I have a 2002 malibu LS, v6, automatic... when I try to start the car, the engine will turn over, but won't start. The spark plugs and coils are fine. Also, this may not be related, but the air conditioning cuts in and out.
What could the problem be?
If car won;t start, but turns over it may be the anti theft system. Follow the directions in the manual-turn the key on and leave it for ten minutes or until the anti theft light goes out. Turn the ignition OFF and then restart the engine. If you continue to have problems with the anti theft system, disconnect the battery for 4 or 5 minutes and then reconnect. It seems to reset the system. Found this out after a mech. had worked on the system, disconnected the battery and told me it would be 400 to 500 to replace the module. Said no thanks and drove off to never have the problem again (so far!) 10,000 mile since.
A year ago, I had this problem on my 2002 Malibu, I had a hard time starting it and It would stall while driving it on all kind of roads. The starter would crank and the car would not always start, sometimes only after turning the ignition key on and off many F****king times. I went to the Chevy dealer and they told me I had to change the ignition switch and tumble cost estimated $550. Before I let them play with me car, I decided to have a look at the switch myself. I took the switch apart and removed the white cover on the back of the switch. Inside, at the back of the switch, there were contact copper plates, guess what, they where full of carbon deposit on the contact points. I carefully took the plates out off the switch and cleaned them with grad 400 sand paper. I reassemble the switch and the car magically started fine.
I had no problem starting my Malibu 2002 since that, around a year ago. I made around 20 000 miles since I repaired it. End of story I saved $550 and a lot of problems. To take the switch apart, it is not an easy task, I am an aircraft mechanic And it took me around 1 1/2 hour. I know that there are some pictures on the WEB to help you remove the ignition switch but I can remember the Web Site, if you do a search Picture on Google you should find it.
Good luck and I hope this helped you and others.
I have the same problem with my 2002 Chevy Malibu LS. It only has 55,000 original miles and never had a problem with it until one days a couple of weeks ago went to go somewhere and it would not start. My neighbor told me that he had heard about the problem and the only fix without paying a ton of money is to put the key in the ignition turn it to the on position and the theft system light on the dash will blink continuously for 10 minutes. when the light goes out turn the key to the off position and remove the key totally for one minute then return the key and start ! Should of known when i looked at the front grill and seen the bow tie that i should have not bought it. I do not like Chevy and they need to stop making them !!!!
Chevy Malibu for sale. Please leave email address if you're interested!
I am having that problem. It did the same thing, and I replaced the motor with another one from an 02 malibu also. Maybe it is just the 2002 malibus I do beleive. I have no spark though, gas is fine. I will try the theft thing but I dont think it will work. If not, any other ideas?
Try reseting the anti theft system by leaving the ignition key in the on position (without statring) until the system light goes off (10 of 15 min). The turn the key of for a few seconds before trying to start.
Dont buy a malibu
It will probably start if you turn the key over and leave on for 15-20minutes. if this works there is a problem with your anti-theft
Ihave had the same problem in past & presently have it again. Have had fuel pump sensor replaced twice (Feb.05 & Oct. 05) & the fuel pump module assembly replaced once (Aug. 07) and now the dealer says the fuel pump module assembly needs to be replaced again to the tune of $800.oo+. Car has 7,300 miles on it, is garage kept & all maintenance is done on schedule. Maybe this repair wil work for you, even though it hasn't for me.
The spark plugs in the v6 can become an involved job as the upper intake manifold. The LS uses a Coil on Plug (COP) ignition system, meaning that the spark plugs are located under the ignition coil
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I currently have the EXACT same problems with my 2002 Malibu.
First mechanic diagnosed it & changed the camshaft sensor, but still won't start! Suggested we tow it to a dealership.
It has now been towed to a second mechanic who will look at it in a couple of days when he gets back from vacation.
Please advise!
2002 chevy malibu v6, no a/c, power windows, radio, and instrument cluster all inop.
I have had this same problem. When I go to start the car it won't start. Plenty of cranking power, just no start. I turn it off, back on, and watch until the gas gauge comes up above E then it will start. I never knew or was told there was an anti-theft system, as there are no remotes for one that came with my car, so I have no idea if there is an anti-theft light coming on. I just know that all the engine type lights come on when you start up anyway. But I sent it to my mechanic, and am now sending it from there to Chevrolet to address this anti-theft glitch. It DOES act like there's no gas to it when it cranks, but just let that needle climb and it's fine.
Since that problem started the car has stopped running while driving a few times, and it did take about 10 minutes of trying stuff to start it. SO that must be the 10 minute reset thing ya'll are talking about. Hope this helps!
Sally
fuel pump is not working if you turn the ignition on you should be able to hear a slight hum make sure every thing is quiet and sicale the ignition.
thats what i was thinking take it to the dealership....
Check the anti theft light on the instrument console in the left hand side. if it is blinking the it is activated. leave the key in the on position fo ten min. once the light stops blinking turn the key to the off and then it will start.
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