Electrical system failed causing other components to malfunction.
1997 Chevrolet Malibu electrical complaints
Page 4 of 4: complaints 71 to 87 of 87, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have had this vehicle for just over two years, and in that time frame I have had the following problem occurring 3 times, and almost a 4th. When I get in the car to start it up, the "theft system" light on the dash comes on and the car starts up but shuts right back off. This continues, with the results being that the car needs to be towed in to be fixed. The first time this occurred was a few months after I purchased the vehicle, and it was diagnosed as "open pass codes" and fixed by replacing the ingnition cylinder. The second occurrence was in july, 1998 and after several unproductive days in the tuscaloosa chevrolet service department was diagnosed as a defect/short in the wiring, which was replaced. The third occurrence was this one reported - 5/15/99, which was again diagnosed as "open pass codes" with the fix being replacement of the ignition cylinder. This same scenario almost occurred again yesterday evening 5/29/99, but the car started back up after having sat there for 10-15 minutes (this waiting period was not previously effective). The service people at the dealership have no idea what triggered this event nor how to prevent it. In fact, they say they have never seen it before except in my car. It may not be a safety issue while driving, but it is definitely a personal safety issue and an issue of vehicle reliability.
Front lower control arm ball joint failed. Yh
Resistor failed. Nlm
One month after I leased this vehicle, I began to have an ignition problem with my car. Once the key is inserted into the ignition, it will not turn in the ignition cylinder in order to start the car, the anti-theft light on the dash board flashes and the key cannot be pulled out. The ignition cylinder has been replaced twice by the dealer not including the original one. I have been stranded 7 times. The first three times I was pregnant. The rest of the time, I had my infant son in the car or was on my way to picking him up from day care. When I have called the dealer, they instructed me to wait at least 15 - 30 minutes and if that did not work, then I was to call the towing service. I have been stuck in many parking lots and most recently, on christmas day I was stuck in new york state. I have filed with the state of new jersey's lemon law unit, and have contacted the manufacturer, per their instruction. I have left several messages with the manufacturer and my "assigned" rep. Has yet to return my phone calls. This has been an extremely frustrating experience because I paying $300 a month for a car that I never know when or if it will not start. I am, particularly, afraid to drive it at night. I cannot comprehend how three different parts, ignition cylinders, can all be defective.
Control arms failed.
Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with ignition switch. Intermittently the vehicle would start and sometimes would be unable to start. Dealer notified, and replaced and repaired ignition switch, but problem still reoccurring.
Electrical wiring failures causing the dash lights and power window to fail.
All electrical gauges on the vehicle just die out. No prior indication or warning, vehicle will automatically shut off. Vehicle being towed to dealer. Dealer is aware of the problem. Incident has occurred four times prior. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem, and problem still occurs.
The defective braking system malfunctioned, causing no braking ability and an accident. Been to dealer several times. Dealer replace brake pads/rotors/master cylinder and the wiring harness. Dealer cannot determine problem. Cause unknown. Please provide problems.
While driving vehicle at 60 MPH fender skirts fell off for no reason. Vehicle also experienceswiring problems which cause problems with ABS light.
Vehicle has been serviced eight times for the electrical problems.
Power window motor failed.
Ignition cylinder lock failed twice. Key would not turn in ignition.
Driving at approx 10-25 vehicle will begin to stall when trying to come to complete stop or starting up vehicle. Dealer claims that the vehicle is basically a lemon. Changed/replaced all four fuel injectors/cleaned fuel plugs/replaced the computer, reprogrammed it.
Electrical system fails causing the whole instrument panel to go out.
While driving interior lights went off due to burned out electrical wiring.
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