Guys

Are any of you getting a scraping sound (like metal on metal) when you remote start the car. This only happens when I remote start the car first thing on a cold morning.

If I restart the car with my key -- it does not happen. Its been going on for a week now and it seems to be getting worse. I made an appointment to bring it in on Monday to get it checked out . But as we have to do with the dealers in brooklyn we have to be well prepared or they say "can't replicate the problem" and do nothing.

Thanks !

Yeah. I never heard it or noticed it on my '09 V6, but I've read some posts on here about it happening still. I started my current '11 V6 one cool morning while standing next to it and heard it, but it lasted only a second or so.

The post indicated that it happens when the RS is used and the TCM (trans control module) hasn't been fully energized, which allows the ends of the torque convertor bolts to scrape on the engine block. But once you turn the key the TCM "wakes up" and allows the trans hydraulic pressures to properly locate the TC and Voila! Problem solved.

Here's are links to a couple posts that'll help:

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16621&postcount=13

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=48565&postcount=23

I had a similar problem with the remote start in my old Altima. It eventually ended up frying the brains of the starter, rendering it useless, and mostly draining the battery.

I have had a similar problem and had it fixed! I did not get a mental to mental sound but a cycling noise like a fly-wheel spinning that was misaligned or had a broken spinning wheel tooth sound! Soon as I had put the key in an turned it to the on position, the sound would stop! I had an update on a fix after working with my Dealership with many issues with the Malibu that I had at the time! The original post was titled "Strange Noise Noticed At Idle" DrivenDaily has posted a link to click on to review the Posts' Above!

Yeah....mine does it all the time....didnt think much of it...but if you bring yours in and they find something wrong - let me know - I am at 33k - so if something is up - I only have a few weeks left of bumper to bumper.

A new kink - this morning I started my car when it was about 30 degrees. I didn't use RS but instead just got in and twisted the key. When it first started I heard the same noise that we're talking about with RS. I think I'll get it into the dealership soon. But it sure is good to know that these TSBs exist, making it easier to ask about fixes.

I also have had a strange scraping sound when starting the car with my ket only happened twice, once being this morning. Very strange sound almost like there is no oil.

Wow, is this something only happening to all you out there living in the colder climates? Hate to think that both of mine are doomed....lol

I"m not in a colder climate. I'm in SC and the car is always in the garage.

The wife's had made some odd noises as well. We never really use it since the range is so terrible anyway.

I use mine all the time during the winter, but I haven't heard any odd noises yet. I am curious to to see what the outcome of the problem is if mine start to make noise.

Sounds like its more of a wear and tear issue then.

Believe it or not, I heard a Squeak/Scrap sound this afternoon when I started the Malibu with the R/S for a Second or two an then it stopped! I had been driving my truck for the last day or two so I decided to start the Malibu and let it run for five minutes or so because it has been really cold here! Note: After I heard that sound I decided to let it run for the full cycle until the car had turned off by it's self! I wanted to make sure the battery was charged good enough considering the cold weather might have an effect on it! The update that has been done on my Malibu has taken care of the other noise completely but I will have to listen and see if it was just a one time thing because of the cold weather!


PS. I had restarted the Malibu about fifteen minutes later and it did not make that sound again! It had to be weather/temperature related with a rough start!

Sounds like its more of a wear and tear issue then.

Doubtful, ours has made the noise on and off from day 1. Dealer said it is "normal" LOL....


Next time we have to bring the car in (which I am sure will be soon) I will have it addressed again.

I don't know what you mean by range problems. My RS will start the car from several hundred feet away. If I can see the car, I can start it. Yes, my 09 2LT V6 makes a lot of noise on really cold mornings and not when it's warm, so I would assume it's the outside temp being a major factor. I guess I'll call the dealership too and see what's up?

I don't know what you mean by range problems. My RS will start the car from several hundred feet away. If I can see the car, I can start it.

Exactly, that kinda sucks. The remote start I had installed on my old G6 GTP worked from like a 1/4 mile away. I could be in my office in a brick building and it would start. When I was using the Malibu, like you said you have to see it for it to work. Defeats the purpose if you ask me. Heck, even the salesman who we bought the car from said they sucked....I agree. If you had a good aftermarket one you would know what I was talking about, and we have discussed it on here as well.

If you cant' see the car How do you know that it even started unless you have the two way extended range remote? For all you know your car could be on fire and you wouldn't have a clue. One would think that the manufacturer would would want the consumer to have the car in visible range so they could monitor what's going on? I know that I would; if anything else to notice problems like the ones posted in this thread? If the range was too good, you could be unlocking the car with the key fob in you front pocket unknowingly giving access to everyone passing by. I don't know about you, but I would hate to lose all of my valuables. Of course, that's just my opinion. :)

Ok I brought the car in to the dealer yesterday. I tell the service writer about the scrape noise I was Having and the Brakes squeaking.

I specifically tell him it happens first thing on a cold morning using the remote start. So what does this ass do -- he remote starts it right then and there and of course hes skeptical. So I got pissed off, I took the car parked in their lot and took my keys and left.

I went home got the post from 08Chevymalibultz printed it out and went back this am. Now I grab that wise-ass service writer put him right near the car, ( and today was a great morning for it cause it snowed then rained and the car is covered with a sheet of ice), and I start the car and there it is the scrape sound. Now the guy tells me "wow this is a new one on me, I wonder how they are going to fix it"

Now I pull out the paper work from 08chevymalibultz post and tell heim here you go. I also showed him proof of the brake squeak. Now he has nothing to say.

While I was starting the car two other malibu owners complained about the samething, and said the service department did nothing about it the last time the car was in for service, now they are demanding theirs gets fixed too.

The service writer conceeded at that point and gave me a 2010 chevy Aveo to drive around. Not a bad little car.

I will keep you posted about what did when I pick it up -- Stayed tuned.

Ok I brought the car in to the dealer yesterday. I tell the service writer about the scrape noise I was Having and the Brakes squeaking.

I specifically tell him it happens first thing on a cold morning using the remote start. So what does this ass do -- he remote starts it right then and there and of course hes skeptical. So I got pissed off, I took the car parked in their lot and took my keys and left.

I went home got the post from 08Chevymalibultz printed it out and went back this am. Now I grab that wise-ass service writer put him right near the car, ( and today was a great morning for it cause it snowed then rained and the car is covered with a sheet of ice), and I start the car and there it is the scrape sound. Now the guy tells me "wow this is a new one on me, I wonder how they are going to fix it"

Now I pull out the paper work from 08chevymalibultz post and tell heim here you go. I also showed him proof of the brake squeak. Now he has nothing to say.

While I was starting the car two other malibu owners complained about the samething, and said the service department did nothing about it the last time the car was in for service, now they are demanding theirs gets fixed too.

The service writer conceeded at that point and gave me a 2010 chevy Aveo to drive around. Not a bad little car.

I will keep you posted about what did when I pick it up -- Stayed tuned.






