2008 Chevrolet Malibu head valve

Tiny
TIFFDW11
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 125,000 MILES
I was told by a Chevy dealer's mechanic that my head valve isn't opening until I reach around 30mph which is causing my engine to get warm when sitting at red lights. He quoted me $1200 in repairs. I need to make sure he is correct. My service traction light started coming on when idling or driving under 30mph. It goes off once I start driving faster and everything is fine. But lately my car has had trouble starting after only sitting for an hour or so. Other problems are: windows not rolling up or down periodically, airbag light periodically comes on. I checked fuses and everything looks fine.
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013 AT 12:36 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So is it 1200. All the repairs or just the overheating. Also what is a head valve.
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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
TIFFDW11
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Im confused by your questions.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 AT 4:54 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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The 1200 estimate you were given is that to. Repair just the gettingwarm while idling. Or all the problems you listed. Also I have neverheard of a head valve what is it's real. Name
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 AT 7:58 AM
Tiny
TIFFDW11
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  • 4 POSTS
1200 was to replace the head and valve. I have no idea what the real name is, im assuming its some sort of valve located on the engine head. Ive tried to google it but havent had any luck. Also my car has not ever overheated, the temp gauge just starts to raise a little when idling and then it goes back down when I start driving. I took it in for the service traction light coming on and it warming up when idling and that is what they told me.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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The temp will go up while idling then the fan comes on and cools it down. Can't answer the question because I don't know why there replacing the head? Especially if it's running good and not overheating. So if it idle will the radiator fan come on like it's supposed to and cool it down?
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
TIFFDW11
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I will test out the fan tonight. He said it was getting warm because the head valve was sticking until the higher speed was pushing it open. Do you know why my service traction, air bag and windows would all have problems?
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So far it doesn't make sense any car Will get hotter at idle till you start moving or the fan comes on. Maybe he is taking about the thermostat? Without knowing all the details I really can't give you answer on that one. As far as the traction and abs and windows inoperable would need exact trouble code numbers and some trouble shooting before I could tell you more about thone things.
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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 AT 11:53 AM

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