8.4
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$651.00
Average Mileage:
82,469 miles
Total Complaints:
50 complaints
Most common solutions:
- turn ignition to ON for 10 mins, off for 5 seconds, car starts (26 reports)
- not sure (15 reports)
- replace the passlock sensor(kit) (5 reports)
- onboard computer reset by a mechanic (2 reports)
- cut yellow wire, install a single pole toggle switch (1 reports)
- need to reprogram key sensor (1 reports)
electrical problem
Helpful Websites About 2001 Chevrolet Malibu passlock problem, won't start & anti-theft light is on
2006May 15
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 45,000 miles
the problem is the computer doesn't recognize the key in the ignition switch, if you reprogram key it should last for a while (couple weeks or months) to do this crank car, stop cranking, leave key in the run position for 15 minits, repeat this for three times, never turn key to off, you will have to start all over again. after the third 15 min wait, it should start and run normal.
2009Sep 02
Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 88,899 miles
Man this car is a load of crap!! my Blinker lights go out whenever it feels like it. all the lights on the dash go out whenever they want...ughh sucks big ones.!! the damn anti-theft light has been on for about a couple days and today on the hottest day ever my car wouldn't start. I had to walk my happy ass home. This is my 1st car ever and man its a bitch. Good thing there's ppl out there that know how to fix it. I can't wait to get rid of this car..GOOD LUCK TO CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Aug 01
Malibu ES V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,567 miles
This car was suppose to be my going to college gift but i would bearly call it a gift its more like a curse because since i got it it has only been in and out of the damn repair shop... the car SUCKS ASS ... its had the ignition switch problems, it would waist the batery in 2 weeks , now the theft system sh*t... sorry for the language but im pissed... the car is not worth losing my mind over it
2009May 11
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 63,578 miles
My mechanic(Meineke in Lubbock, TX) was great and did not charge for reset. However, it cost $70 to have the car towed from super market to his shop. Waited 45 min. for tow truck and did without car a day while mechanic checked for cause of Anti Theft light coming on...which he did not find.
2007Jan 22
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
I think Chevy Sucks, This is the 6th time having this problem repaired, 2 times it was paid for after tax and labor, the cost was darn near 1,000 each time. usually within 30 days of the car coming out of the shop the problem occurs again.
The car was repaired once at a Marathon in Indiana, and worked on the last 5 times in Los Angeles, at a Chevy Dealership.
I believe Chevy should reimburse me for all this wasted money on there product!
I will never buy a Chevy again as long as I live
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Feb 08
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
WOW I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND ITS WORSE THEN EVER B4 HERE ,, THE AMC AOUTO INDUSTRY SUX AZZ , SIMPLY PUT THE COMPETITORS ARE MAKING SURE TO BUILD QUALITY OVER QUANTITY BUT THEY RELY ON THE QUALITY TO BE THERE STRONGHOLD IN THE INDUSTRY AND ITS WORKED FOR THEM ,, GM IS A WASTE CASE , I PREDICT THEY LL BE MAKIN ONLY LUXURY RIDES ,, CADDIES ETC IN 10 YEARS THEYLL BE AT THIS ... WTF MAN I HAVE ALOT TO PAY FOR THIS CAR AND THIS IS REALLY THE MIDDLE OF THE ISSUES IT HAS SOME ARE EVEN MORE EXTREME SUCH AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS THAT ARE ALL TO COMMON THE BRAKES LETS NOT GO THERE FREAKN CAVALIER BRAKES ARE NOT INTENDED FOR MALIBUS YOU CRAPPY GM DESIGN ENGINEERS ,, YOU SHOULD BE SHOT DEAD FOR SCREWIN OUR COUNTRY AS YOU HAVE .. MY THERMOSTAT IS BLOWN AND STICKS OPEN ,, WTF 4 1/2 HOURS LABOR ??? WHY ???? IDIOT ENGINEERS ,, THE LIST CONTINUES .. ILL HAVE 30 OOO OR MORE INTO THIS CAR AFTER PAYMENTS INTEREST AND DAILY REPAIR COSTS ... SHOOT I REALLY THINK OF LETTIN IT GET REPOD N RIDING MY PEDDLY BIKE UNTIL I GET IT FOUGH IN COURT N WIPED OFF ... LIKE A KNOCK CHEVY IT IS ... SAD CONTRIBUTION TO OUR COUNTRY .. AS WELL THE AUTO UNION HERE SUX ,, GIVES TO MANY LOOSERS THE CHANCE TO SCREW ALL US HARD WORKIN CONTRIBUTING AMERICANS .. I VE BEEN IN DETROITS FINEST AUTO PLANT ON A FRIDAY SHIFT HAHHAHA WHAT A JOKE .. QUALITY IS NOT A CHARACTER WITHIN THE INDUSTRY .. SO HERES TO YOU GM ................. EAT CHIT YOU BIEATCHESSSSSSSS
