Chevrolet Malibu: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • tcontastcontas Member Posts: 10
    Thanks for the detailed info. Still not sure if I want to obscure so much of the opening, which isn't that wide to begin with. If it's that easy to install & remove, maybe I'll do it and then just take it off if I'm not happy with it. Sounds like it's just a couple screws. I didn't realize the 04 had a metal deflector rather than mesh. I'd be curious to know if the mesh one is quieter than your metal one. Guess Chevy at least tried to improve it. I had a VW before and the wind noise wasn't bad at all. I may get used to this with time; if not, I'll get the deflector. Thanks again.
  • jfkjimjfkjim Member Posts: 2
    My alarm doesnt go off anymore when I try to exit the 1995 Pathfinder, I was told that in the fuse box there should be a samll square box above all the fuese and that would need to be replaced. My problem is there are three small different colored boxes above the fuses, and they aren't labeled. anyone know which one ?? thanks
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    my rims are 17 X 7.5...thus the size difference perhaps....Tire rack recommended the set up....but got them locally..and yes...do notice a little decrease in mileage...greater rolling resistance...and rims are heavier thus more need to get them rolling...over all probably a loss of a mile per gallon is my guess

    Im rolling 225/50/17 michelin pilot sports a/s now..and love them..also avon makes a good all season tire in that size.....about $75 less a tire than the michelins
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    How are others here fareing with brake pad wear on their rear disks?

    Mine died around 35K miles.

    Anyone else having pad life that short? If so, any explainations offered by the servicing dealers?
  • clarencehollowclarencehollow Member Posts: 60
    I bought a base 2005 Malibu (4 cyl) in November 2004. I cannot say how much I love my car, and all the comments I get! It's been everywhere, but I wanted to give you an update on how things are going for me. FUEL ECONOMY: This continues to improve actually and on a trip on the highway I get no less than 35 mpg sometimes up to 39! City only it never really falls below 26 average. I can live with that. PROBLEMS: Well a relay in my wipers went, making the intermitent feature fail, and the wipers stop 1/4 down, but all I have to do is touch the wiper directional and it goes down completely. My Air Sensor went off (saw an engine symbol) and brought it in to the dealer, they actually had to replace the Catalytic Converter .. but for you GM Owners, remember, these things are under warranty, cost free, to 80,000 miles! The sensor is in, it's also under warranty. TIRES: I decided to buy new tires, and I highly recommend the Firestone/Bridgstone Invicta's.. the very best rain tire I've ever owned and they are very quiet. I bought them at Firestone, and was very happy. Other than that, this is a terrific vehicle, awesome handling, just what I always wanted.
  • clarencehollowclarencehollow Member Posts: 60
    That's not bad for GM Brakes ... I replaced my fronts at 22,000, but then again, I brake hard. I have no problem keeping my tires and brakes up. It's important and may save my life or someone elses for that matter.
  • rvothrvoth Member Posts: 147
    Thanks, I figured in loosing 1-2 mpg to larger width tires. I do love those Michelin Tires , have been a happy with their tires. Sounds like those pilot sport a/s are the right type of tires for my family style of driving.

    The rims you have are they chrome are painted? Heard that chrome pits and peals off after a couple of years. I'm will stay with a paint or machined lip rim with a paint inside. Still looking, Thanks for the help.

    Does your 04 Maxx have a sunroof? If so did you get a acrylic gm airdam installed from gm or else where. I opened up the sunroof at 65 mph just last week. It's been four or five months since last opening at highway speeds and what a LOUD wind nosie. I'm going to bring it to my GM dealers attention and see if they will provide a free gm airdam to fix .

    Russell :shades:
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    mine are painted similiar to the Millie Miglia HT3 on tireracks site..they dont carry the ones I have now.....

    Im not one to press a car....so the michelins may be a bit of an overkill...but it provides a good ride...and responsive steering...or as much as you can get with electronic steering in the Maxx