Most if not all Dealerships will not know about this fix unless they had contacted GM directly for a solution to correct this issue! I was lucky that my dealership knew the right person to talk to and the information that was given had corrected the issue! Maybe now there is some information for other dealership to pull-up by doing a little research for a TSB? Although I never got a Scrap Sound other than yesterday for a second and it never did it again! I have checked last night and today with the R/S and it never made that sound again, So I know it was weather/temperature related with a rough start that one time but you never know! I was at the point when I had started to loose faith in the guys at the Service Department before all my problems got fixed! One thing you want to do is try to talked to the Service Advisor and Techs with full respect but also direct your concerns strongly but politely. If this does not work, go to another dealership! These Problems are GM Errors and have some Dealerships scratching their heads trying to figure out the problem, which is not their fault! Hopefully your Dealership Service Department Advisor/Manager is willing to take the extra step and research for a possible TSB or Contact GM directly for a solution if they can't figure it out on their own!

Keep us updated. I really want to know if this corrects your problem or it was something else!

Good Luck! :)

If you cant' see the car How do you know that it even started unless you have the two way extended range remote? For all you know your car could be on fire and you wouldn't have a clue. One would think that the manufacturer would would want the consumer to have the car in visible range so they could monitor what's going on? I know that I would; if anything else to notice problems like the ones posted in this thread? If the range was too good, you could be unlocking the car with the key fob in you front pocket unknowingly giving access to everyone passing by. I don't know about you, but I would hate to lose all of my valuables. Of course, that's just my opinion. :)

Even if I can see it it won't always start. I'm not the only one who says it is crappy. Search on here and you will find many unhappy with it. If you are happy with it, good for you. I think it is not a good system....

Ok I brought the car in to the dealer yesterday. I tell the service writer about the scrape noise I was Having and the Brakes squeaking.

I specifically tell him it happens first thing on a cold morning using the remote start. So what does this ass do -- he remote starts it right then and there and of course hes skeptical. So I got pissed off, I took the car parked in their lot and took my keys and left.

I went home got the post from 08Chevymalibultz printed it out and went back this am. Now I grab that wise-ass service writer put him right near the car, ( and today was a great morning for it cause it snowed then rained and the car is covered with a sheet of ice), and I start the car and there it is the scrape sound. Now the guy tells me "wow this is a new one on me, I wonder how they are going to fix it"

Now I pull out the paper work from 08chevymalibultz post and tell heim here you go. I also showed him proof of the brake squeak. Now he has nothing to say.

While I was starting the car two other malibu owners complained about the samething, and said the service department did nothing about it the last time the car was in for service, now they are demanding theirs gets fixed too.

The service writer conceeded at that point and gave me a 2010 chevy Aveo to drive around. Not a bad little car.

I will keep you posted about what did when I pick it up -- Stayed tuned.

I hope they fix it for you, keep me updated. I just hate bringing her car in as all the Chevy dealers around here are horrible. I brought my Speed3 in to Mazda once and had a great experience, I wish the Chevy dealers were better around here. But one is worse then the other.

Ok I brought the car in to the dealer yesterday. I tell the service writer about the scrape noise I was Having and the Brakes squeaking.

I specifically tell him it happens first thing on a cold morning using the remote start. So what does this ass do -- he remote starts it right then and there and of course hes skeptical. So I got pissed off, I took the car parked in their lot and took my keys and left.

I went home got the post from 08Chevymalibultz printed it out and went back this am. Now I grab that wise-ass service writer put him right near the car, ( and today was a great morning for it cause it snowed then rained and the car is covered with a sheet of ice), and I start the car and there it is the scrape sound. Now the guy tells me "wow this is a new one on me, I wonder how they are going to fix it"

Now I pull out the paper work from 08chevymalibultz post and tell heim here you go. I also showed him proof of the brake squeak. Now he has nothing to say.

While I was starting the car two other malibu owners complained about the samething, and said the service department did nothing about it the last time the car was in for service, now they are demanding theirs gets fixed too.

The service writer conceeded at that point and gave me a 2010 chevy Aveo to drive around. Not a bad little car.

I will keep you posted about what did when I pick it up -- Stayed tuned.

I have had this noise from day one, it doesn't last long so I ignored it, and it only does it in the morning when I RS it. (its gets chilly here in upstate NY) I would use the noise to tell if the car started or not so I knew when to let go of the button. I'll bring her in sat. As it sounds like I'm one of the lucky winners.:rolleyes:

Yes, mine has done it from day one also. I work nights at a book manufacturer and when I get off at 7 a.m. on really cold mornings I can hear it clear across the parking lot approx. 200 feet away! It usually makes the sound for the first 20-30 seconds and quiets down considerably after that. We have some cold weather coming our way in Mid MO this week so I guess I'll have to leave it at the dealership one evening and let them hear it the next morning too. I really appreciate all the info everyone. Thanks!

I guess I can consider myself one of the lucky ones, I don't believe mine has ever made a scraping sound when I RS. We use it pretty frequently too.

Anyways, happy to hear that some of you with the issue have a good chance it will be fixed.

I have had this noise from day one, it doesn't last long so I ignored it, and it only does it in the morning when I RS it. (its gets chilly here in upstate NY) I would use the noise to tell if the car started or not so I knew when to let go of the button. I'll bring her in sat. As it sounds like I'm one of the lucky winners.:rolleyes:

I lied, sorry. This morning just for S & G's I did not RS the car and just used the key and the noise still happend so maybe I am not having the same noise/problem you are having. ?

I have never got this noise, starting it with the key. When I took my Malibu in for service it was not making that Scrap Sound! There was another member “BlinkQS” here that had posted and made a Video to record the sound that was making exactly the same sound on mine. If you click on that link and listen, it is not a Scrap Sound but it might be all related to the problem. You guys may have something else going on with Malibu but you never know what may arise down the road with the rest of our cars. They are all made and designed the same! Hopefully the update to my fix that I posted will take care of that problem too!

Hope for the best for you guys and please keep us updated!


PS. @ BlinkQS and other members, did you ever get this Noise corrected with the Updated that I had Posted? Some of you guys had the exact same noise issue but never told, “Posted” that the update corrected your problem! Please let us know!

I wouldn't call mine a scraping sound, but more like the sound a bearing makes when it's going bad. Kind of like a squealing sound a bad alternator or idler pulley makes.

Well, add me to the group. My '11 Malibu V6 did it this cold, cold morning (just over 2000 miles on her). Will keep an eye on it and on this thread and then alert the sevice department when I take it in for an oil change in one month.

Four days later no call from dealer , I called them and here is what they told me... The paperwork is not for a 2010 malibu LTZ ( This is the info I got off the forum) so basically they didn't look into the problem any further from the paper work.

They did hear the sound but in the service writers words "they don't know what it is" (thats great !) Brakes squeak they are looking into that.

I will go to the dealer after work -- just to take a look at my car and make sure all is ok.