2009Mar 06
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,000 miles
Boy am I glad a co-worker told me about autobeef.com. I bought my son a 2001 Chevy Malibu as his first car when he was 16+. That was 21 months ago. It has been in the repair shop 12 times since then. Maxed out our AAA towing limit. Great vehicle!!! After reading the autobeef complaints about the 2001 Chevy Malibu, I realized he has the same recurring problem that centers about the passlock or anti theft activation problem that only 32 others have complained to autobeef.com about. Well, at least he doesn't feel alone!!!
The fuel pump was replaced. Three times the vehicle was towed to the repair shop, only to start fine (maybe Chevy should sell a tow truck with each Malibu to kinda act as a mother ship). A month ago the driver side lock and sensor were replaced. Now it won't start again. Diagnosis - replace the ignition switch at $532. I think not!!! Believe several other complainants went down this road (one person 3X) to no avail.
Solution, buy him another car for graduation and drop this pile of crap 40 miles at sea! I asked him what type of car he would like. Answer, "anything but an American car". How about a cc: Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. If my son is typical, they can give wonderful GM billions per year for the next half century.
Screw Chevy. Screw GM. Let 'em die!!!
2008Jan 08
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 78,000 miles
This has to be the worst car i have ever owned! I have put in two engines, a new computer, a bunch of other very expensive parts, and know I have that stupid anti-theft light problem now. I also have my car dieing on me when ever it feels like it! I wish someone would just steal it, but they probably wouldn't get to far in it, because it will probably die on them! I have paid off the piece of crap, and really didn't want a car payment right know, but I am so sick and tired of wondering if its going to start or not. Many of you have mentioned waiting ten minutes to restart the car, but have any of you have had the light turn on three times in a row, and having to wait thirty minutes to finally start up! Well that happens to me at least once a week! I will try resetting the code. Lets see if that will help! I really appreciate everybody's input about this situation, because I am willing to try anything!
2008Jul 14
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
I bought the Malibu after my Camry was totaled over the past summer. I haven't been able to afford to get this fixed yet and it's been so horrible that I hate going places, I've found myself late to work and needing to be run home by a co-worker to meet my sons bus (I usually give myself a ten minute window in case it trips but lately it does it two and three times in a row). I even missed the birth of my grand daughter because I had to run home and grab my son... only to be locked out a few times in a row. I don't understand why they don't do a recall- everyone I know who has had a Malibu or passlock complains of the same issue with the only solution: Being able to get a new car.
I really miss my Camry.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2005Jan 09
Malibu ES
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
After numerous episodes of my car not starting, and having to use this procedure (turn the ignition on for 10 min, or until theft system light goes out, wait 5 sec and start), my theft system light now stays on continually. Since the light has been on continually, I have not had any problems starting my car.
