Intermittent issue of not starting

CJK03

MEMBER
2013 CHEVROLET MALIBU
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

New battery. Turns over then shuts off. Repeatedly clicks turning ignition after. Full power to lights and radio. Starts instantly with a jump. Watched videos explaining this problem for low voltage on 2014 Malibu dual battery power module on the main battery being bad. He shorted the two terminals and it started like a jump start. Unfortunately, 2013 module is different, and I can't short it, so I have to jump. Any tips of you've come across this before?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

When you say it clicks after starting and stalling, does it sound like the battery is weak? Have you checked battery terminals and grounds? Also, have you scanned the can-bus system to determine if there are codes stored related to this issue? CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all the modules and computers are tied together via a few wires. When you scan the CAN, it will provide codes regardless of the module storing them. If you haven't done that, it would be a good idea to check for codes. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

If possible, let me know which wires the person connected together to allow it to start properly. And any other info you feel would be helpful.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 AT 7:19 PM

CJK03

MEMBER
2 POSTS

https://youtu.be/b8wXgRT55qA
That is the video for a 2014 Malibu I have a 2013 module so the trick at 2 minutes won't work for me. My car did the same thing. Turn it over and after it clicks it just clicks repeatedly. Did it pretty much say I need a new battery power module? AutoZone's reader only put out the codes:
P0013, P0089, P015B, P228D,
U0422-71, and C0800-03.
Oh, and my dash cluster lights go on and off. I can't see my speedometer or gas gauge. I cannot afford a CAN scan or anything but DIY.

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Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

I watched the video again. I believe that vehicle is a hybrid. I have a feeling the problem you experience is resulting from a starter issue. The added amperage when jump-starting gets it to work.

When it doesn't work (clicks), I need you to check for power to the starter (S) terminal. It will be the smaller of the two wires and purple in color.

That wire should see 12v (battery voltage) when the key is in the start position only. If you find that it has 12v, but the starter just clicks, I suspect it is the starter.

Here is a link that explains how to perform the test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Let me know what you find. Also, I attached the wiring schematic of the starting system for you to reference. I hope it helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)