Now you know why I go nuts with this dealer.

Well that sucks! I really don’t know what could be different from an 2008 Malibu Remote Start from a 2010 Remote Start? They may have wrote it up for a 2008 but that does not change the design and operation for a 2010, at least I would not think it would be any changes between the two “08-10” Remote Start! These cars are basically the same Generation with little changes from 08-11 models! I would try to give them a reasonable chance/time to correct the problem. If you feel they just don’t care and are really not trying to resolve/correct the problem, I would personally call GM and bitch “but in a respectful way” or at least try another dealership, but even then this should be brought to GM’s attention anyways!


I am waiting for the right time to bring in my Malibu to the Service Department for Condensation in one of my headlights and if I get the run-around again, I just might be picking up the phone calling GM myself!

Good luck and keep us posted!

It must need to be really cold for it to do it. The temps only made it down to about 23 degrees here last night and it didn't do it this morning when I got off work. :confused:

It must need to be really cold for it to do it. The temps only made it down to about 23 degrees here last night and it didn't do it this morning when I got off work. :confused:

Na, my wife's does it sometimes and it hasn't gotten below 50 down here.

I wouldn't call mine a scraping sound, but more like the sound a bearing makes when it's going bad. Kind of like a squealing sound a bad alternator or idler pulley makes.


Mine is starting with this sound too! It happens when the weather is really cold! I went to top off the gas tank tonight and it made that sound at the first start but for only a second or two. After restarting the car by the RS it did not happen again! It was 5 degrees out at the time! It is suppose to get down to -10 in the morning so I am sure it will do it again at the first start with the remote. The other sound that I had fixed at the Dealership has not returned but now this new sound at cold temps that everyone else is having! Great! another possible issue! The weird thing is that it only happens when it is really cold. :rolleyes:

I wouldn't call mine a scraping sound, but more like the sound a bearing makes when it's going bad. Kind of like a squealing sound a bad alternator or idler pulley makes.

I agree this that description. It was bad this morning, the temp was -16. The noise lasted about 20sec. and seemed to change "pitch" in regards to what the engines rev's where. So the dealer is checking it out, with it this cold out it shouldn't be hard for them to repeat the noise. I'll let you know what/if they find anything.

I agree this that description. It was bad this morning, the temp was -16. The noise lasted about 20sec. and seemed to change "pitch" in regards to what the engines rev's where. So the dealer is checking it out, with it this cold out it shouldn't be hard for them to repeat the noise. I'll let you know what/if they find anything.


Mine has done it for maybe two seconds and then stops "It did it again today". I will for sure make appointment with the Dealership if it starts to last for 20 seconds! I could not deal with that sound for that long! There has to be a reason for this Noise, especially if some of you guys’ Malibu’s are making this sound for 20 seconds.

I started my car after work today with the key and had the door open. It made the sound for about a second, then quit. Temp was about 35F.

I'll be calling the svc dept soon!

I heard the scraping sound today. Haven't driven the car since Saturday and it's been almost -40 for the past couple of days.

Guys

Get a load of this. My car is still at the service center. I called yesterday and asked whats up. There answer is we heard the sound dont know whats causing it. I really have to wonder if GM has no clue whats going on here.

So I brought the car in the 17th of January -- 8 days and counting !

Does anyone remember the Amoco commercial where the two monkies hit the transmission with baseball bats ? This is the picture im getting of GM service at this dealership.

The Dealer said the noise is coming from the power steering pump. His mechanics were able to duplicate the noise. He said the pulley isn't sticking or anything and every thing is running properly and to expect to hear this when it's cold out and the car sits outside. He advised me to have the power fluid changed as I just cracked 42.5K on the car. Please let me know if any of you get different answers if you bring your Malibu in for this.

This is as bad as it gets......

I called the dealer, spoke to my service writer and again he tells me we dont know whats wrong, while I was talking to him ,it seemed like he did not know what the noise was that he was fixing. So I left work early dropped off the rental and to my suprise enterprise tells me the dealer is not picking up the cost of the rental , 8 days at price of 481.00.

Now I get to the dealer , and the service manager is not to happy because he has a lady with a cadillac screaming at him because the cars has been there a month and the heat still does not work, and he looked like a total ass.

Now He comes to me and hes like whats up with you. I said you tell me-- what have you done to my car? He looks at the paper work and says "we did a recall on your car - Recall #10310 Sequence program TCM/ECM".
I asked what about the other stuff ( the scraping noise while starting and squeaking brakes.) "Well we heard the noise once and we cleaned the brakes". "whats causing the noise -- we don't know"

So I say to him because you dont know whats wrong with my car your just gonna keep it here till you figure it out -- and im going to get hit with this rental bill ? what kind of crap is this? He say well you should of gotten paper work from us before you went out to rent the car -- I told him the service writer told me to go get a car. Long story short -- they paid for 5 days of the rental.

Now they drive my car up -- half the lights in the garage are shut off because guys are going home for the night, They drive the car up leave the door open and tell me have a nice night. I said to myself whats wrong with this picture ? -- So I go in my trunk take out my flash light -- AND THERE IT IS A BIG BLACK SCRATCH ON MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR. Now I go get the manager and say -- Ah I see why my cars been here to long -- He looked in astonishment -- Ok he calls for a body guy, who comes over with 3m compound rubs out the black scratch (from a black car) and you can see a small surface scratch through the clear coat and a very faint dent. The guiy came back with a Pen with clear coat in it and went over the scratch. Disgusted I drove my car home.


Needles to say -- this car will never see that dealership again. Basically Im done with GM and this dealership. I've had it.

This is as bad as it gets......

I called the dealer, spoke to my service writer and again he tells me we dont know whats wrong, while I was talking to him ,it seemed like he did not know what the noise was that he was fixing. So I left work early dropped off the rental and to my suprise enterprise tells me the dealer is not picking up the cost of the rental , 8 days at price of 481.00.

Now I get to the dealer , and the service manager is not to happy because he has a lady with a cadillac screaming at him because the cars has been there a month and the heat still does not work, and he looked like a total ass.

Now He comes to me and hes like whats up with you. I said you tell me-- what have you done to my car? He looks at the paper work and says "we did a recall on your car - Recall #10310 Sequence program TCM/ECM".
I asked what about the other stuff ( the scraping noise while starting and squeaking brakes.) "Well we heard the noise once and we cleaned the brakes". "whats causing the noise -- we don't know"

So I say to him because you dont know whats wrong with my car your just gonna keep it here till you figure it out -- and im going to get hit with this rental bill ? what kind of crap is this? He say well you should of gotten paper work from us before you went out to rent the car -- I told him the service writer told me to go get a car. Long story short -- they paid for 5 days of the rental.