2008Dec 01
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I bought my 2001 Chevy Malibu 2 years ago and I've had one problem after another with it. I noticed a week or so after I bought it that the signal light switch works only sometimes. I have yet to get that problem fixed. I noticed the week after that the car won't start sometimes, especially when gas is low in it. After i had it towed the first time it happened, I was told about the "theft system light" and having to wait 10 minutes. I've had to do that SEVERAL inconvenient times since I've had this car! Now, it does this thing where when I turn the key, I hear silence, except the radio. I have to turn the kay 9 or 10 times for the car to start! I've noticed the theft system light doesn't go off at all now! I'm never buying a Chevrolet again! I guess I need a new ignition switch, tune up, new signal switch, brakes, and a check on this anti-theft system ish!
2008Dec 03
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 32,000 miles
The first time the theft system light came on I was towed to a local mechanic and he informed me the problem was computer related and I needed to take it to a dealer. He told me how to reset it by turning the key to on, waiting ten minutes for the light to go off, then turning the key back to off, wait ten seconds and then start it. I got tired of resetting it so I took it to Keller Motors of Hanford, CA. They told me the problem was the BCM controller and it needed to be replaced. This was a cost of $940.00. Keep in mind, no warranty. I was told if the problem was not fixed they would take care of it with no additional cost. The problem occurred 2 months later and I took it back. I was told something in the steering column that reads the key needed to be replaced at an additional $500. I complained to them about having to pay twice for the same problem and it only cost me $120. I just got the car back, if it happens again I am selling the piece of sh*t.
2008Sep 16
Malibu LS 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 31,654 miles
The passlock anti-theft light started coming on the dash of my wife's car maybe because I tried to use my Monte Carlo key in the ignition and/or the sensor in the ignition switch is going bad. Not sure why this is happening but this is my best guess. My fix was to remove
ignition and cut yellow wire while engine is running and install a single pole toggle switch to the yellow wires I cut. i leave the switch in the open position like the wires are cut and can start and restart car no problem. The theft light stays on while car is running no big deal. Read about this fix on internet and am really glad there are so many helpful people out there. I read about all those people who had their cars towed, taken to GM dealerships to have service for fuel pump or ignition switch or analysis by mechanics costing them quite a bit of money. If you are mechanically inclined you can fix this in about 2 to 3 hours and if not maybe longer. Good Luck to all.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 25
Malibu LS 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Car will start and drive fine. Then, when you stop for a dinner and try to start, it won't. First time, I changed the fuel pump. The second time, I changed the spark plugs and wires. The third time, I couldn't believe it happened again wall a month apart!!!!! I didn't know what else to do until I found out about the anti-theft problem on the Malibu. Once I did the 10 mins on trick it started right up after 3 days of not starting. What a pain in the butt!!!!! Chevy needs to recall this problem!!!!!
2008Sep 03
Malibu 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 151,000 miles
This first happened to us about a year ago and didn't occur again until 2 months ago. I found the answer in the manual (which begs thwew question, if they knew it was going to be a problem from the start, why didn't GM correct it immediately or remove it completely?). Since then it has happened about 6 times usually in the morning - only on those mornings when I am already late for work!
Waiting the 10 minutes always seems to work.
I took it to the dealership today and they want $110 just to diagnose the problem. Then they told me there were any one of 5 solutions to fix it. I am going to try cutting the yellow wire.
2008Aug 03
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
We have had this problem 5 times this year. $ of the times we have had to have the car towed and had the fuel pump replaced, starter, and several other things to the tune of $2000.00 since April! This web site helped us at least get the car started.
So frustrating. Can you say LEMON???
2007May 16
(reported on)Malibu LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 68,351 miles
In the last 30 days, I had my car towed twice for the same pass-key anti-theft system problem. When I first encountered it, I thought it would cost me an arm and a leg in addition to all the work I have done on the car once the mileage on the car passed 100,000 km.
I was fortunate to have the car towed to a rather honest mechanic - it seems odd to use those two words together if you know what I mean. He said the onboard computer was not recognizing the key which shuts down the fuel-injection system. It only cost me about 40$cdn. Which was a relief because I thought I was going to cost me much, much more than that.
