2003 Chevy Malibu Batteries

Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Engine problem
2003 Chevy Malibu Engine Size unknown Front Wheel Drive Automatic 93000 miles

My wife's 2003 Chevy Malibu died while waiting to make a turn recently. Two people attempted to jump it without success. I took the battery in and it was completely dead, so I bought a new one. After changing the battery, the car will not start. Any theories as to why? It does have an anti-theft system, but the control buttons seem to work after the battery was replaced.
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 AT 2:39 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If battery fully charged
try this
turn key on leave it on for about 5 to 10 min
and then try to start
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
That didn't work. Any other suggestions?

Some people are saying it may have something to do w/the anti-theft system. If so, who should I call? I called a Chevy dealership where I live, and they basically said I would have to bring it in. That is pretty hard when the car won't move. Towing isn't cheap.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If its the security system that's how you deactivated
use the key to lock and unlock the door
then put key in ignition and try to start it may start but if it didn't leave key on and watch the security light it will be blinking
leave key on until light stop blinking
it may take 10 min
turn key of and try again to start and if it didn't do the same leave key on until security light stop blinking
it may take up to 3 times
good luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I had to call AAA last night for a different vechile and they suggested sort of what you did. They suggested unlocking and locking it a few times. I noticed last night that the headlights/brake lights were turning on and off when I did that, something I had not seen before. That being said, the car still won't turn over. It sounds like it is trying to do, but it won't. I have checked the fuses several times, and kept my foot on the gas pedal all the way to floor. I have the repair book but it doesn't seem to answer the exact issue I am having.

Do you have any other suggestions?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Is
the security light flashing
do you have after market alarm or remote starter
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
A remote starter means I could start it from inside my house for example within distance of the car, correct? If so, no I do not.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 9:47 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Good
what about after market alarm and sec
light is it flashing with key on
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 9:56 AM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The light stays on in the "on" position. As we speak, I have left the key in there till the light goes off (which hasn't happened yet) and then I am going to try and put it in the off position and try and start it again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If the security light isn’t blinking
then its most likely not the security system
lets regroup and start from the beginning
and lets go back to basic
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Ironically, the anti-theft light never would go off. It appears it is the fuel pump. We were able to put gas in something and the car would start for 2 or 3 seconds and then struggle again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Some times we get stuck on one thing and that all what we look for.
Thats why its good to step away form it and start from fresh again going throw the basic

check fuel pressure and lets go from there

under hood valve is on the fuel rail
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
We finally figured it out. Apparently we had to "hit" the fuel pump in the right place and the car would start. Why the fuel was stuck, I am not sure.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 21st, 2008 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
If you hit the fuel tank and the fuel pump work
its an indication of a failure fuel pump
my suggestion to replace the fuel module before it leave you on the side of the freeway away from home
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, January 21st, 2008 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
MIKE2854
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
We did replace the fuel pump actually. So far the car is running good.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 AT 7:28 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links