Chevrolet Malibu Owners: Problems & Solutions

[need to know]

Cigarette lighter in 2005 Chevy halibut came out of socket. The wires are still connected. How do you tighten it up?

[need to know]

I meant 2005 Chevy Malibu.

[Frank T]

I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu and all of the rear light are not working except for the Turn signals. Could it be a breaker, also the indicator lights are not working either. Could this also be associated with a breaker.

[Flaca1977]

Horn Alarm Issue wrote:

My Malibu Maxx horn alarm goes off for no apparent reason. It happened to me sporadically in the past but would always clear up, but now...I can't lock the door and walk away for 10 mins without the alarm sounding. Any ideas? Is there a way to shut off the horn alarm so I can still lock my doors without having my neighbors take up arms against me?

* I had the same issue, and replaced the fuse for the horn. Although the noise stopped, the horn decides if it wants to work or not, when its needed. I have so many other issues with this car also. There should be a class action law suit for all the costs for repairs, and hazards on this make/model.

[Flaca1977]

Bill wrote:

<quoted text>
It' not a matter of should you give it back to them.... it's a matter of you can't. When you buy a used car, you roll the dice.

True! I learned the hard way. I was suckered into thinking my 04 Malibu Maxx was a great family car, and well worth the money. HA! As soon as I got the papers in the mail, my car started acting possessed. I first replaced the fuel pump assembly, due to the fumes almost killing my newborn, then the brakes, struts, lights, fuses, I have electrical problems (locks go up and down on their own, horn honks on its own, radio ate my discs and is playing peek a boo, etc.) I found out that a lot is on recall list, but not for the 04.

[Joop]

Flaca1977 wrote:

<quoted text>
True! I learned the hard way. I was suckered into thinking my 04 Malibu Maxx was a great family car, and well worth the money. HA! As soon as I got the papers in the mail, my car started acting possessed. I first replaced the fuel pump assembly, due to the fumes almost killing my newborn, then the brakes, struts, lights, fuses, I have electrical problems (locks go up and down on their own, horn honks on its own, radio ate my discs and is playing peek a boo, etc.) I found out that a lot is on recall list, but not for the 04.

Since your problems started when you got the papers in the mail, I'd send the papers back.

[Flaca1977]

Joop wrote:

<quoted text>
Since your problems started when you got the papers in the mail, I'd send the papers back.

Trust me, I tried. The lot I purchased the car from closed up shop almost immediately. The only car there was my old Ford Taurus, which had a bad motor. The owner supposedly ran off to his home country. I tried to plead with the finance company, but no luck there. The car is now officially mine, and I don't want it lol. I've been doing some research, and it seems that most people who have/had a Malibu Maxx, has had the same issues I have. Something tells me there is a lawsuit in the works....

[Catman Dave]

Flaca1977 wrote:

<quoted text>
Trust me, I tried. The lot I purchased the car from closed up shop almost immediately. The only car there was my old Ford Taurus, which had a bad motor. The owner supposedly ran off to his home country. I tried to plead with the finance company, but no luck there. The car is now officially mine, and I don't want it lol. I've been doing some research, and it seems that most people who have/had a Malibu Maxx, has had the same issues I have. Something tells me there is a lawsuit in the works....

Thats why you should have bought a Toyota Camry.You wont have problems at all with that car.

[wtf]

wtf

[Kristi]

Severino Ruiz wrote:

My 2002 Chevy Malibu started beeping on me. The beepin sounds like its comin from my drivers side front door. I tried takein out the fuses but nothin happened. I think it has somethin to do with my doors. Can someone please help me out.

I have the same problem with my 2001 Malibu, and I have narrowed it down to having to do with my automatic locking system. When I turn on my car and put it in R or D, usually the doors automatically lock, now it just beeps at me and occasionally locks. Also, when you put your car in park and turn off the engine, all the doors are supposed to unlock, but that has not been happening consistently either. I think it's an electrical problem somewhere, not just a fuse problem. It's a 12 year old car, so I can't say I'm surprised, but not sure if it's worth fixing... The automatic locks have been finicky for awhile now, so that is also an issue, but I remember that if I ever pressed the auto-lock button twice instead of just once it would beep at me and now it's the same beep but more of them.

