1998 Chevy Malibu

AMYLYNNJOHNSON

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

Hi,

Recently I have noticed some weird things happening when I go to start my car. Intermittently, the guages shoot up and down, the radio goes in and out, and things shut down for a split second. However, yesterday, I went to start the car and there was NOTHING. No lights, no dings, no nothing. After hooking up some jumper cables to no avail, we tried flicking the lights and it must have triggered something because it started right up? Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks, Amy

4 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

You need to check the charging system. I am expecting that your alternater may not be charging the battery sufficiently.

How old is the battery?

Check the connections at the battery for any movement or looseness. IF there is corrosion present, remove the cables, clean both sides of the connections where the cable and battery meet and re-install.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, August 18th, 2008 AT 7:50 AM

AMYLYNNJOHNSON

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The battery is fully charged. When we hooked it up with the jumber cables, it showed that my battery was not low at all. So you don't think it has anything to do with the battery's connection?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, August 18th, 2008 AT 7:59 AM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Some where along the way the power isn't getting to where it needs to. If the battery connections are good, check them at the other ends.

IF okay then follow the wiring diagram for the point where power is no longer contining. Maybe at the ignition switch? Have seen quite a few malibu ignition switch problems.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, August 18th, 2008 AT 8:29 AM

AMYLYNNJOHNSON