2003 Chevy Malibu Starter fly wheel

HULCEO

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

Have been having problems with it. Last year Nov 08 car stalled out. Towed to the dealership, they said fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump (over $600). Car ran about two weeks ( Dec 08), went out again. Went to Mytee (cheaper) becaue dealship said it wasnt fuel pump. Towed to Mytee, they said it was exhaust converter. Installed new converter, $300. No more than three weeks later Jan 09 no start again. Went back to Mytee they said I need new starter. Got new starter $300. Car has been runnig fine until Aug 09. Aug 09 car stalling to start. Sometimes cranking for longer periods or pumping the gas while cranking will start the car. This mainly happens when car has sat for more than two hours. Went to delaership they said it was "possible fly wheel issue or starter shim if applicable". Went to Mytee they installed new starter Aug 09. But Mytee insist it is a fuel pump problem. Mytee says the starte is working fine. Car still stalling. HELP

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,348 POSTS

If the starter was working, it isn't the problem. I agree with the possible fuel pump. Here is a how to for checking it yourself. What you need to pay attention to is how quickly the pressure drops off when the key is turned off. If it drops fast, then it will take longer for the pump to reprime the system. Also, the pressure my just be low due to a weak pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know what you find.