A few weeks after that, it happened again. This time I knew exactly what was wrong with the car. So, I had my car towed. Another 40$cdn gone.
After reading the solution to the problem, I will no longer have to have my car towed again. Thank you so much for posting the solution.
It certainly is a design flaw of the vehicle. The worst part is that your whole day is gone because you have to have your car towed for such a minor problem. Chevy should make an ad saying that their cars are so secure that even owners can't drive away with their own Chevy.
When will American car makers learn? Probably never...
2007Jan 15
Malibu 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
IAM HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM ON MY 2001 MALIBU. WHEN I GO TO START IT AND IF IT DONT START THE FIRST TIME THEN MY THEFT SYSTEM WITH COME ON AND I WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR ABOUT10 MINS BEFORE I CANT START IT AGAIN . ITS A PAIN IN THE BUTT. THEN AT TIMES WHEN IAM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON . I WAS WANTING TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE THAT HAS A 2001 MALIBU IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM OR IF THERE IS A RECALLS ON IT IF ANYONE CAN HELP PLEASE LETS ME KNOW THANKS.
2008May 07
Malibu LS
- Automatic transmission
- 38,000 miles
This problems starts 6 months ago. Towed the cars to multiple garages. When the car was there, the car started no problem (the key was in ignition and ON). Mechanics suggested this, that, change, try, etc. Got the car home, 2 days later on average, it won't start again. Call the mechanic up, complained, got them to my house to look at the problem. Nothing solved. The car towed, and history repeats.
This damn problem has cost me over $1000 so far and is still not fixed. Until I saw the fix from this site (turn on 10 minutes, then start). For the past 6 months I only was able to drive the car for about 10 days. The rest of the time it was in a garage somewhere. So bad that I had to buy a Toyota which is known for NOT HAVING SCREW UP designs as GM cars.
2006Sep 30
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
The car won't start problem started with us in September 2006. We paid to have three different things replaced on this car and it continues to happen. My dad's mechanic looked at the car and he's the one that told us about the 10 minute in ON trick. Thank God for that. I am discouraged to hear that people have had the passlock changed multiple times and this continues to happen. We have vowed to never buy a Chevy or GM vehicle again. We will go Ford or a foreign car from now on. My husband has driven VW and Kia in the time we've been married. He's had other problems with the cars, but never anything related to how it runs or the computer. It's usually things like the glove compartment latch or something small that's just an inconvenience. We run around with our girls a lot and I'm just waiting for the day when the 10 minute trick fails to work. I can't believe Chevy doesn't take this seriously.
2006Mar 20
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
This happened about 2 years ago. It was covered under the extended warranty and only cost me my deductible. But, the "Theft System" light came on a few times a few weeks ago. Finally last night, it wouldn't start. I turned the key waiting the 10 minutes, and sure enough it reset and started! I have had so many problems with this car! Can't wait to get rid of it. The A/C.......OMG! Don't get me started!!
2007May 06
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
This theft light comes on every once in a while. The next time I drive the car it will go off and then a couple weeks later it will do the same thing again. Very annoying.
2008Jan 02
Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
when Malibu don't start check ignition wires under the ignition switch
2008Jan 21
Malibu LX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 53,000 miles
Went out to leave for work and the car would not start after starting faithfully every day since I got it four months ago. Had it towed, got new starter put in, with a few other things, the cost was $460. The next day, the anti-theft light came on again and the car would not start. Luckily, my mechanic told me what to do by turning to the on position and waiting for ten minutes, then starting again, but it's a pain. I took it to the dealer where I bought it and just found out today that it is costing $525 to replace the sensor, but they are going to take care of it for me. I bought the car because I was looking for something that would be be dependable for me, too bad I didn't find this site until after I bought the car.
