does not allow any building nor color selection - am curious if the SS is just stark black inside).
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    Meandmymaxx, in your posting #3340 you commented, "Got the sunroof wind deflector installed under the TSB, and now it's a pleasure to drive with the roof open.", I've been attempting to locate the TSB you refer to. Do you recall what the number was? Do I understand it was installed under warrenty or was there cost to you? Thanks in advance for your response on this - Michiganmaxx.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    Looked at the LTZ as well..seems the front facia and they did add 17 inch wheels to the LTZ are the only real differences,...16inch standard on the LT.....but do like the changes to the front facia....it "flows better now"..and doesnt have quite the bug eyed look my 04 does....but I upgraded to 17 inch rims and tires anyway........sooooo..36K and still going strong....love it!!!
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    dealer installed....dont believe there is any cost........I put one on mine within two weeks of buying the car....then the TSB came out 4 months later....
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    Thanks Pao - I'd like to ask you the essentially the same question even though you installed your own sunroof wind deflector; do you know what the TSB number is for the dealer installation?
  • maxxolivermaxxoliver Member Posts: 78
    The TSB # is 04-08-67-009 I got the dealer to install it at no cost just last week. It was covered under the factory warranty.
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    Thanks maxxoliver. I'm heading to the dealer in the A.M. for an oil change and I wanted to discuss the sunroof wind deflector TSB at the same time. I will share my experience on this forum.
  • meandmymaxxmeandmymaxx Member Posts: 134
    Michiganmaxx, I don't know the TSB number. I had read about it here and went to my dealer here in Canada. he looked at all the TSB's for 2005 and found nothing, he then checked 2004 to show me how these things work, and there was the TSB and it included the 2005s on the 2004 list. He couldn't figure out how it didn't show up on the 05 list and ordered the deflector for me. They called 3 days later, I brought it in and they installed it in about 15 minutes. And no it didn't cost me anything.
  • maxxolivermaxxoliver Member Posts: 78
    Thanks for this information I checked it out on my 05 LT and it works which is really great to know with the new law that has gone into effect. I am going to try it on my daughters new Cobalt and see if it works on that too. I parked in front of a building to try it out so my lights would shine on the building and I would know.
  • jw1127jw1127 Member Posts: 6
    Just an update, we got the Maxx. They gave us a great deal on our trade in, $500 more than KBB and only $800 less than what we bought it for from them 2 years ago. Really enjoying it so far . . . especially the gas mileage! :D
  • mitzijmitzij Member Posts: 613
    Post the last 8 digits of your VIN. I should be able to look up warranty here at work.
  • mitzijmitzij Member Posts: 613
    Well, skip the VIN thing, I found your answer in a new truck's owner's manual. A salvage title VOIDS the warranty. No ifs, no buts, no candy, no nuts.
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    This is a follow-up posting. I went to the dealer this morning for an oil change and tire rotation. While there I commented that I hear a rattle from the current spring-loaded metal sunroof deflector when the sunroof is CLOSED. The dealer installed two rubber insulators on the current metal wind deflector to stop the rattle. So far the insulators seem to be doing the job. They also ordered the sunroof air deflector under TSB 04-08-67-009 which incidentally is dated Nov 17, 2004. The dealer gave me a copy of the TSB which covers all Malibus with sunroofs. I will post a follow-up when the deflector is installed.

    Thanks again maxxoliver for the TSB number.
  • ktcktc Member Posts: 30
    Can anybody post a picture what this wind deflector looks like? :confuse:
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    St. Louis-Nashville-Chattanooga-Smokies-Ashville and back. 30 mpg all the way, tires handle good in rain. Absolutely no problems about 14k in six months. BTW- Looked at quite a few small suv's including the Escape. Glad I didn't bite given the cost of gas.

    Paying $16K for an 05 LS is a great deal.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    http://home.att.net/~p.oswald/wsb/html/view.cgi-image.html--graphic.html

    here is an aftermarket one installed on my 04 Maxx (Full car shot)...Im sure it looks the same as the one the dealers are installing.....if not..someone pls say so

    http://home.att.net/~p.oswald/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-707650.html

    close up of the deflector installed
  • maxxolivermaxxoliver Member Posts: 78
    Yes it looks the same.
  • thornbushthornbush Member Posts: 1
    We received a recall notice for our '05 LS. Possible loose engine harmonic balancer on the 3.5. Anyone else get this recall?
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    no..but I have an 04 LT...Feb 04 build.....checked mygmlink..and no recalls listed there either...
  • mitzijmitzij Member Posts: 613
    Yep. Recall 05548, checking torque on harmonic balancer on some '05-'06 Malibu, Malibu Maxx, and Uplanders, as well as pontiac/buick cousins. Be sure to get this recall done in a timely manner if you receive a letter. It expires August 31, 2006.
  • tallmugtallmug Member Posts: 10
    Yep, got the same message when I went to the dealership to get a new key yesterday. Bummer.
  • maxxolivermaxxoliver Member Posts: 78
    Yes in fact the dealer took care of the recall when they had my car in for an oil change, I received the notice in the mail two days later. I am not sure how long it takes to post on mygmlink.com I am still trying to get it to accept the VIN on my new MAXX and I have had it for over two months.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    I had to call the contact number on mygmlink..to get my VIN number to accept....now all is well..been using if for about 16 months now
  • maxxolivermaxxoliver Member Posts: 78
    I called and got my VIN to accept so now I am up and running again. I have been using mygmlink.com for 18 months since I bought the first Maxx. I really like the fact that it keeps track of everything I have done to the car and I don't have to enter the information it comes straight from the dealer to the website. Thanks for your help. :)
  • michiganmaxxmichiganmaxx Member Posts: 72
    Final follow-up posting regarding my Sunroof Wind Deflector installation: The dealer gave me an appointment to install the deflector this morning. I agree with Pao (Posting 3777) and Maxxoliver (Posting 3778). The installed deflector looks just like the picture Pao posted. And I'm confirming it was done under warranty. Whether others have it done or not is probably one of personal "esthetic" preference. It certainly makes for a quieter ride with the sunroof open than before the wind deflector was installed. By the way, I have had excellent response and service from this particular dealer; Mike Savoie Chevrolet in Troy, Michigan.
  • maxx10maxx10 Member Posts: 16
    When I first got my Maxx I was in love with it. The car was a dream.. but after 20k miles, 9 radios, 3 steering columns,and countless other repairs, :sick: lest I forget the battle with GM, I am finally getting out of this lemon from hell.. :lemon:

    GM is buying it back.... :) and since I dont have a choice, I have to get another Chevy (GM) car. So I am going for an HHR.... Hopefully it wont have the problems this Maxx had. :confuse:
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