Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Solutions

lugo_189

In fact I have a cell phone charger attach when this happen, I do have the remote start option on my vehicle. Also, this car was build before Dec 2003.

How the cell phone charger affect the remote start?

e2helper

Cell phone chargers have gotten ridiculously inexpensive and the least expensive ones are very noisy from an electrical standpoint. I really wonder if any standards exist on some of them. Anyways when your phone is really hungry the noise gets worse as the charger works harder. It puts voltage spikes in vehicle which the original remote keyless module was susceptible to causing it to become "confused". The updated part eliminated condition.

If your charger is really bad you might find it also interferes with radio reception. If that is the case you might want to look into another charger unless you sure you have a "quality" one - whatever that is :confuse: .

Please take your vehicle to dealer while you still have warranty in effect. With information you have provided you definitely need a new receiver. New fobs will shorten time you have to hold button to "pop" trunk slightly so you will like that as well

:shades:

hhmax

Thanks for the info. Please post the results on the cross camber. But are you sure the TSB 05-08-110-005 is for the alignment? I got this from:
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/General-Motors/1125385200000_1131609600000_05-08-110-- 005/index.html

Posted: Thu, Nov 10, 2005
Issued: Tue, Aug 30, 2005
TSB Number: 05-08-110-005
Title: Interior - Sun Visor Mirror Cover Breaks Off

lugo_189

Thank your for all your help. I took the cell phone charger out from the car and the problem is gone.

e2helper

However module is still susceptible so make sure you take vehicle to dealer - or are you already out of warranty due to mileage?

With charger disconnected it will likely eliminates occurrences of this until you get module replaced. However there likely will be something else that can also trigger it to occur - just not as repeatibly.

Let us know how things work out with dealer.

Regards

7937

Hi e2helper. I note with interest your comments about the remote module being susceptible to voltage spikes. I work at a hospital and park near the emergency entrance where the communications center is located.

On several occasions while sitting in the car listening to the news on the radio, I have noticed a weird occurance as an ambulance passes my car. Something behind the dash starts whirring and what sounds like flapper doors open and close. This can continue for several seconds. I have come to the conclusion that radio communications between the ambulance and control center are causing rf interference on the cars computer system.

If the new Malibu is susceptible to rf interference then a lot of weird random events could be explained. The remote receiver seems to be very sensitive and operates from quite a distance when using the key fob.

Other than that, the car is going very well and does not seem to have any hangovers from its encounters with ambulances. Car build date is Feb. 2004. 4cyl.

gonogo

Your dealer was suppose to do toe-in alignment when they dropped the sub frame for the transmission work, you have a sloppy dealer.

lost_in_bklyn

Hi All,
I inherited a 2000 malibu 6 months ago. It has 54k miles on it. Last week when I was driving it, slowing down for a stop sign, it stalled. I couldnt even steer or put it in neutral to push it out of the road! Ten minutes later it started right up and got me home. The next week it did the same thing, but would repeatedly stall, and I couldnt drive it anywhere. I saw on another forum that this is a rare but documented problem on malibus around my year and they believe it has something to do with the anti-theft device, but as of the last posts (6/2003) on the forum, the dealers hadnt been able to solve the problem. Does anyone know if this problem has been solved yet? Ive read suggestions about changing the computer that controls the antitheft device and or changing the ignition module, but no results are confirmed.

Any help is appreciated,
Dave

e2helper

I am pretty sure the antitheft system would not cause a running vehicle to stall. It only would prevent it from starting in the first place. I know that is not of much help but thought I would mention it.

[Deleted User]

Sorry the TSB for left lead/pull is 04-03-06-001 issued Sept 04. I don't think it is out on alldata site anymore, unless you subscribe. Will be calling dealer tomorrow to make appt for service. Will post back with results after I've driven car a few days when I get it back.

[Deleted User]

Yeah, when I picked up the car and before I drove it I asked if they rechecked the alignment. I knew it had to be checked after removing/replacing the trans. The advisor said it did not need to be done because TSB did not mention it. I drove car a few feet and went back in and said I told you so. They took care of it. I spite of this blunder, I am quite satisfied with all other warranty work they have done to date.

lost_in_bklyn

As crazy as it sounds, thats what 1998-2001 malibu owners have reported. Usually its while stuck in traffic, going at a slow speed that the car's anti theft system kicks on, completely shutting it down. Go to http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/gm_chev_malibu.html to read the numerous stories of this happening.

kurtamaxxxguy

Oh no....