2007Nov 17
Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 111,000 miles
I have had this problem several times, i towed it to the shop, then, after 1 month it did not start again, then another mechanic charged me 250$ to fix the fuel pump and filter, but that was not the problem either!!!!! then i saw this wonderful AUTOBEEF SITE. I saw that OTHER PEOPLE had the same problem as my car, I went to try it and it worked i turned my car to the on position and 10 mins later it started............. why the hell the mechanics did not tell me I DONT KNOW, and even CHEVY WANTED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM for a small fee of 180$..........
2007Nov 08
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 91,540 miles
I AM SOOOOO SICK AND TIRED OF NOT KNOWING IF MY CAR IS GOING TO START. (YOU NEVER NO WHEN YOU MIGHT HAVE TO MAKE A QUICK GET-A-WAY)LOL... I HAVE SPENT MONEY ON A TOW TRUCK 3 TIMES BEFORE I GOT MY MANUAL OUT AND LOOKED UP THE "PASSIVE LOCK" SECTION AND IT TOLD ME WHAT TO DO. THANK GOD I LOOKED IT UP, BUT IT IS BECOMING TO BE A PAIN IN THE ASS!!!!!!!!! I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE, BECAUSE I WOULD BE ON THE INTERSTATE AND DOING THE LIMIT UNTIL MY CAR SAYS: "HEY LET'S GO FASTER", AND THEN I WOULD NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OF MY CAR. IT WOULD JUST SPEED UP ON IT'S OWN. THEN, I HAD TO GET MY INTAKE GASKETS REPLACED (THAT COST A GRIP!)BECAUSE MY TEMPERATURE GAGE WOULD GO AS FAR AS IT COULD BEFORE RUNNING HOT! NEXT, WAS THE SIGNAL LIGHT. AT LEAST THEY HAD A RECALL FOR THAT AND I DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING (THAT WAS 3 YEARS AGO), BUT NOW IT IS DOING IT AGAIN! LUCKILY MY CAR BEHAVED RIGHT ON THE DAY THAT I HAD TO GET AN INSPECTION STICKER! :-) I CAN GO ON AND ON ABOUT MY CAR, BUT IT WON'T DO ANY GOOD. CHEVY SHOULD SEE THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR AND PUT A RECALL ON IT SO THAT PEOPLE CAN GET IT FIXED, BECAUSE NOT EVERYBODY CAN'T BUY A NEW CAR WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE IT! YES, THE 2008 CHEVY MALIBU LOOKS GOOD, BUT THE MALIBU HAS PUT A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH! I'LL NEVER GET ANOTHER ONE EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007Nov 06
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 96,789 miles
I have owned my Malibu for 2 1/2 years and have replaced the passlock sensor 3 times! I'm ready to go to school and my car won't start, and i'm stuck without a vehicle. I didn't know what to do besides get it towed to the nearest Chevy dealer. The parts manager says "oh yeah we get these a lot but I can't tell you what else you can do besides replace it." so I got it replaced for the 3rd time! Over $300 every time because the warranty went out right before it happened. I don't have that kind of money! I am a college student and work part time at a minimum wage job!
2007Sep 15
(reported on)Malibu Classic V6
- Automatic transmission
- 182,000 miles
Car starting this problem last weekend, just wouldnt start had to jump it just to get it to go, I tried unhooking the fuses to the anti theft system but that didnt work, then yesterday for no reason at all I was playing around with some buttons on the radio to set the time and just began to start again. I have no idea why or what I did but for the last 2 days it has been starting on its own.
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
5 months later after replacing the pass key system the Malibu failed again, this time after the tow all it needed was fault codes deleted and switching ignition on and off.
