So, as some may know my biggest issue with my 09 Malibu was the 1-2-1 shift was which attrocious!

The had to go in for service, and I mentioned this to the service advisor, explaining in detail when this occured.

Turns out they had to flash the ECU, and now the 1-2-1 shift is as smooth as butter.

Happy happy:)

I'm not sure I know what you mean about the 1-2-1 shift. I've noticed sometimes in my car when I go to accelerate, especially on the highway, sometimes it's like the car has no power. Then when I depress the gas pedal harder, all of a sudden the rpms jump and it takes off. It doesn't really accelerate smoothly or gradually all the time.
Is that what you're talking about?

My 2009 2.4L 6-speed has bad shift-shock between 1st and 2nd gear when moving in very slow traffic (<10mph). I actually grind my teeth when it happens and it is easily repeatable. I was hoping the problem would go away after "breaking-in" the transmission - I've got ~ 9k miles and it's still there!

Is this the same phenomenon you are calling "1-2-1 shift"?

I would go today to the dealership if there is a flash-fix!

Peter H:

Does your invoice have a part no. or some other identifier for the ECU flash? I have been putting off taking my Malibu in for the shifter recall, hoping that Chevy would come up with a flash for the shifting issues. This has been my only real complaint about an otherwise very nice car.

Also, I have nearly 5000 miles & the shift has improved very little since new.

This is good to hear I'll bring this up to my dealer next time I'm in for service. Its my main complaint about the car. If you have any details that would help us other Bu owners love their cars outright, please share!!

Malibu Red - Yes that is exactly what was happening to me. Prior to the TCM reflash.

Texasrox - Only reference on the invoice is "Reprogram TCM for the latest calibration. Code S0386" Hope that helps.

09Malibu - No the issue was mostly felt in stop / go traffic. MalibuRed has got a better description.

Sorry for not posting sooner, work kind of got busy with an update on the systems that went a bit "sideways".

Its really sound nice. now it will be preffered more.

Malibu Red - Yes that is exactly what was happening to me. Prior to the TCM reflash.

Texasrox - Only reference on the invoice is "Reprogram TCM for the latest calibration. Code S0386" Hope that helps.

09Malibu - No the issue was mostly felt in stop / go traffic. MalibuRed has got a better description.

Sorry for not posting sooner, work kind of got busy with an update on the systems that went a bit "sideways".

Hello Peter H
Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that there is a possible fix out there for this. Is your Malibu the 6spd w/V6 or the 2.4L engine?

I suspect the programing is different depending on the drive train combination.

I'll give my dealership a call and see if they know of a flash-fix.

Thanks!

I took my Malibu in to the dealer last Friday, for the gear selecter indicator recall. While there I asked the service advisor to flash the computer with any software updates, to fix the lurchy shifting I had been describing. He at first said there weren't any updates available for my car. I insisted repeatedly that he check for any updates. He phoned me later & said they had found several updates & flashed my cars' computer.

Final word is my car shifts much much better now, no more getting whiplash in stop & go traffic.

This update is a must have.

2009, 2.4L, 6-spd

Hello Peter H
Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that there is a possible fix out there for this. Is your Malibu the 6spd w/V6 or the 2.4L engine?

I suspect the programing is different depending on the drive train combination.

I'll give my dealership a call and see if they know of a flash-fix.

Thanks!

It is the 6 sp / with V6.

What, exactly, is the 1-2-1 problem?

Yeah, no idea here either. But I guess that means I don't have it LOL.

What, exactly, is the 1-2-1 problem?

When you are in stop and go traffic where the transmission is shifting from 1st to 2nd and then back to 1st when traffic slows down.

Essentially you get a transmission "jerk" everytime this happens. Similar to poping the clutch on a standard tranmission car

Hope this helps:)