Car shuts off while driving.Will start up when fuel gauge gets power also windows ,radio,lightening work airbag light&service engine soon light on
2003 Chevrolet Malibu: wrong fuel gauge reading
5 of the 569 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu describe wrong fuel gauge reading.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate fuel level reading. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
The car has cut off while I was driving on at least 10 occasions since 2012. Usually, if driving at normal speed it would happen as I slowed down to turn a corner, although it has also happened once or twice while I was driving on the highway. Each time, I was fortunate enough to either drift over onto the shoulder or complete the turn without getting hit. When the car cuts off I lose the ability to steer. During that period I also experienced significant electrical problems: sometimes the turn signals would not come on, the auto locks would come on and off by themselves while driving and the air conditioner would not stay on. On 5/3/12 my key would not turn the ignition. I had the car towed to a mechanic who advised that I probably had too many keys on my ring and it wore down the ignition. Shortly after having the ignition replaced, I noticed the anti-theft system light stayed on and it affected my ability to start the car. For the past 2 years, in order to start my car, I have to put the key in the ignition, then turn it to the "accessory" position for about 15 seconds, then to the "on" position and wait for the gas gauge and dash to light up (perhaps another 15-40 seconds) in order to start the car. I researched online and found similar problems for my make and model. This is how I learned how to start the car under these conditions. I have my repair receipts and internet searches for this problem from 2012 as well as every oil change and service ticket from 2003. I think that the 2003 malibu should be investigated for inclusion in the ignition switch recall.
Component: fuel system, other:storage:fuel gauge system details: dt*: the contact stated the fuel gauge read empty when the fuel tank was just filled up. The dealership was alerted, and the fuel sensor was replaced when a inspection was made and fixed. I have had five incidents prior to getting it repaired. I have had no problems after the fuel sensor was replaced by the factory warranty.
Dt*: the contact stated the fuel gauge read empty when the fuel tank was full. Although the dealership was alerted, no inspection was made.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu fuel gauge
Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
5 of 569 owner complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 2007.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
Won't start 84Stalling 59Fuel pump 34Check engine light 23Sudden acceleration 15No deployment 14Loss of power 12Brake failure 10Grinding brakes 9Adaptive cruise 8ABS 7Airbag light 7Engine failure 7Headlights 7Power steering loss 7Fire or smoke 5Hesitation 5Overheating 5
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