    yes I do have a sunroof..and yes..the airdam is a necessity...mine was aftermarket before the TSB came out from GM...the dealership should be one on for you under the TSB
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    Yesterday it was around 91 degrees where I live and with the remote start, I tried to start the car before I got in it to let it cool off, well it didn't start, it just set off the panic alarm (3 honks with flashing lights). The same remote started the car the day before and the other remote continues to start the car. The rest of the functions on that remote still work (lock, unlock, trunk, and panic)
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    I believe you need a new key fob.
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    Why would it be a bad keyfob? I could see if something got inside the fob or it needed a new battery. You might try this, open the remote and remove the circuit board. Using gloves and some q-tips, dip the q-tips into some isopropyl alchohol and clean the entire circuit board. Let the board air dry. Pop the rubber button board from the face of the fob and wash in soapy water. Rinse and air dry. Then reassemble the whole thing and test. If it still doesn't work, maybe a new battery?
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    Left my '04 Malibu Maxx LT on the lot of a Pontiac dealer in trade for a '06 Pontiac Vibe (read Toyota Matrix) last night. They are a far better dealer (my parents have a vehicle serviced there) and the Vibe is far better in quality than my Malibu ever was. I got supplier pricing, a decent price on my Malibu and now (thankfully, due to my Malibu) GAP protection. There were just too many problems with the Maxx and the absolutely awful dealer. Hope everyone else has a better time with their Malibu's than I did.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    sorry for all the problems...glad you got a good deal...what did the dealer give you in on trade for the Maxx..just curious..and how many miles did you have on it...
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    I had 25,800 on it and I got $10,500 for it. Paid somewhere between $20-21k for it new (after rebates and GMS). ABSOLUTELY AWFUL depreciation. There was also a $500 cash back if trading in a 1999 or newer car. It was within a hundred or two of KBB, so not too bad. I don't know where Edmund's was getting their $12,800 TMV trade. :confuse: Dealer sticker for '04s is in the $14-15k range, so I can't imagine any way of getting that.
  • redmaxxredmaxx Member Posts: 627
    Thanks to everyone who helped with the problems on my Maxx, especially e2helper. :shades:
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    tough after just two years...but understand why you bailed with all the problems.....was just curious as to what they gave you.....mine is doing well..but have very high miles on mine so it will be with me for a while now....just rolled over 65K on mine....bought in Feb 04...but I am one of the ones they must have got it right on....no problems..other than the minor recall issues....never a trans issue....original steering column....even have the original OEM pads and rotors still.....enjoy the new vibe
  • phillymomphillymom Member Posts: 30
    Don't know how Phillymom came up this is Islandpete :)

    For the past two weeks, my Maxx(2004 9500mi)has been showing subtle signs of a power steering problem. At times it would be extremely easy to steer and other times it took a bit more effort. I accepted this as the electronics are doing their job. Denial on my part that there was a problem starting. This AM as my wife and I went out to do some shopping it really acted up. Backing out of the driveway it was harder to turn the wheel but loosened up as I was driving. Then it happened, a chime went off and two messages poped up one on the dash (a wrench symbol) and a message on the radio dial face"Power Steering". Seconds later I was battling the steering trying to turn it into a parking field. It had suddenly lost any power assist and had to really muscle it to go where I wanted it. Luckily my wife was not driving and for myself that I was not going fast. We were a couple of miles from my dealership and I was able to drive it in . It loosened up enough for me to do this or I would have called for assistance. I was very careful and it was a straight run to get there(slowly). Pulling into the dealership it totally lost the assist again. A mechanic was outside and he told me to just shut it off and leave it where it was. The service writer came out after I explained what had happened. He got in the car to move it into another area that was not blocking the bays. When he got out I asked him if he had a problem. He said it felt normal to him, but did not doubt it was happening. Anyway,they gave us a courtesy lift home and now I will have to sit tight until they call me. Tried to go into detail for the benefit of anyone else experiencing the same problems with their steering :cry: :sick:
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    this problem has been reported before..there is a TSB out on it..probably a steering column replacement....make sure they recalibrate the new one ....its all in the TSB..but some have forgotten to do it...and make sure the wheel is centered when you get it back.....an 04 under 10k miles...wishing....bought mine in Feb 04...and just rolled over 65k...but no problems to report...about to go in for a rakes..and resurfacing all the rotors.....had forgotten how expensive that can be...ugh..but again..still running the OEM rotors and pads..so I guess I cant complain
  • islandpeteislandpete Member Posts: 94
    Yep pao , you were right on target. They did a column repacement and luckily they had one in stock. My Maxx is back and running great. Calibration apparently was done and the wheel is centered perfectly. I made them aware of the TSB from reading this board. Nice to know from someone what mileage I can expect from the brakes rotors etc, Thanks
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    teh key to rotor life I believe is always having service tech..hand torgue the lugs to finish them..dont just use the air guns alone....uneven torgue tends to warp the rotors....causing extra wear...and you will feel pulsing in the foot petal as well......

    some folks have had brakes replaced at less than 20K....most of mine is highway miles.....with only some commuter stop and go......I may be the exception to the rule.....
  • eranceranc Member Posts: 1
    Hi, i own a malibu (2005 lt) lattly i have to add 1 kilo(35 ounces) for evry 4000 kilometers (2485 miles)is it normal?
  • mr_botsmr_bots Member Posts: 236
    I have an 04 LS and it has never needed drop of oil between changes. But GM claims that 1 quart (32 ounces)every 1000 miles is considered normal so the dealer will not even care.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Wrt rear brake pads my Maxx did indeed only have 1mm or so left on one pad. Not sure how much more braking I would have gotten out of it but pads are now replaced.