Now they drive my car up -- half the lights in the garage are shut off because guys are going home for the night, They drive the car up leave the door open and tell me have a nice night. I said to myself whats wrong with this picture ? -- So I go in my trunk take out my flash light -- AND THERE IT IS A BIG BLACK SCRATCH ON MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR. Now I go get the manager and say -- Ah I see why my cars been here to long -- He looked in astonishment -- Ok he calls for a body guy, who comes over with 3m compound rubs out the black scratch (from a black car) and you can see a small surface scratch through the clear coat and a very faint dent. The guiy came back with a Pen with clear coat in it and went over the scratch. Disgusted I drove my car home.


Needles to say -- this car will never see that dealership again. Basically Im done with GM and this dealership. I've had it.

Wow, to bad this is becoming more the norm for GM dealers as of late. You need to call customer service and open a case. Your door needs to be fixed and they need to get your car to a dealer that has at least 1/2 a clue.

Wow, I'd expect that from Jiffy Lube. You should def. file a formal complaint via emails or the like so to create documents that can be tracked.

That is just ridiculous... I hope you are compensated for your troubles...:mad::mad::mad:

Wow and WOW, that really sucks to hear what you had just been put through with this Dealership! You may want to Call GM and let them know about your experience with this Dealership and have them recommend/direct you to a different Dealership! This dealership sounds like they run a shady business! I have heard others mention how their Chevy Dealer sucked but I agree this is ridiculous. I strongly agree and suggest you file a complaint!

And don't forget that you may have legal recourse as well. If you have benefits at work that include legal advice, get it. If not, check with a lawyer. A lot of them will give the first consultation free because you're just trying to see if they'll work for you or not.

I was one of those who got raped by my dealer, but this is way worse!

Guys

Wait till I get the survey. I'm calling customer service line today to put in a complaint , but I doubt it will go any where.

So I start my car this am -- and guess what , that sound is still there. Driving to work my car still sounds like I need a strut mount.

I live in Brooklyn, I think I will bring it down to my brothers dealer off of route 9 in south jersey -- he says they are good there and treat customer with respect. If and when I go I will start a thread.

But to be honest, I have 3 GM cars and 1 Ford, and GM always makes you feel as though it your fault, or they never find a problem unless something is broke or they can visibly see something wrong. My Ford dealer takes your complaint -- then checks out the whole car and calls you to keep you informed.

GM needs to have their dealers in brooklyn go through Customer service class -- in all reality they should of closed this dealership down, and you can believe I will tell everyone that listens.

And to think between 2009-2010 I bought 3 car off this dealer. -----uuuuhhhgggg !!!

Buying 3 cars from GM should make them sit up and listen, and 3 from the same dealer means they have a lot of sway with them as well.

I called GM about the dealer for my '09, you know, the one who kept breaking everything or assembling it wrong? They took my complaint and gave me a case number. Haven't heard anything since. That's standard Big Box Company - nobody takes responsibility for anything 'cause they can always point a finger at someone else!

Since the dealer flushed my PS fluid two days ago I have not had this sound. That being said, I don't know if they fixed anything else and just not told me, but I only paid for a PS and break flush @ 42.5K on the car.

I wish you the best of luck Bedbug.

Hey Bedbug, that dealer on Route 9 is Oasis Chevrolet. That is where I got my car. They have great customer service. BUT, make sure when you get there and the kid starts writing up the paperwork that you both walk around the car to show them that there are no scratches on the body or the wheels.

I had an oil change done there and after they were done, they parked it in front of the place. I get my paperwork and then get in. But something told me to check out the entire car. So I start to walk around and my rear driver side bumper is scratched up. Like the mechanic backed up into the garage wall. You can see the gray powder on the bumper. Told the service manager and he told me to drop it off on Weds and they would provide a rental. I dropped it off and then picked it up on Saturday and the body shop did an excellent job. You couldn't even tell that something happened on the bumper.

So the moral of the story is to make sure you inspect your car before and after the work is done.

Good luck!

Guys

Guess who I bumped into yesterday. The owner of my dealership, and guess what he wants to open a bigger dealership. Oh you had to hear the happy horsesh*t he was saying about how good his dealership is.

Well that was a mistake, I let him have it told him showed him everything. His words, well bring it back and I assure you it will get fixed. I told him forget it ,your guys will do spite work at this point.

Lastly I told him im on the community board, and he basically can forget my vote to get that new dealership where he wants it.

Payback a bit*h.

Gotta love karma.

He must think because he's still getting a paycheck that everything is silky fine outside his office door.

Hey, if you see him again, tell him I'll be happy to buy him a glass belly button!

(For those who don't know what that is, it's for those who have their head so far up their @$$ that they need one to see out! ;))

Here is the latest -- We got noticed !

GM Customer support called me from my e-mail. To prove my point while I was on the phone , I mentioned this website, the guy Alex said he'd check it out.

Anyway they are looking into this scraping sound and will get back to me.

I will keep you posted !

I dropped mine off this evening with Bachman Chevy here in Louisville for this issue and Bluetooth. They're gonna let it set overnight and start it tomorrow. (I hope they remember to listen to it before they move it into the stall!) I'll let ya know how it goes. These guys impressed me the first time I took my car there, resulting in trading it in for what I have.

The first few posts indicate "the ends of the torque convertor bolts to scrape on the engine block". Is this causing noticeable damage or just an annoyance and is this the real root cause?

The cold start noise in latest posts appears to be something different from the original remote start noise for which there's a firmware flash. And, I don't think the bolt on block is "causing noticeable damage." They aren't that fragile.

The cold start noise in latest posts appears to be something different from the original remote start noise for which there's a firmware flash. And, I don't think the bolt on block is "causing noticeable damage." They aren't that fragile.

Thanks, I was thinking that was the case but I had to ask. My car made that sound just once but mostly it sounds like it has bronchitis when it remote starts.

I got mine back from the dealer last night. Nothing found, no changes made. I guess I'll have to make a recording for them, eh? It does it on remote or key starts.

So I heard from GM 2nd teir support. What they told me is to bring it back to the dealer and leave the car over night and return the next morning to start the car for them so they can hear the sound. I said BS! I left the car there 8 days what were they doing with it.

Basically GM said bring it back and let them fix it. I told them I have no confidance in them. I told them I will video tape the car doing it and then I will bring the car to another dealer.

I felt like GM basically says bring it back. And thats there fix for the customer service issue. What a bunch of crap.

Daily driver -- it happens on cold mornings when you remote start the car for the first time after that you can remote start it all day and it wont happen. It will NOT happen if you start the car with the keys.

So I heard from GM 2nd teir support. What they told me is to bring it back to the dealer and leave the car over night and return the next morning to start the car for them so they can hear the sound. I said BS! I left the car there 8 days what were they doing with it.

Basically GM said bring it back and let them fix it. I told them I have no confidance in them. I told them I will video tape the car doing it and then I will bring the car to another dealer.

I felt like GM basically says bring it back. And thats there fix for the customer service issue. What a bunch of crap.

Daily driver -- it happens on cold mornings when you remote start the car for the first time after that you can remote start it all day and it wont happen. It will NOT happen if you start the car with the keys.

