electrical problem
7.5
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$288.00
Average Mileage:
104,085 miles
Number of complaints:
22 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (12 reports)
- cut the yellow wire! (4 reports)
- had to take to dealer (3 reports)
- replaced ignition switch (1 reports)
- replaced the body control unit (1 reports)
- reset switch (1 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2000 Chevrolet Malibu anti-theft light comes on and will not crank
2004Jun 11
(reported on)Malibu
- 54,000 miles
theft light either comes on and stays on or flashes most of the time or flashes and car won't start until light stops flashing for 10 mins why does this not stop coming on or stop flashing sometimes its on or it goes for days and it wont do it at all 3 times in one day it did it im tired of being late for work not knowing if my car will start or not
2008Apr 11
Malibu 3.1ltr
- Automatic transmission
- 164,000 miles
I have a 2000 Malibu. When I turn the ignition to the position it takes about 3 seconds for the idiot lights to come on and when trying to crank the car starts then shuts down. The fuel gauge registers empty and brake , theft system, light come on. I drove the car for a little bit while the lights were on then it just quit and now only starts for 2 seconds and shuts off. Anybody have a cure.
2008Mar 12
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 128,000 miles
I've been late to work twice in the last two weeks because of this problem. I'm afraid to shut off the car when I get gas for fear of it not starting at the pump when I'm done. From the other comments the problem will only get worse. Thinking of cutting the yellow wire tonight!
2008Jan 30
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 103,000 miles
Same problem as everyone else. Anti-theft light came on this morning and car won't start. Will try to wait the 10 minutes to see if it resets.
2008Jan 27
(reported on)Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Yes the pain in the crack problem. 2ND day I owned the vehicle, the key got stuck. I bought a new switch, and I wont mention what a pain it was to replace, Im tall, and have big hands that are not supposed to fit in small places like that. After I got the damn switch in the anti theft light went off, and she wouldn't crank.
The solution, was putting the key in, turning it to the on position, and waited 10 minutes. It is now 12:44 am. and I started at 7 pm. Im going to bed now, good night.
2007Dec 02
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 160,000 miles
The Body Control Unit's on the 99-04 Malibu and the other GM vehicle's with the exact same engine and electrical system's have design flaws that GM needs to recall and replace.
2007Oct 18
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 99,999 miles
My Malibu is still going. I haven't had the battery disconnected since I cut the yellow wire so I don't know what will happen then. It's getting difficult to get the key to turn all the way to the off position. I have to turn the key back and forth sometimes. It appears that eventually I will have to replace the ignition switch. The anti theft light stays on all the time but the "sit and wait" problem is gone.
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 181,000 miles
I`ve had this Malibu "theft system" light flashing for 10 minute before reset/to start engine problem off and on for a year and a half. The Chevrolet dealer replaced the ignition switch but COULD NOT fix this problem. I was lucky that the problem would go away for months at a time during the cold/winter months, but come back again in the warmer summer months. The problem is definately temperature related, most likely a circuit board and/or solder joint problem or short. But I`m happy to say that Kevin L`s solution of "cutting the yellow wire" seems to have cured the problem! I was having one out of every 2 engine starts giving me the problem. Now, after cutting the yellow wire, my car has started flawlessly, and almost quicker than ever, for over 3 days now! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CURE! It cost me $0.00! Just a little time and patience. Who cares if the "theft system" light remains "on" permanently now, it`s worth it to start every time! My Malibu has been a great car overall. I`ve had the fuel pump and intake gasket jobs done, but for all the years i`ve had it, I`ve got more than my money`s worth out of it. I put a lot of miles on it with my job. I`ve got over 180,000 miles on it and it`s still running strong. Oil changes every 3k. The engine still idles smooth and quiet like when I got it.
2007Aug 05
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 98,000 miles
SOLUTION!!!
Malibu "anti theft" light. here's your solution: Take a flat screwdriver and pop off the trim that surrounds the radio and heater controls. Oh yeah... the trim around the key hole has to come off also. Don't unhook the wires from the radio or the heater controls. You will need a small socket set or a good pair of pliers to take out 4 small bolts. One on each side of the radio and the heater controls. Be sure the car is running when you cut the yellow wire. There are 3 wires (black, white and yellow) wrapped in black cloth tape that you will have to "fish out" from under the ignition switch with your finger. You'll find the wires just about even with where the radio was. Again be sure the car is running then cut the yellow wire and leave the ends where you can find them in case you ever have to hook them up and cut them again! Theft light will come on and remain on forever. Radio is aggravating to put back in! Good luck!
2007Mar 28
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1
- Automatic transmission
- 148,000 miles
Same problem as everyone else. Security light came on and would not start. 3 weeks ago it started and became more frequent recently (like every time I went to start the car). I did some research on the internet and decided I should replace my ignition switch. I purchased a Chevy Malibu Haynes Repair Manual + Ignition switch at Autozone for a total of $116.00. It took about 2 hours to complete the job. So far after 2 days and about 14 starts no problems. Hope it keeps up.