    Ditto the front struts, which means that except for the tie rods virtually everything in the front suspension has been replaced. There seems to be a little less noise over bumps now...not sure yet as I have not driven the car much.

    Monday is my Maxx's going-out-of-warranty birthday. Hopefully it will behave itself for awhile afterwards :confuse: .
  • airmaxxairmaxx Member Posts: 9
    I know this has been mentioned before, but has anyone with the vibrating headlights had any luck getting it fixed or if GM has a fix for this. It almost made me sick on a three hour trip the other night. Its like a strobe light you can't turn off. Thanks.
  • willislwillisl Member Posts: 1
    I own a 2004 Chevy Malibu Classic 4 dr Sedan and I have never had worse gas mileage with any other car than I have with this one.
    Does anyone know what to check or do to correct this?
  • 37453745 Member Posts: 152
    See post #3195
  • dwdrummrdudedwdrummrdude Member Posts: 1
    ***NEED SOME HELP!!!!I****I have a 1998 Chevy Malibu 6 cyclender. Here's what's wrong. The dash board lights don't work and the tail lights(not the turn signals,park lights ,hazzards,or brake lights..just the tail lights. And the right passenger side head light...This all happend at different times..!st-head light 2nd dome and tail light problems.. Now, let me tell you what I've done.. Checked all the small colored fuses.. And changed all the tail light bulbs. Installed a new stereo system. If I could get some feedback on this ASAP I'd like to know the best way to go about this
    Thanks,
    Ben
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    My knowledge on the old Malibu is a little fuzzy but here are some suggestions:

    First of all to confirm a few things...

    If you turn on the parking lights with headlamp switch (just to the PARK position) and walk around vehicle are you saying that the front parking lamps/side markers are ON but both the rear tail lamps are not on? What about the licence plate lamp?

    For the passenger headlamp, it is inoperative for both high and low beam? How about when in daytime running lamp mode? What is status of both headlamps then.

    The dash board lamps are tied in with exterior parking lamps and so better to check this other stuff first before digging into what is going on with them.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    What is your gas mileage and how miles do you have on the vehicle? I had a 2001 malibu and you should be in the mid-low 20's depending on what type of driving you do.
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Man, this car dents easy! I was repositioning my bike in my garage, and the rear tire just grazed the front passenger door of my 04 Maxx and now I have a small, quarter-sized (or maybe dime-sized) dimple just above the side molding. It's barely noticeable to most people, I suppose, but it bugs me.

    Does anyone have any experience with the "suction cup method" of removal? How about the dry ice method I've heard about?

    Or would a Dentworks or Dent Wizard outfit do it for not too many $$? I'm not sure it would be worth it. Thanks.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    adding a qt for every 1000 miles...that means you loose more than half your oil between oil changes.....I dont think that is correct.....got that in writing somewhere as considered the norm??????
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    If that's true, it's the sloppiest engine tolerance I have heard about in years.
    FYI, the '04 Maxx I am running seems to burn very little oil. - have never had to refill between 3000 mile changes (oil level changed little if at all).
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    This is what the Malibu SI states.

    An engine that has excessive oil consumption uses 0.9 L (1 qt) of oil, or more, within 3200 km (2,000 mi).
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    that is in different context from the original poster

    "But GM claims that 1 quart (32 ounces)every 1000 miles is considered normal so the dealer will not even care"

    this is two different statements...I agree about excessive oil consumption....dont think GM considers it "normal"
  • skyhawkskyhawk Member Posts: 126
    I use mobile 1 and after 5000 miles the oil level has not changed. I would not tolerate a quart useage every 1000 miles. In fact I would be very disappointed in any new car that used a quart in 3000 miles.
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    What I posted came from the Malibu SI, I bet the Suburban with a V8 would probably be 1 qt in 1000 miles. My 17000 mi Malibu uses about 1/3 qt in 5K, it doesn’t bother me. I never had a V engine that didn’t use some oil, all the other were V8, this is my first V6. The 4 cyl engines I owned never used oil, I guess the smaller the less oil usage. I think the 1 qt in 2k is to cover for production errors.
  • rvothrvoth Member Posts: 147
    My 05 malibu goes 8000 km between oil changes,and only uses 0.2-0.3 liters of Mobil 1 or about the amount of a can of coke. Using a Fram synthetic oil filter (7-14 microns) which increases the qualilty and live of the oil...only goes down to the second hole on the dipstick.Love that Mobil 1, ya man. :D
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    I agree..using syn here....and change between 6500 and 7000..and not using a drop of oil...65k on the car.....
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    no engine should use a quart every 1000 miles....I doubt the V8 in the suburban does either....my Mustang GT with a 4.6l V-8 never used oil.....regular changes and traded it with 87K on it.....still good
  • GM has published TSB 01-06-01-011B, which covers all GM engines 1998-2006. The TSB states, if the oil level stays above the add line for 2000 mi (3200 km), the engine meets guidelines for oil consumption. If oil reaches the add level in less than 2000 mi (3200 km), and vehicle is still within the original warranty period, they should diagnose and fix the problem.