I guess I'd better dig in and get ready for a battle, then, eh? If that's what you've gone through then it's gonna take more than a simple visit to get it fixed. I wish you well!

My issue might be different than the one in this thread. If the only time yours does it is on RS then it's different, because I've had mine do it when starting it on a cold morning both with the key and with RS, but on different days. Plus I've had it do it on RS and the key after work.

I guess I'd better dig in and get ready for a battle, then, eh? If that's what you've gone through then it's gonna take more than a simple visit to get it fixed. I wish you well!

My issue might be different than the one in this thread. If the only time yours does it is on RS then it's different, because I've had mine do it when starting it on a cold morning both with the key and with RS, but on different days. Plus I've had it do it on RS and the key after work.

Mine started making the noise again but only when it's single digits or - temps outside. Before I had the car serviced it would make the noise at really any temp below freezing.

I wished I had examined my power steering fluid before they flushed it. So I could compare new to "a little burnt" is how the dealer put it.

Guys

I couldnt take it any more ! So me and the mechanic across the street decided to take the started out of my malibu. I siliconed the starter gear shaft and put it back.

We started it and no noise. This morning I remote started it and no sound , although its not that cold this morning, it starts much smoother.

Only thing we thought was odd was that the started bolts were not in to tight. We will revisit it again next month to see if those bolts are loosing up, or maybe the chevy mechanics played with it.

I will keep you posted

I wonder if this problem is in any way related to another problem reported by some, concerning the stretching of timing belts? At least I seem to recall a thread about that here.

I couldnt take it any more ! So me and the mechanic across the street decided to take the started out of my malibu. I siliconed the starter gear shaft and put it back.

We started it and no noise. This morning I remote started it and no sound , although its not that cold this morning, it starts much smoother.

Only thing we thought was odd was that the started bolts were not in to tight. We will revisit it again next month to see if those bolts are loosing up, or maybe the chevy mechanics played with it.

Did you actually work with the mechanic or is this something you were told was done? The way I interpret it, the starter mounting bolts were not too tight and thus he took them off, put some blue threadlocker on them, and then tightened them back up. I hope he had a good sense of torque since they are supposed to be torqued to 37 lb ft (less if the threads are lubricated with a threadlocker fluid) which isn't as tight as you may think.

I wonder if this problem is in any way related to another problem reported by some, concerning the stretching of timing belts? At least I seem to recall a thread about that here.

If you're referring to the cold start noise regardless of the remote start or key start, that's certainly something to be considered, especially if there's some sort of oil starvation going on.

If you're referring to the cold start noise regardless of the remote start or key start, that's certainly something to be considered, especially if there's some sort of oil starvation going on.

Actually, I am wondering if the sound heard during the cold start, might be coming from something that could lead to the stretching of the timing chain.

Starship -- I actually did it this past weekend. there was no blue treadlocker on them when I took them off. I did put it on when I re tightened them . My mechanic friend used a torque wrench to put them back on.

Railfan-- I dont know if its that timing chain issue because the sound it only during remote start on a very cold morning, Not if you start it with a key on a cold morning.

All -- well the silicone did NOT work. This morning 2/9/11, it was 10 degrees in brooklyn NY and I remote started the car and theres that sound again. It has to do with cold weather -- because when it was warm out it did not make the sound.

Im at my wits end with this crap. I will keep searching for answers and keep you updated.

Railfan-- I dont know if its that timing chain issue because the sound it only during remote start on a very cold morning, Not if you start it with a key on a cold morning.

All -- well the silicone did NOT work. This morning 2/9/11, it was 10 degrees in brooklyn NY and I remote started the car and theres that sound again. It has to do with cold weather -- because when it was warm out it did not make the sound.

Im at my wits end with this crap. I will keep searching for answers and keep you updated.

It is not only happening with the RS, but even when you start it with the key.
This morning it was ten degrees and I started the car when I got in it and heard the sound for a second or two; it doesn't last as long as when I start it with the RS. So my question about the sound maybe coming from something that might eventually cause damage to the timing belts/chain, still stands.

It is not only happening with the RS, but even when you start it with the key.
This morning it was ten degrees and I started the car when I got in it and heard the sound for a second or two; it doesn't last as long as when I start it with the RS. So my question about the sound maybe coming from something that might eventually cause damage to the timing belts/chain, still stands.


Mine also made the scrape sound with the key this morning for a second or two! I just can’t believe GM does not know what is going on with our cars! I really have been trying to like and take pride in this Malibu despite some major problems/issues I have had gotton fixed in the past but the problems seem to never stop with the Malibu Model Generation!:( :mad: Hopefully GM will have a fix/solution to correct this issue!

Is there a tsb for this problem if so lets post it so we can let the GM dealers know what to do,come on gm needs our business just fix the problem

Guys

Im calling Gm and refering them to this forum. We have 7 pages of people saying the same thing. GM needs to know about this, and they need to do something about this.

Its rediculous at this point. Between the forums about front end noises and start sounds they have to figure out theres some major problems with this car.

Really how many of you on this forum feel like you bought a lemon ? Or feel this car is going to be problematic? or are you thinking I better tade this in and get rid of this car before its worth nothing because of all these problems?

GM needs to address these issues because I for one have lost all confidance in GM, as from what im reading on these forums there are a lot of you that maybe feeling the same way too.

Don't get me wrong I like my car -- its sharp looking and quick but im asking myself one question -- is it worth the hassel.

What do you think ?

Hello everyone
You know that horrible sound a car makes when someone trys to start a car after it is already running. Is this scraping sound similar to that?
When you start the car with the key the starter motor gear retracts quickly when you release the key. (I know basic stuff here.) Maybe when you use the remote. For whatever reason the starter motor gear is not retracting like it should. I think there is a little computer involved in the wiring of the remote system. A big Maybe this could have something to do with it. Just a thouhgt.

Here are links to 6 short videos from my Android. Each one is me starting the V6 with 6-speed automatic by remote. I've had the same sound happen when starting with the key. It happens only after the car has sat overnight or an entire workday.

The noise I'm concerned with is the brief noise that lasts about 1/2 a second. Granted it won't wear anything all that quickly, but who's to know that it isn't damaging something? It's not a normal sound. My first visit to the dealer with this issue resulted in them not hearing it.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572223552435910178

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572225351015739906

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572226324727692690

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572227018696903090

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572227855986610658

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572228955698258034

I hope these help.

Milo

Good point! I did not look too close to the gears, When I have a chance i will pull it again to check for any signs of grinding or wear on the edge. Im kinda busy this weekend but i will get to it next weekend.

Oh yes it does sound like that sound as though you started the car while it was already running.

Driven Daily -- nice job with the pics and sound -- your right on the money !

So, is the majority of the vehicles making this noise a V6 or 4 cylinder, from what I have read it is mostly the V6. I had a saturn aura 3.6 in today that was dropped off last night, so I figured I would give that a listen. I didn't remote start it, but started it with a key. It made a noise very similar to DrivenDaily's videos for a couple seconds and stopped. The sound in the video and the aura sounded like a power steering pump low on fluid, and it wouldn't happen again past that first start.