I assume my 01/04 build Maxx is vulnerable to this? Right now I do not use a cel phone re charger in the Maxx, but wonder if _other_ EMF noise near the car could cause trouble? Examples: noisy fluroescent lights using electronic switcher supplies, etc.

What TSB do I have to refer the dealer to in order to get this fixed?

And truly, I have learned my lesson. No more first year cars, EVER.

e2helper

Jan 2004 came after Dec 2003 so your vehicle had updated parts. In fact since Maxx started production months after sedan I don't believe any production Maxxs had this older part.

kurtamaxxxguy

Thanks, E2. Must have missed something somewhere...

Incidently, like some others here I am now having intermittant problems with the front turn signals (double speed flasher, lamps don't blink).

Can anyone here refresh my memory as to what to check for?

e2helper

If you have double speed flasher on inside indicators this is an "indication" that you have a bulb out. If intermittent it is likely a bulb-socket interface problem. If you have noticed which bulb actually doesn't work you can mention it to dealer (although I think with your model the BCM will actually have set a fault code). They will likely replace bulb and socket.

golfgoumba

I can only get my Fresh air button to work on my 2005 MAXX LS, when I hit the recirculate button it flash's only and wont stay on, I have held it down for a minute sometimes and both will light, I am confused! Can someone help on this. I am going to the dealer in a couple days to get the visor mirrors changed because both covers broke, I will add this to the list I guess.

annodomino

Hi, I got this car 4 months ago. In the last month I have been counting my MPG and for the past three weeks I have been getting an abysmal 14.5 MPG with 80% city and 20% highway. Even with me driving on the streets way more then driving on the highway 14 sounds like something broke. I haven't went to a mechanic yet, because I honestly don't know what could be the problem. I am looking for suggestions... I need something to tell my mechanic, also I still have a sqeaking from my front brake on the left side, someone one this board said it was probably rust but my mechanic said it was nothing, I need some advice.

Thanks alot, first time driver. :confuse:

e2helper

I think we had one other poster a while back with same complaint as yours.

As long as you don't have the mode in defog or defrost you should be able to select recirculate. When in one of those modes you can't select recirculate because both of those modes blow air on windshield and there are concerns about humidity fogging it up.

If you do have it in one of those modes when you select recirculate the light will flash 3 times but you stay in fresh air mode.

I forget what happens if you try to do this when fan switch is off. I think someone else posted on that a while back.

kurtamaxxxguy

wrt 2x flasher, dealer found front bulb bad and replaced (under warranty yet - surprising as bulbs are wear parts - nice touch!).

A new question;
Can anyone tell me what the "internal trim" change was in the Malibus' doors in Feb 2004 that improves side impact resistance? This was mentioned on several safety sites.

Was this fix in the Maxx from the start, or did it too get the fix in Feb 2004? Mine was a Jan '04 build.

And is this fix retrofitable (was it the trim that was changed, or internal door structure?)?

maxxoliver

I don't know about internal trim in the door but I do know that they added side airbags to the front seats.

e2helper

Side airbags added at beginning of the 2005 model year, so now instead of just ordering roof rail curtain airbags you get both roof rail and the front seat side airbags.

kurtamaxxxguy

My '04 Maxx does have side curtain bags (wouldn't be without them) but as E2 mentioned no Seat airbags, which came along in '05.

Still wondering about the door trim change...any one know?

gonogo

Don't know exactly what the door change is but read some where it can not be retro fitted.

kurtamaxxxguy

Does/Has anyone here replaced their Maxx Tail Lights? After replacing my front turn signal, my Maxx has decided to blow its rear turn signal. The plan is to replace every bulb back there as well as the remaining turn signal.

The manual instructions are not helpful. They don't describe the Maxx at all. The instructions say on the Sedan that you have to pull trunk lining out of the way to reach a "hidden fastener"

I see the screws for the Maxx taillight, but Does the Maxx use hidden fasteners? Do you have to pull the interior trim off in order to remove the tail lights to replace the bulbs? How much interior trim has to be pulled off (hopefully, none) ??

