1997 Chevrolet Malibu lights problems

Filed May 12, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 74,000 miles · GA

I would like to get a replacement,discount or free service on my 1997 malibu. I've had my car since 2004 and had to get another motor in 2005 which is needed now .this car has put me down a lot not only problems with the motor but the ignition locked up and I had to replace that as well as the brakes and rotors that last about 2 or 3 months. I also have a problem with the lights not working properly they only work on high beam. I can't find a more reasonable mechanic that's willing to repair the motor that I currently have due to the type which is a 2.4 and a used motor cost about half the price of a new one. Please help!

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 Jan 27, 2007 · Lights, Steering · MN

The turn signals are not reliable they might work one time and the next time they wont work. There is a lot of rattling sounds coming from the rear wheels, the steering column makes a weird sound when being turned.

Filed Jun 5, 2005 · Lights · CA

This is a follow-up to my report of the failure of the flashing of the turn signals and hazard warning lights (oid#10121781). I replaced the hazard warning switch in the dash on june 4, 2005, and this fixed the problem. This is the same part that is under a recall for the 2000 and 2001 models of this same car (the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v327000). As suggested previously, I think it would be appropriate to extend the recall to the 1997 models, since it is the same defective part.

Filed May 21, 2005 · Lights · 55,900 miles · CA

The turn signals and hazard signals suddenly stopped flashing. Intermittently, they flash rapidly when activated, but they typically just stay on continuously. This appears to be the same problem which LED to a recall on the 2000 and 2001 models of this same car (the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v327000): "exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch". I think it would be appropriate to extend the recall to the 1997 malibu models.

Filed Oct 27, 2004 · Lights · VA

Exterior brake tail lights are constantly blowing out. Have replaced bulbs at my own expense four times in the last year. Today I was pulled over by the police and issues a warning because it has blown out yet again. Lost of condensation is gettin inside the lamp itself.

Filed Oct 26, 2004 · Lights · OH

The driver's side brake light blows every time it rains or there is water in the light - I have checked the lens for cracks and/or damages there are none - I have replaced the light 12 times in 4 months.

Filed Jul 12, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 14,000 miles · IN

I bought a 1997-malibu ls brand new. Before it turned 14,000 miles had to have work done on brakes. Before even turning 30,000 miles I had to replace a complete brake job, (2nd set) tires, water pump, wheel cylinders, my head lights pop on, and I have a little over 33,000 miles.the dealer were I bought the car said unless they see the lights pop on.they could do nothing. Gm sent out a recall. Which I did take my car into dealer. I took it to the dealer I bought it from a few times.I moved back to indiana and took it to coyle chevrolet in new albany. I have had nothing but problems with this car.both dealers said there was nothing I could do as a consumer..I am mad as hell-and feel I was ripped off, and will not recommend to no one to ever buy a malibu. I had one in 1969. And, it was the best car. When you pay around $25,000.00 for a new car-you would think you would not have all the brake trouble. I to this day do not feel safe with these brakes. I am a single women and thought by buying a new car I would feel safer. Please check into this. As soon as I can afford to get rid of this car I plan too. I have spent several hundred dollars on out of pocket repairs. Battery-2 brake jobs-ABS brakes-wheel cylinders-roaries-water pump.

Filed May 25, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · TX

My first issue is with the lights on the malibu. My light developed condensation in them which in the rear caused the light to glow dim, and caused e to get pulled over on a number of times. In the front it has caused the glass shield to fog causing me to fail vehicle inspection. There have are many other electrical malfunctions on my car such as the theft lock system, the power moon roof, the manufacturer's cd player, the headlight control switch. Then it has a problem with emissions. The headliner is falling off the ceiling.

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · IN

There have been repeated failures with this automobile. The passlock anti-theft system often locks up the ignition, the headlamp and tail lamp assemblies have excessive moisture in them, causing the bulbs to burn out, the air conditioner fan motor shuts off, and the drivers seat is loose. These problems have repeatedly been reported to the dealers, and they have been unable or unwilling to repair them.