Chevrolet Malibu Owners: Problems & Solutions

[hauling a trailer]

Andrew wrote:

2003 Malibu
When I put a load on the engine and the RPMs try to go above 3-4 thousand RPM she loses power and becomes very gutless. I can get to 60 KM/P but only if I do it slowly. When I try do excellorate away from the lights or quickly get going she has no power and is very sluggist.
Choke? Gasline? Any ideas?

Sounds like a lack of fuel/air ratio. Could be fouled fuel injectors, sensor problems or dirty air filter. Throw a can of injector cleaner in the gas tank and change the air filter to see if that helps.

[GMR]

Andrew wrote:

2003 Malibu
When I put a load on the engine and the RPMs try to go above 3-4 thousand RPM she loses power and becomes very gutless. I can get to 60 KM/P but only if I do it slowly. When I try do excellorate away from the lights or quickly get going she has no power and is very sluggist.
Choke? Gasline? Any ideas?

Plugged fuel filter or Catalytic Converter would be my first checks.

[hauling a trailer]

GMR wrote:

<quoted text>
Plugged fuel filter or Catalytic Converter would be my first checks.

Thanks Mike, I forgot to mention the fuel filter and as you say the catalytic converter could be plugging off.

[louis]

I have a 2004 malibu. The door look system does not work proper. The side lock control button also does not work.
When I park my car, I have to lock my car by hand. The key can only control driver side door lock.But the unlock system works, I can use my key to unlock all doors together. I don't know why I can't lock all door at the same time. And even when the car is not being locked, the display shows the car locked.

[Mark]

I have a 2004 Malibu Classic with a 2.2l engine.
The car cranks but will not start. So far, I've changed my spark plugs and fuel filter. Today, I tested my fuel pump, it pumps 60psi to my fuel injectors from my repair manuel. I'm running out of solutions. Can you help me out.

[GMR]

Mark wrote:

I have a 2004 Malibu Classic with a 2.2l engine.
The car cranks but will not start. So far, I've changed my spark plugs and fuel filter. Today, I tested my fuel pump, it pumps 60psi to my fuel injectors from my repair manuel. I'm running out of solutions. Can you help me out.

Start with the easiest tests first :- Check for good spark at plug end of leads then ignition timing; are plugs wet / are you actually injecting gas & is it at the right time ; check valve timing; check compression (This usually only gives one cylinder at a time problem; ditto coolant leak; usually floods one cylinder but sometimes adjacent pair)

[louis]

Mark wrote:

I have a 2004 Malibu Classic with a 2.2l engine.
The car cranks but will not start. So far, I've changed my spark plugs and fuel filter. Today, I tested my fuel pump, it pumps 60psi to my fuel injectors from my repair manuel. I'm running out of solutions. Can you help me out.

After I slap the door hard, the lock system works.
Amazing...

[tbabbitt]

need help have 2005 malibue ls automatic have 120000 mile already is commuter car will drive in 2nd gear took to mechanic said need new tranny. said alot of broken parts any one else experience ame problem
thanks in advance

[what now]

looks good

[Bernadette]

Mark wrote:

I have a 2004 Malibu Classic with a 2.2l engine.
The car cranks but will not start. So far, I've changed my spark plugs and fuel filter. Today, I tested my fuel pump, it pumps 60psi to my fuel injectors from my repair manuel. I'm running out of solutions. Can you help me out.

This happened to me a few months after I purchased my classic. When you try to start the car, does the Security (I can not think of the exact wording) light blink. It is located to the left of the speedometer.
If it is turn the key to on, leave it on for 5 - 10 minutes and light will stop. Car will start

[keisha]

V_A_D2008 wrote:

I bought a 2004 Malibu and one day my cd player stopped working and now says lock, although i did nothing to it... It has my fav. cd stuck in it but when i press eject is says no disc... HOw can I get this fixed without having to buy a new cd player or taking it to the dealer and spending 80 bucks? Someone please help me

My car is doing the same exact thing ! Please Help if you can!

[mowner]

keisha wrote:

<quoted text>
My car is doing the same exact thing ! Please Help if you can!

See Bill's answer from an earlier post:
"Check back to page 25 on March 23 for a stereo/radio fix."

[T Nick]

just had wheel bearing replacement, and it makes a noise, particularly the faster i go. almost sounds like a plane going by above. lol. i am a green horn to vechiles, i have all my work performed by another person, so i have not a clue... what could be the cause of this noise? anything to worry about? thanks

[hauling a trailer]

T Nick wrote:

just had wheel bearing replacement, and it makes a noise, particularly the faster i go. almost sounds like a plane going by above. lol. i am a green horn to vechiles, i have all my work performed by another person, so i have not a clue... what could be the cause of this noise? anything to worry about? thanks

Sounds like a damaged/pitted bearing installed or it has a lack of grease---take it back to be replaced immediately. If the bearing is pitted or no grease it will probably seize causing the wheel to lock up creating an accident.

[Fran]

If anyone knows of a way to stop the inferno clicking noise in the hazard light without replacing the hazard switch or multifunction switch, please let me know. When my Malibu gets hot inside the thing clicks continuously; after a while of clicking it makes a dinging sound too, doubling the annoyance factor! AAAAAH

[Arlo]

Check to see if it happens when you are using the defrost setting, we have the same noice and it is switching between insode and outside air, when the defrost is on, Good luck

[Arlo]

We have an issue with the gas gauge, it only works now and then, I am told it is the sending unit in the tank??? Is this an easy fix, where would i go for help?

[GMR]

Arlo wrote:

We have an issue with the gas gauge, it only works now and then, I am told it is the sending unit in the tank??? Is this an easy fix, where would i go for help?

0
Quick easy fix is to run a couple of tanks of gas with Injector Cleaner in them. This also cleans conductive crud of the sender unit.
If this doesn't work and you are positive it's the sender unit the tank has to be dropped to sevice it !!

[Arlo]

I have tried the cleaning, where would you suggest getting info on dropping the tank and replacing it?

GMR wrote:

<quoted text>0
Quick easy fix is to run a couple of tanks of gas with Injector Cleaner in them. This also cleans conductive crud of the sender unit.
If this doesn't work and you are positive it's the sender unit the tank has to be dropped to sevice it !!

[GMR]

Arlo wrote:

I have tried the cleaning, where would you suggest getting info on dropping the tank and replacing it?
<quoted text>

Reading a `Haynes' or similar Manual is the first step.
Gasoline vapours are explosive so if you are not competent or don't have the correct, non-sparking tools, let an expert do it.
Basically it involves supporting the, preferably empty, tank; loosening straps; unplugging electrical leads; disconnecting fuel supply, after de-pressurizing, return & fume venting pipes; lowering / removing the tank then replacing the sender unit.
Reverse procedure for re-installation.