For the 08' malibu V6 only, there was an issue with the torque converter bolts being loose which caused a noise similar to the starter staying engaged. This was only able to be heard during remote start and when the vehicle was cold. The fix was to torque the torque converter bolts.

I have checked my car (4 cyl) periodically on cold starts and I don't have any noise. I have listened to other malibu's on cold starts that were 4 cylinders and no noise. I will continue to listen to other vehicles cold started and see if they all sound the same or not.

Wow, thanks for checking it out like that for us! I wonder if it's the starter drive not retracting fast enough. Starters have an overdrive or overspin mechanism so that when the engine starts it doesn't spin the starter too fast. It's basically a Sprag clutch that allows engagement one direction and free wheeling the other. So if it's not pulling back in fast enough the Sprag might just be taking it on the chin, or maybe it's just the gears rattling back and forth until it disengages.

Dunno, but I'm gonna stay on top of it!

Thanks again, man!

Milo these sounds are right on maybe you should sent them to GM chevy division and it might wake them up to what joe public is doing out here with a problem they don't have a clue about

Here are links to 6 short videos from my Android. Each one is me starting the V6 with 6-speed automatic by remote. I've had the same sound happen when starting with the key. It happens only after the car has sat overnight or an entire workday.

The noise I'm concerned with is the brief noise that lasts about 1/2 a second. Granted it won't wear anything all that quickly, but who's to know that it isn't damaging something? It's not a normal sound. My first visit to the dealer with this issue resulted in them not hearing it.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572223552435910178

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572225351015739906

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572226324727692690

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572227018696903090

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572227855986610658

https://picasaweb.google.com/103977271721436760994/VideoClipsFor2011Malibu?authkey=Gv1sRgCObny4GRhuLr Pg#5572228955698258034

I hope these help.


DrivenDaily, the interesting thing is that my Malibu makes a totally different noise than that. It grinds in the beginning for about 10 seconds, changes to a whirring noise for about 5 seconds, and then grinds for another 5 before quietting down. I think I'm gonna take it to the stealership Monday for a diagnosis. I wanna post a video, but it's warmer than usual today. :mad:

The professor here it was 20 degrees tried something new when starting car turned off defroster and fan still heard sound but less like a short beep,also turned key on before start heard pump engage maybe that makes a difference who knows.

I'm gonna try turning the key on for several seconds and then starting it to see if that helps. If it does then that's one more piece of data the dealer can use to track this down. Thanks for the idea!

And I'm particular, too. Can't say I've ever gotten that much life out of my batteries, but I've never owned a new car before, either. You just might have made a new convert! ;)

To everyone who is having this problem we shouldn't have do the dirty work for GM Chevy I can't beleve that someone in GM hasn't heard of this problem God knows that we all have put it out there for a solution,lets all hope they get there Act together and fixes this problem they have a great car with No recalls now just prove it.

Agree, We should not have to figure this out on our own or just deal with it because GM and the Dealerships can’t communicate/ read on the same page together correctly! Now that the warmer weather will be approaching us soon and since most of the issue seems to be happening when it is cold, our cars might not make this sound unless it is cold enough outside. Maybe next Winter if we are lucky, absolutely ridiculous! I personally don’t think they are going to do anything, this problem has been brought to their attention from other members/owners for some time now, at least to their Dealerships!

Guys
I have been reading your comments. I have 2 chevy malibus One is a 2009 4cyl and the other is 2010 v6. Now I tested both on a cold morning by remote starting them and only the V6 makes the noise. I also made sure i did not have the defogger on or the heater on , or any other feature turn on in both cars. So Now i go under the car to see if the starters look different and they don't . But i have to believe they are because one starts a 4 cyl the other starts a 6cyl.

I have a strong feeling we may be hearing that sprang clutch -- but why only on a very cold day? Could it be the clutch is sticking in cold weather (retracting slow in cold weather)

Lastly - this started after the dealer did reprograming update for the transmission. Dont know if that had anything to do with it because right after that we started getting cold weather. -- I will keep you guys posted.

BedBug I also have 2 mailbus 08-10 both V6 one is garaged no problem other outside which is mine(what else is new) yesterday it was 20 degrees heard sound today it's 34 degrees no sound what ever this is I hope we can find it because GM dealers don't want to here it,by the time we find what it is the car will be to old and we'll have to trade it and then it will be someone elses problem.I took mine to dealer of course they did'nt here it and if they did it would be so quick they could'nt figure it out just like us.We got to keep this up theres got to be an answer out there this goes for everybody.

Professor

I agree with you. Strange thing it only happens in cold weather.

The dealers just make it so fustrating, plus they dont go out of their way to try and figure it out.

I did not buy a ford because there was only one dealer near my house who was a crook. But the chevy is no better.

At this point im not bring my car in for the noise, its not cold anymore and I would be wasting my time. They had the car for 8 of the coldest days in brooklyn and did nothing. I guess i will wait till next November or December if I keep the car that long.

GM is a real let down.

I do not notice this on my 08 v6 with 36k. Is this something that happens gradually, or should I assume the previous owner fixed? I live in a cold winter climate and the car has been outside. I still have to go to the dealer to fix the other RS sound.... but I can wait to go to the dealer to kill two birds with one stone if I need to wait for this to pop up.

Bedbug,

I will be sending you a private message shortly for more information.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

Bedbug,

I will be sending you a private message shortly for more information.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

I would love to know what Tricia said. When I called Chevrolet Customer Service, they told me that there were no bulletins or notices for what I was describing, therefore they told me to contact my local Chevy dealer. They told me they would call back in a week to see what I and my local dealer had found out. Now I have to pay attention to the weather, make arrangements, and try to get the car in the night before in order for them to hear the problem.

I previously had a 2007 G6 with the 3.6 V6 and had this problem the whole time I owned it. Had it to the dealer multiple times and they never had a solution. The sound happens whether the car is started with the key or remote started in only cold weather. I now have a 2010 Malibu with the 3.6 V6 and have the exact same problem. So now, unfortunately, I just deal with it all winter. It really blows my mind that it was never solved for when I purchased the Malibu. I'm sure GM employees have 3.6 equipped company cars in the cold Detroit area and hear this all the time!

Any updates, bedbug?

I still have my money (literally) on something with the power steering. Mine was flushed not too long ago and the noise went away briefly. Now it's back, though not as bad. I looked at the PS fluid and it's like a light brown color and the PS fluid level is about 1 1/4" down from the top, I didn't notice a full/add line but it was night, and for some reason I don't have a light under my hood.

This is to everybody thats having this scraping sound on a cold morning start is Gm chevy that stupid that nobody has come forth with this problem,its been going on for two or more years if they can't fixem don't sell them.The Malibu is a great car lets keep it that way Look GM fix the dam cars and let the people who pay your wages and benefits from the sale of all the Malibus be happy.

