1997 Chevrolet Malibu: engine overheating

Filed Aug 8, 2009 · Engine · 75,000 miles · KS

Car engine overheating not due to thermostat or water pump.

Filed Apr 3, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 187,000 miles · KS

I was driving my car on the byway and took the interstate merge lane while increasing my speed to merge into traffic I felt a snap in my steering wheel and gas pedal, I then lost the dash and the car immediately overheated, I had no real power to turn the wheel and the gas pedal was a loose push. Being that I had merged onto the interstate when this occurred I had to drive an additional 5 miles to the next exit. Not everyone has a cell phone. When I got to the next exit I was almost unable to turn the wheel enough to get it into the nearest parking lot, it was harder to turn than my first truck a 1959 ford twin I beam pickup. I fortunately didn't hit any one or anything. Upon raising my hood after parking the car I am appalled to see that the tensioner pulley and one of the idler pulleys are gone and my serpentine belt is shredded. I have replaced the parts but since then I also found that within 5 miles the "dreaded" gaskets that so many people have complained about, and mine we already eating fluids in sipps before this, were gone. I have replaced the broken pulleys serpentine belt alternator waterpump and gaskets not a month later the other idler pulley that was unaffected in the first incident went. When the first two were replaced that dreaded squeaking stopped for about 3 days and started back up again. Something must not be straight for me to have to keep replacing the moving parts that run on the serpentine belt and everytime one of them goes you loose your power steering and the car is hard to turn. Not only that but the tail lights would be a better place for a gold fish than a light bulb. Everytime it rains, or snows I have to replace tail lights. This car is the bane of my existence. I have the first idler pulley part still the rest of them were lost to the highway the thing is melted.

Filed Mar 19, 2004 · Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

Intake manifold gasket leaks on my 1997 chevrolet malibu. The local chevrolet dealer verified this problem with my car and recommended gasket replacement at a cost of $585. Mileage is only 46,000. I must continue to add coolant at regular intervals otherwise engine will overheat.

Filed May 6, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 15,000 miles · NV

Coolant leaking, engine overheats after highway driving. Brakes and rotors fail consistently within 15000 miles of replacement.

Filed Aug 27, 2002 · Electrical · FL

Rear tail lights have a tendency to overheat, short out circuit board inside tail light. Owner has had to replace 5 bulbs from the tail light assembly, along with one light recepticle. Please describe details.

Filed Mar 16, 2001 · Engine · CA

While driving engine overheated. Vehicle was taken to dealer to be repaired. Once again had to be repaired, and dealer said that engine had been worn out.

Filed Jan 29, 2001 · Fuel system · TN

I started to notice that over the last two months I've had to add coolant to the car I did'nt notice any leakage but I kept an eye out. When I went to change the oil the other day coolant leakage was evedent and was coming from the intake manifold, closer inspection revealed that the intake manifold bolts were loose, you could move them with your fingers. Dealer cost estimate for repair is 500 dollars.the tire situation is as follows, 2 sets of firestone afinnity tire that are supossed to last 80000 miles a set and we can only get aout 33000 miles both sets have been maintained by a firestone dealer and of coarse it's not the tires it is the car so they say.I have them rotated every 6000 miles and keep them inflated to the proer specs,also have them balanced and have the car s alignment performed annually. *ak (tiresize: 215/60/15)( dot number: tire size: 215/60/15 )