I have a 2005 Malibu Maxx. I have an issue when I try to use the manual shift mode.
Sometimes when I shift to "L" and try to use it, it doesn't work.

I've been looking for what might be wrong and found a TSB for "loose shifter knob" (TSB 708, NHTSA 10016455).
I also found what seems to be a solution to the problem, but I'm not sure how the whole shift knob would affect the button on the side.
Here is a website I found with what I think may be my answer:http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/chevrolet/T04VBAQ5173DLAS9A/p78
(it's a quote in # 1567)

Anyone know if this is what I need to do to fix it?

Thanks in advance.

No this won't have anything to do with the manual shift mode. Why in the first place are you wanting to use the manual mode?

No this won't have anything to do with the manual shift mode.

Ok, I didn't think it did anyways. I can't remember what it was that I read that lead me to beleive this.

Why in the first place are you wanting to use the manual mode?

I just want to know that everything in may car works if/when I ever need it.



I'm not quite sure what to do. I left a message for my service advisor the other day and she still hasn't gotten back to me.

No this won't have anything to do with the manual shift mode. Why in the first place are you wanting to use the manual mode?

Driving in snow, downshifting in a curve..etc. Manual mode is the way to do it in that generation (as well as the current).

Driving in snow, downshifting in a curve..etc. Manual mode is the way to do it in that generation (as well as the current).

I wouldn't suggest drivng your car like that in any kind of weather. There is really no need to do this. Why do you think these are called AUTOMATICS! The computer gets info from sensors to tell it what is the correct gear to have the trans in as you're driving. It's also a good way to cause you to LOOSE CONTROL of your car on SLIPPERY surfaces and have an accident.

I wouldn't suggest drivng your car like that in any kind of weather. There is really no need to do this. Why do you think these are called AUTOMATICS! The computer gets info from sensors to tell it what is the correct gear to have the trans in as you're driving. It's also a good way to cause you to LOOSE CONTROL of your car on SLIPPERY surfaces and have an accident.

Note that when I said "the way to do it" I meant that on Malibus of that generation manual mode (L) is a substitute for positions 1, 2, etc on other cars. So whenever you need that you'd shift to that mode and use the shifter buttons. Why and when one needs to do that is a totally different subject. Let me just say that there are times when managing you gears yourself is beneficial, otherwise engineers would not insist on adding any modes other than P R N and D in about every auto tranny ever made.

remove the shifter bezel, you will find that the wires for the manual shift button are broken. i have fixed several for the same issue, when you go into L, it displays 3rd gear at all times, doesnt matter what you press.

anyways, there are 2 wires, small diameter, cant remember the colors, and they run to the shift knob for the button, and they rub on the shifter internal to the console, and then the wires break. not sure if this is what you are experiencing or not.

remove the shifter bezel, you will find that the wires for the manual shift button are broken. i have fixed several for the same issue, when you go into L, it displays 3rd gear at all times, doesnt matter what you press.

anyways, there are 2 wires, small diameter, cant remember the colors, and they run to the shift knob for the button, and they rub on the shifter internal to the console, and then the wires break. not sure if this is what you are experiencing or not.

What you described is what happens, but only sometimes. Other times, it works fine.
I'm not sure if i should try an fix it myself or just take it to the dealer...

remove the shifter bezel, you will find that the wires for the manual shift button are broken. i have fixed several for the same issue, when you go into L, it displays 3rd gear at all times, doesnt matter what you press.

anyways, there are 2 wires, small diameter, cant remember the colors, and they run to the shift knob for the button, and they rub on the shifter internal to the console, and then the wires break. not sure if this is what you are experiencing or not.

This seems to be the exact problem I am having with my '05 Malibu LS. Can you give me any pointers as to how to remove the shifter bezel? Does it just pop off? Thanks. I'm looking forward to fixing my non-functioning manual shift mode.

To the OP. My Malibu would occassionally not work in manual mode but it was very infrequent when it wouldn't work. Then, a few months ago it stopped working completely. I'm hoping this is my solution:)

may have a wire issue, not completely broken, but enough at times, to create a problem, if its intermittent, probably has a wire rubbing or rubbed through, and once in a while it will work ok. easy fix if you can access it. just need to open up the center console, around the shifter bezel, then you can get in there ok. the wire harness im talking about is small, very small wires, only like 2 i believe. you will find that they have rubbed through on the transmission shifter frame, all you have to do is repair the wires. just cut them and resolder them or use some butt connectors. if you can fix it, then you will save yourself a trip to the dealer, and probably 100-150 dollars. because i can tell you they will get an hour diagnosis, then price for wire repairs. and they will probably get an hour for it. even though it takes 10 minutes to fix.

just take a peek at it, if you cant find anything obvious, then take it to the dealer.