[Catman Dave]

Kristi wrote:

<quoted text>
I have the same problem with my 2001 Malibu, and I have narrowed it down to having to do with my automatic locking system. When I turn on my car and put it in R or D, usually the doors automatically lock, now it just beeps at me and occasionally locks. Also, when you put your car in park and turn off the engine, all the doors are supposed to unlock, but that has not been happening consistently either. I think it's an electrical problem somewhere, not just a fuse problem. It's a 12 year old car, so I can't say I'm surprised, but not sure if it's worth fixing... The automatic locks have been finicky for awhile now, so that is also an issue, but I remember that if I ever pressed the auto-lock button twice instead of just once it would beep at me and now it's the same beep but more of them.

Then try putting it in x y or z.Then go buy a toyota.

[FedUp]

2002 Malibu - gas gauge, temperature gauge and automatic locks do not work.

[-tip-]

FedUp wrote:

2002 Malibu - gas gauge, temperature gauge and automatic locks do not work.

Consider yourself lucky.
They've lasted longer than expected.

[Rick]

Have a 2002 malibu bought for my daughter.First the radio power does not shut off,which drains the battery.unplugged ignition still power to the radio, also hold foot on brake with the car running after it warms up the security light comes on and the gas gauge and temp gauge stop working let foot off the break gauges come back on.restart car security light off and gauges work fine till i step on the brake again.just replaced the bcm and no help same problem.PLEASE HELP if you know anything about this problem e mail me at [e-mail]

[Jake]

FedUp wrote:

2002 Malibu - gas gauge, temperature gauge and automatic locks do not work.

You have to take it to a GM dealer to have the Body Control Module reprogrammed. If that doesn't fix it, the module will have to be replaced. Replacement cost is $150 to $300 plus labor.

The Body Control Module controls the antitheft system, the HVAC system, and all instrument cluster gauges. It also regulates the power windows, locks, power seats, and interior lights.

[Jake]

Kristi wrote:

<quoted text>
I have the same problem with my 2001 Malibu, and I have narrowed it down to having to do with my automatic locking system. When I turn on my car and put it in R or D, usually the doors automatically lock, now it just beeps at me and occasionally locks. Also, when you put your car in park and turn off the engine, all the doors are supposed to unlock, but that has not been happening consistently either. I think it's an electrical problem somewhere, not just a fuse problem. It's a 12 year old car, so I can't say I'm surprised, but not sure if it's worth fixing... The automatic locks have been finicky for awhile now, so that is also an issue, but I remember that if I ever pressed the auto-lock button twice instead of just once it would beep at me and now it's the same beep but more of them.

Your automatic door locks are controlled by your car's Body Control Module. You have to take your car to a GM dealer to have the Body Control Module reprogrammed. If that doesn't fix it, the module will have to be replaced. Replacement cost is $150 to $300 plus labor.

[Joe the mechanic]

Rick wrote:

Have a 2002 malibu bought for my daughter.First the radio power does not shut off,which drains the battery.unplugged ignition still power to the radio, also hold foot on brake with the car running after it warms up the security light comes on and the gas gauge and temp gauge stop working let foot off the break gauges come back on.restart car security light off and gauges work fine till i step on the brake again.just replaced the bcm and no help same problem.PLEASE HELP if you know anything about this problem e mail me at [e-mail]

Did you replace the BCM yourself or did you have it done by a certified GM tech? The BCM has to be programmed after installation and normally this must be accomplished by a GM dealership using the latest updates for your specific vehicle.

[I hate GM]

I offered a car thief a thousand bucks to steal my Malibu but he said that wasn't enough money.

[-tip-]

I hate GM wrote:

I offered a car thief a thousand bucks to steal my Malibu but he said that wasn't enough money.

LOL...there's a reason GM is not self-sustaining.

[Scott]

The problem lies withen the hazard button. pop the cover button off and then use two flat head screwdrivers and insert in the top and bottom slots of the module... press the tabs in and pull out.. the module will slide out.. disconnect and replace with new one.. costs about 20 bucks..