This is to everybody thats having this scraping sound on a cold morning start is Gm chevy that stupid that nobody has come forth with this problem,its been going on for two or more years if they can't fixem don't sell them.The Malibu is a great car lets keep it that way Look GM fix the dam cars and let the people who pay your wages and benefits from the sale of all the Malibus be happy.

I agree, however If you are a professor, what major project comes without addendum's, FON's, RFI's (field order notice, or request for information) and such? This is why the forum's are here to discuss it amongst ourselves so we can provide a solution for one another. Waiting for others to investigate our problems might take too long for the ones using Malibu as Dailydrivers to compensate the time lost for a car bought, again yes I agree but their are circumstances surrounding this.

Regards,
-Screech

Screech we will all get to the bottom of this problem someone out there in the cold climate is going to figure this out lets hope the car doesn't rust out or break down before thid happens.

Just start the car before you go outside... I never here a scraping sound from the Bu, in my kitchen...

Yeah, I can't hear mine from your kitchen, either! ;)

Not only do I get the Scrape Sound but I have recently noticed after Starting the car with the Remote Start, the car jerks forward a little "Slightly". Almost like the car wants to take off forward but obviously it can’t because it is in Park! Most of the time I set my E-Brake, only because it is a habit and it does not matter were I park, it is just a Stupid habit that I have after I park! One day last week I did not set the E-Brake and had noticed this after the remote start! Note: My parking spot at home is a flat surface! Don’t know if anybody has had noticed this too! This might be normal but I thought I would throw this out there! I have checked other days and it seemed normal and the car did not move or move/jerk as much! I put my E-Brake on so often, I will have to pay a little more attention to it and see if it does it more often with the E-Brake off! Could be just a normal Mechanical function!

bmh9008 and all others,

I completely understand the frustration that all of you are going through with your vehicles and this sound. I have documented this issue that all of you have been writing about. I have forwarded the information to the appropriate department.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Guys

I updated Tricia from Customer service about the sound and everthing else that happened at my dealership-- I will keep you posted.

I think Tricia and Michelle read all our blogs here so I think they now have a good idea that this is a problem.

It's good to know that big brother is listening I hope they can find a solution.

It's good to know that big brother is listening I hope they can find a solution.


Not unless there is some kind of direct contact with the Higher-Ups or someone that can make decisions along with coming up with some kind of resolutions and approval to correct! Hoping my doubts and Skepticism is wrong and I am not wasting my time with this when I could be picking up the phone and calling GM Directly! I do not foresee this issue being corrected this year with the warmer weather approaching us, maybe next year! Now that some of us will no longer have our Bumper to Bumper Warranty, I can just imagine were that will go! :rolleyes:


PS. Now we will see were my Headlight Situation goes, does not look promising right now! Again, Hoping I am Wrong!

Just thought I would update you guys just got back from dealership I left car over night and they heard the scraping noise but couldn't pin point problem so the tech called GM and they said there working on a solution,theres been alot of chatter about this problem so maybe help is on the way and this problem will finally be fixed.

professor1,

Thank you for the update of your visit. If I am given any updates about the scraping situation I will be sure to let all of you know.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend!

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle,Thanks we can't let this go.

professor1,

I couldn't agree with you more.

I hope that you and every one on the forum has a wonderful weekend!

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Well, it has not been cold enough for the screeching to happen, and I won't take it in until it is cold enough. Might have to wait until next winter, unless we get one last cold snap with night time temperatures down at least in the single digits.
So just because you don't hear from me for the next several months won't mean the problem has been fixed.

Guys

Here is an update. I took my car for an oil change at my mechanics garage which is a Mobil station. After giving me an oil change (Mobil Clean 5000 mile oil and an AC delco filter) he starts the car and hears that metal on metal scrap sound -- it was short and quick. I said to him --" you heard that right" he said yep, he said he remembered another customer having the same problem with either a pontiac or a saturn. He said he will look in to it but he doesn't remember if it ever got fixed. He also said that the customer is a regular so he will ask him if they ever fixed it and what it was.

Lastly -- if you are wondering why I went to Mobil for an oil change and not my dealer hear it is -- I went to the dealer for my first oil change -- an they used oil form the pump and charged me $50 bucks. Mind you, oil from the pump may not be bad, I was just uncomfortable with it. I always used new oil from a container and I have 3 high milelage cars with no engine problems.
Mobil used new oil from a container, an AC Delco filter took the guy 30 mins and charged me $22.00 with tax -- not bad in this economy !

I will keep you all updated if I find out any new info.....

Bedbug,

Thank for the update. The information that you have posted is very interesting. I would like to document your experience at the dealership that you have written on the forum. I will private message you more information about this.

I look forward to reading more about the information that you find.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Guys i just thought i would let you know that
Chevy consumer service contacted me yesterday about this problem and gave me a trouble ticket and a live person to talk to with any issues. She said if there is any TSB's that come out about this problem I will be notified by chevy. At least now we know that Big Brother is going to help

I have an appointment for mine tomorrow at the dealership for this an a couple other issues. I am positive it won’t make the noise since it has got warmer outside and only happens when the weather is really cold outside! I thought I would at least bring it to their attention and have it on record before my bumper to bumper warranty ends! Don’t know if anything was documented with the CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE on this site for my issue?

Hopefully they will find a solution for the problem! They are the ones that had resolved the other noise issue with the remote start!

08chevymalibultz,

I have documented this issue that many of you are experiencing with your vehicles. I have forwarded this information to the proper department. Even though I work for General Motors, I am not in the loop on everything that is reported. I realize that providing me with the updates would fantastic, but it doesn’t always happen. Thank you for understanding.

I would also like to thank you for the update about your appointment with the dealership.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle,

Hopefully everything will go well for me and I have good news to report! Many of us that have had some issues have complained / vented a little in the past is only because we are upset since we have spent some real hard earned money on these cars and just want them to work correctly and not have so many/any issues unresolved on a new / newer car!

Most of us truly like the Malibu but I just would like GM to recognize that there are issues with this car. all I expect from GM is to just fix and correct them! This is were your job plays a role to help us recieve the proper care / assistance to these objectives on the matters/issues that needs to be brought to the proper persons attention!

I really wish I could be just bragging/saying about how flawless and problem free this car has been for me but that would not be the truth! "My Service Records from GM could prove it." Hopefully GM corrects all/the rest of my issues and I can move forward with a more positive outlook since the Malibu is a beautiful looking car!

Sorry for going off track on the subject and rambling on, thought I needed to explain and express some of my concerns and thoughts on these issues!! The Scrape Sound may not be replicated since the weather has gotten warmer but at least I will give them a chance to look into the issue and document it!


I know that there is only so much you can do and I appreciate your time, help and any assistance you can give to me and other members / owners on the site!