Thanks!

melissamcd

hey, i just recently bought a '02 mailbu as well and have been having numerous problems. The first one was with the cd/radio. The front drivers side speaker went the first week and I have had it replaced by the company I bought it from . . . but now it won't play cd's! The other major problem it the hesitation when the gas is pressed. Not sure what this is but I am nervous to find out. When I hit the gas it hesitates to shift gears . . . any guesses? let me know!

meandmymaxx

Just replaced mine yesterday. Remove the 2 screws from the taillight assembly and pull the whole light straight out, there are a couple of guide pins but no other fasteners. Good Luck

mybooo

I had a rear turn signal go out on a road trip yesterday too! The manual says 3057, but it had a 3457 in it. Maybe there the same...dunno. But it was an easy fix :-)

maxx4me

I went and checked out the Mazda 5 today, as a logical competitor to the Maxx. I found the vehicle to be mostly well thought out, but very plastic ridden inside. More importantly, I preferred the Maxx because I can change the oil with my eyes closed, it has telescoping pedals, and rules on gas mileage. Of note E2helper, Mazda's 3 and RX-8 utilize electric steering. My Mazda Service Manger friend told me that Mazda has had problems with their electric steering when the battery goes dead. Is there a similar concern with the Malibu should a battery go dead, or if I need to unhook the cables to replace the battery?

e2helper

I am not aware of any issue like this on Malibu.

meandmymaxx

Noticed the other day when sitting straight in the drivers seat I was pointed out the windshield over the centre stack.Must have happened gradually as I didn't notice this all of a sudden, grabbed the seat and pulled it toward me it came off the right side track. Dealer took it apart and welded and reinforced it. Great to be facing the steering wheel again. Overall I am not very impressed with the quality of the Maxx, but the dealer service has been outstanding..

drej

Hi
I saw posts on the headrest being able to flip the other way....Sorry for restarting this thread but the wife really would like to get it moved back a bit. I cant seem to yank it out to pointit the other way, what clip or feature actually hold it in place? THX D~

e2helper

If you have a 2005 prior to VIN 5F112989 it would be much better if you had dealer follow TSB 05-08-50-002 and replace the headrest so that you are still following factory design. The new design moves back center of headrest a little over 1/2 inch.

If you already have new design...well then I guess I don't have anything further to say...

beedublu

Here's the latest installment in my ongoing headache with the 04 Malibu cruise control.

My hard-to-disengage cruise control wouldn't stay engaged unless I pressed the button several dozen times, and it would quit by itself unpredictably. Finally, on a long trip, it quit completely, only to come back to life (naturally) just when I had scheduled a service appointment. Usually it would act up only on long trips of 100 miles or so, making it almost impossible for the technicians to duplicate the problem.

The dealer's respone this time -- my third attempt to solve these problems --- was "Found BCM going internally open at times". Solution: "N4800 Module, Computer (control) body replace".

I'm wondering if this makes any sense to e2helper or anyone else knowledgeable about the electronic glitches that can plague Malibus.

minn_maxx

My BCM was replaced for intermittent cruise control problems and it worked fine since (about 6-months). 2004 Maxx

[Deleted User]

Go to Message 183 in this discussion for info on removing the headrests from the seats. I had the front headrests on my 04 Maxx replaced with the new design per the TSB. The new design is an improvement and just fine for me, but they may still bother some passengers. I did not want to rotate my fronts 180 because they don't lock in that way.

e2helper

Truthfully, the BCM is last thing I consider being cause of a fault even though it is often the first thing that gets replaced. Wiring and connectors as more likely the culprit.

With respect to your particular case you are describing so many different conditions: hard-to-disengage, won't stay engaged, quit completely I am not sure what to say. I had made a suggestion before on the hard-to-disengage but forgot if that was tried or not. I will have to look a little more at "post-history" and get back with you

annodomino

Hi my car is getting 14 miles per gallon I dont know what the problem is can anyone tell me? I really need help this is killing me! :mad:

dtownfb

It could be a number of problems. To get a better answer, we need more information. How many miles? Which engine? Where do you live? (Some states use a special blend of gas to reduce emmissions). Do you have any "Check engine lights" on? How does the car ride? Does it sound rough? Are the RPMs about right for the speed you are travelling (at 55 mph, are the rpm around 1700) Have you replaced the spark plugs?

To start, i would check the air filter. Simple to check and replace on your own (if it is dirty). Check your tire air pressure. Easy to lose 1-2 pounds of air and not notice.

mjones84

I have a 2005 Malibu LS and recently my remote start , instead of starting my car like it should it sets off my panic alarm, i was wondering if anyone had any clue why this would do this and if you know how to fix it i'd appreciate it b/c i'm in connecticut right now and it's pretty cold in the morning i'd like to be able to get into a warm car in hte morning like i used to...any help would be appreciated

minn_maxx

One of my remotes does that to my 2004 Maxx as well (sets off panic alarm). The other remote works fine. I have not had it fixed yet.