2007Sep 24
(reported on)Malibu 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
Towed vehicle to repair shop, they replaced pass lock kit for approx $500. I wish I could have just disabled this terrible system. March 2005
2007Sep 04
(reported on)Malibu STD V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
Thank god for this site because we almost spent $125 to $200 and who knows how much to get it fixed. This was the second time that the car stopped starting out of nowhere. I happened to run across this site and found out that it is a common problem with the anti theft system. My husband was going to try replacing the fuel pump tomorrow just to see if that was the cause on his friend's advice and so I thought about doing some research before we blew the funds. The ten minute thing worked, but who knows when this could happen again.
2007Aug 10
(reported on)Malibu Classic V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,000 miles
The car was purchased with 40k on it nad ignition replaced 2x by previous owner under warranty.
.. since then has been replaced approx every 8-10 months and now had the 3rd incident today. now warranty is no longer covered despite history and the fact that it was again done about 10 months ago but simply due to the fact that the mileage was over 12k. not sure what mileage has to do with turning the ignition but it sucks
2007Jul 02
(reported on)Malibu LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 115,000 miles
i paid to get the pass lock sensor replaced and a day later the car wouldn't start again the dealer said to bring it back so i can pay them to look at it again
2007Mar 26
(reported on)Malibu 3.1
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
A local GM Tech gave me the info and logic to do the repair.
2007Mar 15
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,954 miles
Car won't start. (Un)fortunately, this has happened before so I knew what to do. After waiting 10 minutes with the key in the on position, we're finally able to restart the car. Fortunately my family and I weren't in a huge hurry when it happened.
2007Mar 15
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 106,902 miles
The car wouldn't start after my wife went grocery shopping. Fortunately, I've had the problem before and had told her what to do: turn the key into the on position for 10 minutes, wait for the theft light to turn off, turn the key to the off position for a few seconds, and restart. The Popsicles melted a little more than normal, but no one was injured.
2007Feb 18
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 104,500 miles
This problem has occurred several times with my car. In the past, the dealership has said things like "Boy, that's weird. We've never seen this before." I don't remember exactly, but the repairs seem to have been around $250. This last time, the people towing my car started laughing after I told them the problem. They indicated most of the Chevy's they tow are being towed for this reason. They went on to tell me that there's a pretty easy fix. After they dropped the car off at the dealership, I jumped on the net, found this site, and found the solution. I turned the ignition to "on" for 10 minutes and turned it to "off" after the theft light tuned off. The car started immediately. I'm furious, this summer my family was stranded, for this reason, more than a thousand miles from home. Had GM actually fixed the problem the first time I brought it in or taught me how to restart the car, we would have had a much better vacation. Sounds like this problem is pretty rampant. In fact, my father-in-law was excited when I told him the solution because his 98 Chevy truck apparently has the same problem. I won't be buying American again for a long time.
2006Nov 12
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
This is how i got an american junk car? 2001 chevy malibu is the worst car ever, theft system light on and off makes the car turn off, a/c light is on and off, from the second i took the car they buttered me telling me they will fix it, but nothing, my car got towed for more than 10 times, and the stupid dealer told me if the theft system is on they are trying to steal the car, they new all along about the problem and made me spend money for nothing.
Please people don't buy american cars buy japanese or european car because there is a reason american cars are cheaper because they are a piece of sh*t, pardon my english, i got rid of this car, please i am urging you from ford that started with problems of tire rotation to chevy malibu, please reconsider when walking in a dealer . Buy a car but not a piece of junk, buy a car but not a pain in the ass, buy a car for your family safety, buy a car but not a chevy malibu .
2006Dec 17
(reported on)Malibu 3.2 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 31,000 miles
After a great day of Xmas shopping 38 miles from our home we were ready to call it a day and drive home to Chicago. To my dismay my 2001 Chevy Malibu would not start. The red anti theft light in the left side of the dashboard was flashing. After cranking the battery to death we had to call a towing service and get it towed home. What a pain in the ass!! Thanks to Allstate motor club they sent me a tow truck in 15 minutes or so and towed me home for a hand shake !! Great guys !!. After a day of analyzing the problem,,,, no luck at all !! Recharged the battery a few times but it died after cranking and trying to start. I was all ready agonizing over monday morning because I would have to go to Firestone to get it fixed !!
