2000 Malibu Strange Behavior

Hey Bill,
Start by digging up the owners manual and letting us know the exact light that is lit. Next have the codes read. A few large chain auto parts stores will do this free of charge. Write them down and let us know exactly the code numbers. The gauges could be nothing more than a loose or dirty connection.

Good luck and let us know. :)
peppermrj

Hi,

The light is the check engine light. I also took it to have the codes read. I did not write down the codes, but it was explained to me that is was the Oxygen Sensor, and a vent valve that was causing the check engine light to come on (I was watching the readout also).

I explained the guage problem, and it made no sense to him either, and he assured me that the check engine light had nothing to do with that.

Does it make sense that the check engine light is only on sometimes? And the only time it comes on is after I start the car. If it does not come on then, it never does.

Where should I check for dirty connections?

Any suggestions or comments on the Oxygen Sensor or vent valve.

Thanks again!

Has the light came back? You really do need the exact code as there are different O2 codes. Not sure what you mean by vent either. If they do not come back dont worry. If they do please get the exact code numbers.

My 2000 does the same thing. It became more frequent when the recall was done on the flashers. Many times, if I hit the top of the dashboard a couple of times, the guages work, the driving lights come on, the AC fan starts working and the electric windows operate. My local Goodwrench folks can't figure it out either. I don't know how to access the area behind the dash to check for loose or bad connections. On a side note, these strange occurances happen if my drivers side window is cracked open in the rain and the rain lands on the control panel for the windows and mirrors.