Note: the remote that sets off the alarm had a problem with the battery. When it was hooked back up, it started the "panic alarm" thing when using the remote start.

e2helper

I have heard of this. Try using your other key fob. Likely it will work correctly.

When you take vehicle to dealer to get new key fob make sure you give them both of them so they both are reprogrammed to module.

e2helper

I am sure you saw my other message but you already discovered this was associated with only one of your key fobs. Just take to dealer to get a new one. Make sure you take both fobs because when they reprogram one I think they need to reprogram them all again.

westy56

Hi,
I was at my chevy dealer yesterday and the 2006 Malibu Maxx LT on the display floor caught my eye. I am trading in my 2003 Blazer and looking for something that will save on gas and also afford me the space we need to transport things my wife uses in her scrapbooking business(tons). I liked the size of the Maxx and the body style is sharp. Although I got there at the end of the day and did not get to test drive one, it appears that I will probably lease this model.
I was just hopping to get an overall feeling on this car from people who may have one. I have read many of the posts here, and most seem to have relatively minor concerns and it does not appear that there is anything more posted than what you would find on most other vehicles.
Any comments on whether this is a good vehicle to buy or lease would be welcomed! :shades:
Does anyone have any major concerns about the Malibu?

e2helper

I like the way westy thinks! I won't provide my input (since I am not an owner) but look forward to reading others

westy56

Thanks e2helper!

kurtamaxxguy

The Maxx and Malibu have had a fair number of problems with their steering gear (latest issue is the steering rack itself). Yours may or may not have that problem. Then again, some surveys claim the Maxx has better reliability than the Malibu Sedan, the latter of which has had rear suspension problems.

Wrt my '04, having gone through most of the issues, and putting better tires on it (GY TripleTreads, though Michelin and others are just as good), it's proving a good workhorse and handles a whole lot better. There's a lot of room inside, the trim quality is decent (do you like the '06 chrome additions? - for me they are a turnoff), the ride is up to most LA potholes and save for some rattles now and then the interior is pretty quiet. The Maxx loves to bark its front tires, but still manages to get 24-26 mph overall in the miserable LA traffic.

It's probably the best USA-built Extended Sedan (read, hatchback) around right now.

skyhawk

I have an 04 early Feb build date. I have not experienced any of the major problems that some have. My steering column was replaced due to a recall. I was not having any problems. I did have the thermostat replaced because the car was running slightly cooler than the computer liked and the dreaded check engine light came on. I have never closed the shades in the back so I don't know if they would stay shut. frankly I don't care. My wife likes the head rests better than the one in her car which was condiderably more expensive than my Maxx. The car runs great. I have never managed to average over 30 mpg on long trips, but then I am usually well north of the speed limit. I am happy with the mileage I get and very happy with the amount and size of the stuff that I have managed to haul with the Maxx. I have a dealer who has become very responsive and they do a good job. Early on I chided the service manager because I knew more about the car and service bulletins than he did. He told me it would not happen again, and it hasn't. I have never had a "perfect" car but I have always had decent dealers who tried to make it perfect. Before you buy, park off to the side and go in the service door have a coffee in the service waiting room and strike up a conversation. You might be surprised what you will learn about the dealer. This is my first Chevy product. I was always Olds and then Pontiac.

ypsistub

Help! My 2003 Malibu has 67,000 miles and suddenly won't start. There were no noticeable signs prior to the issue. I came home, car was off for 1 hour and barely started, then only sounds of the engine turning over. The engine turns over, however does not fully fire. The temperature has been 30F-45F.
Jumping car did not work, spark plugs and fuses are fine. Checked and found timing belt is working. Also does not produce a code. It does not look like it's the theft system because the theft light does not blink or come on. We think it may be the fuel pump. There was no noticeable fuel pump noise when the key was turned to the on position. Any other ideas?
Can someone help tell me where the fuel pump pressure checkpoint is? I don't want to spend the money if the fuel pump is not the issue. THANKS!!

marlap

Just got my maxx this week and have noticed that whenever I run it no matter how far or how long, it really sounds loud cooling down after I turn it off. It sounds like I have really had the engine hot and it is having to cool down. Lots of tinking noises. My blazer never made these noises or at least not as loud. Any input on what this might be?