Not too difficult to change the switch.
PS - if the security light comes on you don't have to do any "steps" to get the light to reset. Just wait 10 minutes, light goes out and car starts.
Also, I think the installation of an aftermarket radio may cause this problem. Not sure, but just a hunch.
2007Mar 09
(reported on)Malibu LE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 53,871 miles
Looks like I'm another victim to chevy's passlock crap, the solution provided by others has worked, but how long before it does not work. Looks like those cheeesheads at Chevy haven't owned up to this and probably never will. Anybody know where we can officially lodge a complaint about this
2007Mar 06
(reported on)Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
I almost forgot about this problem among all the other: AC, fuel pump, water pump, head gasket, turn signal/ hazzard light issues. This has only happened 2 times and If I am really careful about how I insert the key and makle sure I hold my mouth the right way .... maybe I will be lucky.
2007Jan 20
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
The same problem with the damn car that other people say. Losing my time in anywhere. the light turns on.
2007Jan 07
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I never know when the car will start. about 1/4 of the time it will not start and the theft light flashes. I have to wait ten minutes then pray i don't get a "double" and have to wait another ten. it is very annoying and has made me late quite often. i figure in the last year it has robbed me of about an hour a week or 52 hours - that's over a weeks vacation time wasted by this car.
2006Sep 05
(reported on)Malibu
- 200,000 miles
I am going out of my mind with this anti theft device! It is keeping me from being able to drive my own damn car! I get stuck at gas stations, malls, parking lots... you name it. Then I sit there for 20 minutes trying to deativate it by using the radio as said to do in the manual. There is not reactivating this. It is the devil!!!!! It is more than a major inconvienince... It is driving me insane. I think it will look nice a a tree ornament if it doesn't stop this.
2006Sep 05
(reported on)Malibu
- 75,000 miles
I have a problems with the theft system warning light coming on for a while now. I brough the car new in Oct. 1999. Then in later year of 2000 I start have problems with the theft systems. I have had the car in the shop for this problem about 4 times. The car is in the shop now for the same problem. They have replace 2 body module and 2 ignition switch. What is the solution for this problem
2006Aug 24
(reported on)Malibu
- 52,000 miles
Anti-theft light will come on for no reason when trying to start and will need to wait 10 minutes for the light to go off before car will start.
2006Jul 17
(reported on)Malibu
- 50,000 miles
same as above, light comes on for no reason, if i take it somewhere they dont know what is wrong with it or how to fix it.
2006Jul 22
(reported on)Malibu
- 110,000 miles
To begin with, I have one freind who had the same problem as this last year.
I have had this Malibu at the dealer multiple times and they look at me like I am not telling the truth. This piece of S?:T car will not start about three to four times a week, the horn will blow on its own while driving, the doors will lock and unlock on their own and now the pile of dog poo is sitting in the driveway waiting for a wrecker to take it to yet another worthless trip to the dealer. For nothing to be wrong with this car, it has a strange appeal to want to ride a wrecker to the dealer when it goes. This problem has been going on for about four years and now it decides to just lay down and die. I wonder if the dealer will tell me that there is still nothing wrong this time as it pulls into the lot on a WRECKER.
Key words in this paragraph; not running, will not start, $500.00 for somthing that the dealer says is not a problem, wrecker, poo, and we can not forget MALIBU.
Talking to other people has shown me that this is an ongoing problem with this poo car. The latest wrecker that i called to pick up my Malipoo asked what type of car he will be picking up and i told him it was a Malipoo. His next words were that the anti theft had the poo mobile locked down. He was right..
I hope that no one ever buys a Malipoo and that if you own one , get rid of it. thanks
2006Jun 19
(reported on)Malibu LS
- 42,000 miles
The theft deterrant light stayed on and when it finally was resolved the fuel gauge registered empty. The car was drivable for a few days until the battery then went dead for no apparent reason and after the battery was recharged the car now cuts off after starting like its not getting any gas. Also the battery has been drained yet again.
2006Mar 09
(reported on)Malibu
- 115,000 miles
About three times a month I will get in my car and try to crank it and it will not the anti-theft light comes on and I have to wait for it to go off sometimes it takes twenty minutes. I spoke to Chevrolet and there answer was that they did not know that their own mechanic has the same problem with his Malibu. I ask why is there not a recall and they had no answer.
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2000Jan 01
Malibu LS 3.1L
This car has the same problem as everyone else's but I have called the manufacturer and complained to them not only about the Theft Security Light but also about the cooling system. The damn air conditioner is a joke, it flips back and forth to the fresh air mode and in that mode it does not cool at all. The chevy dealer nor the manufacturer gives a damn about any of the problems once it leaves the building. I did cut the yellow wire for the problem with the theft security light and it was a wonderful solution its fine now but I was wondering if anyone may may know of a solution for the air cooling system, I will try anything at this point and in this heat in Tennessee...Thanks Everybody
Joseph D.
Hixson, Tn, USA
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