Just before I went to bed I decided to give Google a shot, to see if I could come up with a solution. And what do you know ?????!!!!!! I found this site and the solution was right in front of my nose !!!! Turn on the ignition for 10 minutes and sit tight for 10 minutes(do not crank it)and exactly after 10 minutes the anti theft light stopped blinking and wow !! It started it right up !! What a relief !!! Thanks to this web site Firestone will have to wait until next time.......... I appreciate this web site and the great help it gave me !! WOW !!
2006Dec 03
(reported on)Malibu V6
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I've had a problem with my 2001 Malibu to where when my anti-theft light started blinking I knew I was not going to be able to start my car. What I did to solve this problem is log on to this site and read a comment from Kathy. B from Chattanooga, TN. She was having the same problem and her fix came after taking it to the shop and they gave her a fix straight from GM. You simply reset the code and how you do this you turn the ignition switch to "on" for approximately 10 minutes (until the theft system light stops blinking), then turn the ignition to the off position for about 5 seconds. This is supposed to be repeated 3 times to reset the code.
2006Nov 27
(reported on)Malibu
- Automatic transmission
- 118,000 miles
I'm in college and quite poor. I went out to run to work and behold- my 2001 Malibu that I have owned for only 3 months- will not start. It was here that I saw the solution to leave the car in the "on" position and the light with go off. I am really grateful for this site and the information posted on it because i almost paid to have my car towed and inspected at Sears. IF YOUR CAR WONT START AND YOU HAVE NOTICED YOUR "THEFT" LIGHT ON TRY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS ANNOYING BUT IT WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY!!!!!!!!
2006Sep 28
(reported on)Malibu
- 118,000 miles
Problem is accompanied by antitheft system light coming off and on. After many dollars worth of new parts that didn't fix the problem, a Firestone dealership told me there is a short somewhere that causes the car to lose a "code" which allows the car to start. They gave me a written method of resetting the code, whuch has enabled the car to start every time I have had to use it. The reset procedure is to set the ignition to the "on" position for 10 min., or until the theft system light stops blinking..... then turn the ignition switch to "off" for 5 seconds. This is supposed to be done 3 times before the car will start, but my car has started every time after doing this 10 min,/5 sec. procedure once. I have had a new fuel pump, relay sensor, and many other expensive parts that I can't remember. The car is paid for, and I refuse to put more money into a problem that no one seems to be able to find and fix.... but I'd love to have it fixed if there is a sure way to do it.
2006Sep 28
(reported on)Malibu
- 118,000 miles
Theft system light coming off and on is an annoyance, and would certainly effect resale. Problem has existed intermittently since I bought the car at 33,000 miles. The theft system light seems to accompany a major problem which also occurs intermittently, in that when the theft system light is on more frequently, my car will have fairly frequent episodes where it almost turns over, but will not start. I have also had instances where it quit while going down the road. After having it towed multiple times, a new fuel pump, relay sensor, and other expensive parts that I can no longer remember, a Firestone dealership told me the problem is that my car's "code" which allows it to start is being shorted out, but that it would be extremely difficult to find the problem and fix it. They gave me a written procedure from GM which allows me to reset the code. When the car doesn't start, I have to turn the idnition switch to "on" for approximately 10 minutes (until the theft system light stops blinking), then turn the ignition to the off position for about 5 seconds. This is supposed to be repeated 3 times to reset the code. However, have had to do this many times, and each time it has started after only one cycle of 10 min. "on" and 5 seconds "off". I feel like my car is "possessed" but it is paid for, and I refuse to pay any more money, when no one seems to know how to fix it. My son has a friend with a Malibu like mine.... same problem, even after having it "fixed" at the dealership.