    You are driving more than 3200 km before you add oil, so GM will probably say your engine meets their guidlines. I, like many others, disagree with GM. You should not have to add any oil to a new vehicle between oil change.
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Sloppy manufacturing tolerances, period.

    Is it fair to have the feeling that buying a reliable Chevrolet is like rolling dice in Vegas - you got no idea what you're gonna get?
    CU's ratings of Chevrolet reliability are by far the most variable of any car brand, going from good to downright rotten. The Maxx is smack in the middle, according to them.
  • sciguy85sciguy85 Member Posts: 45
    I had (of all things) received a dent on my hood at the front crease line about your size and yes it bugged me. I was in a downpour and went under an overpass and I think it was flooded uptop and a vehicle went by and dumped so my water onto the hood that my car slowed about 20 mph and felt like it bounced. There may have been some rock or ??? and only did the small dent. (lucky) I tried the suction (No luck) So I found a guy who works for the dealership I bought my car at (He goes to different dealers and fixes dents out of his truck)and for $50 it's gone and I found the process amazing. I want to learn it. So ask your dealer, they may not be money grubbing and refer you. (It took less than 20 min.)
  • sciguy85sciguy85 Member Posts: 45
    Saw the new Maxx SS in white and decided to see what I may be able to do (I have an 04 LT with all ex: Onstar and DVD)21,000 miles, I've had it for about 1 1/2 years. I owe 12,000 they offered 11,000, I laughed and started to walk out. The manager came running and said what could he do? I said add about 5 grand. He said I was crazy (good sales manners)That the Avalance he was driving depreciated about 9 grand. I said my car was a 25,000 car that was less than 1/2 in 2 years. He asked me to wait. (I have a friend who is finance manager and said they were hurting and who knows so I waited. The offer: My car and the smart buy (He upped my trade to 13,000) I would owe $28,000 ($400 per month) for 4 years and if I wanted to keep the maxx, I would owe 10,000 at that time (I asked how the car was possibly worth 10 grand in 4 years when mine was worth 11,000 in 2) He said that's the way it is. As I see it they added $$$ instead of deducting and I did walk out laughing all the way.
  • bcg1bcg1 Member Posts: 1
    i have a 01 malibu 3.1 v6 i recently had the intake manifold gasket replaced for the same reason its a known fact this is a problem with these engines( gm doesn't admit it)i had min repaired at my local shop , gm wanted 900+ saved several hundred going local
  • kurtamaxxxguykurtamaxxxguy Member Posts: 1,798
    Just wondering if anyone here has heard any more about the popping noises the Mailbu Steering rack can make (mine is doing it again after being replaced (probably with the older version), and if Chevy is actually going to offer a fix for this?
  • gonogogonogo Member Posts: 879
    Probably not, GM is just holding on by a thread, [no pun intended] the price of gas will finish them off.
  • bertiebarbbertiebarb Member Posts: 1
    We had same problem with our 00 Malibu last year. Our cost (Can) was $900, with a LOT of hassles (losing coolant, overheating engine, misdiagnosed problem, etc). I saw on tv that there could be a class-action suit regarding this malfunction and wonder if you have heard any more. I called the Chev. dealership and (of course), they had NO information. If such a recall exists, I would like to be part of it!
  • mybooomybooo Member Posts: 92
    I was first told late 05 that it would be the first quarter of 06. First quarter comes, then told LATE SECOND quarter 06. I realize some things take time, but come on! How can you not fix what is under warranty? How can they keep just pushing it back? So late 2nd quarter, what happens if they push it back even more? I love our MAXX, but I really do not like how CHevy is handling this. What can we do though?
  • beedublubeedublu Member Posts: 236
    Last January my dealer replaced the BCM in a last-ditch effort to solve the intermittent problems plaguing my cruise control (wouldn't engage, would disengage unexpectedly, wouldn't tap accelerate/decelerate -- and ultimately, no cruise at all).

    It seemed OK for a while, but now, just 3 1/2 months later, it has again quit entirely.

    What else can it be????? e2helper, any ideas???
  • e2helpere2helper Member Posts: 1,002
    I will look into any history I can find on your vehicle, beedublu and then double-check what info is available to dealer using his Tech 2 scan tool.

    Too late 2-nite to do research so I will try to follow-up in a day to two
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