2006Sep 26
(reported on)Malibu
- 48,000 miles
getting stuck in walmart parking lot after working a 14 hr day was just dandy since i didnt know the trick of letting it sit for 20 min in acc then starting had towed and they coulndnt find the problem but they left the key turned forward for bout 20-25 min while they were trying to figure it out they tried to start it-n- low and behold it worked so when it happened again i tried to let it sit and it worked
2006Aug 12
(reported on)Malibu LE
- 88,889 miles
At times my car runs, but while driving my radio shurts off and my theft light, abs, fuel reads empty, and brake light all comes on, and the times it will not start my theft light comes on and car shuts down as soon as i start it after going to 2 repair shops they both say "I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS PROLBEM WE RAN EVERY TEST AND YOUR CAR IS FINE TRY THE DEALERSHIP IT MUST BE A DEFECT" p. s no charge on either side b/c they couldn't help me. Well dealership wants to charge for dignosic and to YEAH RIGHT i have gotten 2 all ready, but on the filp side after running my car on ON and my ac for about 20 mins it will drive off but lights pop right back on as i drive away..
2006Aug 30
(reported on)Malibu
- 47,000 miles
We purchased the chevy malibu last year, we spent money on the breaks and a new battery, we are still having problems with the anti-theft system. We have had it looked at three times, they replaced the battery once and another time in was in the shop hooked up to a computer and they couldnt get a code off the machine to find out what the problem was, and today the same thing, it won't start anti-theft system light on again, I think chevy should fix this problem, it should have been recalled its obivous there is problem with this system. I need the number to customer service at chevy , I will never buy a chevy again , screw the anti-theft systems I asked my mechanic to disconnect it , but he said it would cause other problems for the car.
2006Aug 23
(reported on)Malibu
- 33,000 miles
i had to have car towed before i found the problem on this web site i think gm should tell customers about this so they dont have expensive towing bills. i fixed this with no parts but it was sure a pain in the ass
2006Jul 10
(reported on)Malibu LE
- 88,811 miles
Chevrolet refuses to acknowledge that the Passlock system can engage for no reason, and takes no responsiblity to fix or compensate for cost incurred for a simple fix you can do yourself if you knew your car had a passlock device. All they want to do is charge to diagnose. Also if you look up flashing theft system in the manual it does not refference the passlock. I only found out after I found it while complaining to an unsympathetic Chevy corporation. So if your car will not start for no reason dont pay chevy to diagnose, look up passlock in your manual or on the internet and then try turning your key to acc for 10-15 min, theft light goes out turn off car and restart. P. S. and never buy a chevy again not because of a bad car but because of bad customer service. Thanks again GM.
2006Jul 09
(reported on)Malibu LE
- 88,000 miles
Car wont start and had to have someone drive me and my kids 30 miles home to find out this is a common problem. Know I have to go back tomorrow to try and start it or have it towed
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 29
Malibu
I made my final payment of 5 years on 9/29/09 for my 2001 malibu. What a great feeling it was, I was happy........ did all my errands that day, got home and when I went to leave for work that night, my car would not start. The kicker is the warranty ending 9/9/09 - 20 DAYS too late. I have always had this problem with the theft system light through out the 5 yrs, had many parts replaced by dealer promising that the problem was fixed but never was...........because I finally learned about this 10 min FIX,( thru a co worker, not by chevy!!) the fix never failed, always worked 10 mins to the sec, but on 9/29/09 this 10 min fix didn't work. We even tried the 3x reteach step, but nothing. Now nothing is working...locks,trunk release, radio (but clock display is working weird?!). So hubby, who is an electrician, starts looking at all the wires,ignition, RADIO....now we hear that if car is equipped with the radio theft ( which there is a blinking red light on radio on at all times) the dealership will have to reset something because of the radio being disconnected...............ughhhhh Anyone with some input we would love the hear from you. I am sick to my stomach over this and can not afford to take it to the dealer and get robbed because you know how they all work. They have you by the ba**s and there is nothing you can do about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please help :D
riccione
West Seneca, NY, USA
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