Thanks,

08chevymalibultz

Michelle,
Reputation plays a big part in the success of any company. Take your position, for instance. What would happen if your supervisors felt they could no longer trust you? They might look to replace you.

Well, the same goes with these cars and GM. Only thing is, we're the ones who may replace them and it wouldn't likely be with another GM product. So they could suffer a loss of market share, and actually already have. One member on here has already purchased a Mazda to replace his Malibu. Then he and his wife traded the 'Bu in on a Chrysler!

Had I not just recently gotten my '11 I was considering the Taurus.

These issues are important, not only to us owners but to the very life expectancy of GM. When you speak with the appropriate people in your organization, make sure they realize just what's at stake! And have them pass that on. Keep repeating it. Be the squeaky wheel for us, please!

Michelle,
Reputation plays a big part in the success of any company. Take your position, for instance. What would happen if your supervisors felt they could no longer trust you? They might look to replace you.

Well, the same goes with these cars and GM. Only thing is, we're the ones who may replace them and it wouldn't likely be with another GM product. So they could suffer a loss of market share, and actually already have. One member on here has already purchased a Mazda to replace his Malibu. Then he and his wife traded the 'Bu in on a Chrysler!

Had I not just recently gotten my '11 I was considering the Taurus.

These issues are important, not only to us owners but to the very life expectancy of GM. When you speak with the appropriate people in your organization, make sure they realize just what's at stake! And have them pass that on. Keep repeating it. Be the squeaky wheel for us, please!


HOO' RA DD,

BTW,
I would have been interested in the SHO had it been out.

08chevymalibultz,

I completely understand where all of you are coming from. I don’t mind being the sounding board to the venting.

I can assure you and other members that I do document concerns that are expressed on the forums that I monitor. This information does get reviewed by other departments throughout General Motors.

I thank you for providing me with your additional thoughts and feeling about your experiences with your Malibu. I can confirm that my supervisor has forwarded the documentation of the scraping sound to the proper department. I do not always get an update as to what the department is doing to get the issue resolved, I do my part to get this to the proper department to assist in getting it fixed for all of you.

You can vent with me anytime. Please, keep in mind that you have questions or concerns you can private message if you would like. I may not always have the answers but I will do my best.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle,

Took the Malibu to the Dealership and sure enough they did not hear the Scrape Sound ! Will have to maybe wait until next Winter for them to possibly hear it or just hope GM comes up with a solution for the problem! I let them know that GM was working on this but had no idea what is going on with this issue! I also did let them know that it makes the Metal to Metal Scrape Sound with the Remote & Key when it is really cold outside!

Thanks for understanding and be able to take our Complaints /Venting lightly. The most important thing is the issues are being directed to the proper Departments and are being looked at seriously and not taken lightly!!

At this point I am almost considering retiring this young 18,000 mile car and trade for a more dependable vehicle! I really don’t want to do this since I really do like the Malibu and had invested a lot of money into it but I am at my ends with the on going / unresolved issues!

It would be nice to get some kind of letter from GM stating they have received the information concerning the issues and are being reviewed and took seriously!

My Service department has no clue on this issue, I just hope GM comes up with a Solution soon and does not exclude anyone after their Bumper to Bumper Warranty has expired!

I do appreciate / very thankful for your time and being understanding to my / our issues!



Thanks,

08chevymalibultz

08chevymalibultz,

I have documented this issue that many of you are experiencing with your vehicles. I have forwarded this information to the proper department. Even though I work for General Motors, I am not in the loop on everything that is reported. I realize that providing me with the updates would fantastic, but it doesn’t always happen. Thank you for understanding.

I would also like to thank you for the update about your appointment with the dealership.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Thank You !!!!!

Get this same sound you all are talking about on our Suburban when using the RS. Our Malibu doesn't have the RS but judging by what were all experiencing here; I'd say that it appears to be a common problem with GM's RS vehicles.

Michelle I just want to let you know that chevy customer service has contacted me on this issue and was given me a tech number for my case and a live person her name is Margo and she assured me that if there is a TSB on this she would let me know by mail or phone about this issue or any other issues that i have. Margo left me with a phone number and ext for any further problems with my vehicle. Thank you and everyone involved is this lets keep this crusade up till we get a victory.

Dear professor1,

Thank you for providing me with an update about your situation. I am so glad to read that Margo contacted you. I am sure that your agent will provide with all the information that she can once she is supplied with it.

I am happy that you could get you to the proper department so that we all can get a resolution to this scraping sound.

I hope that you have a great weekend! I will be sure to also provide any information that I can when it is available.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

I have a 2010 4cyl. and I don't have that problem but my mom has a 2010 V6 and hers make that aweful noise. Only cold starts and both cars sit outside living in IL

While my Malibu was in for my other issues on 03/23/11, they had kept the Scrape Sound case open and check again! Sure enough, no sound could be replicated since it is warmer outside! Told them you could hear in the single digit numbers/colder outside temps but obviously that was not the case!

The dealership has record of the complaint and along with Chevy Customer Service here on the site! Right now, there is nothing that can be diagnosed / looked at until maybe next Winter when it gets cold enough outside!

I have the exact same sound when it's cold like 32 deg or below. The colder the temp the louder the squeal. My dealer thinks it's belt slip. It only happens with the 6 cyl. Last night I sprayed the belt with Gunk Belt Dressing. I noticed a very small squeak this morning. Much better than the normal squeak. It was 20 deg this AM. I resprayed the belt with a second coating today as stated by Gunk (top and bottom of belt). Will post the results. The car makes the noise weather started normally or by the remote. I do not think the noise is a bad thing. I don't see any posts on the starting system failing. It is however a very annoying sound that sounds like the car is falling apart. I also am quite troubled by the treatment bedbug got from his dealer. I bought back into GM after being completely disgusted by crappy quality and very poor service from GM and Chevrolet. So far I love my Malibu. It's a little monster. Faster than my old Road Runner and 340 Duster, and fun to drive. My dealer has been great when I have a problem, and when I call Chevrolet they are right on top of any problem I have. If they screw me up on this problem and a radio issue, it's back to Honda, and I'll never return to GM again.

Hondatrw,

Thank you for providing the information about using the belt dressing. I am sure that other members of the forum will find this interesting.

It is nice to read that you love your Malibu. Would you mind keeping me updated with your visit to the dealership about the scrape sound and the radio issue? I am very curious as to what they have to say.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Nice to hear from you Michelle. I don't know for sure if the problem is belt related but like 5th says it shure sounds like it. Belt technology is amazing, and different kinds of belt material have different behaviors. It's odd that this is so widespread. If it is a belt issue a different belt manufacturer or durometer may solve the problem. I had no sound this morning at 30DG

My radio problem has me pulling my hair out (whats left of it). I think there is something special about Malibu CD radios. This may be a laser or software issue. I'm sure it's not the CD's. They play every where else except a 2009 Ford Truck 6 CD changer radio, and that radio is much worse than mine. The 2010 Malibu radio has a CD F0 error issue. I believe the problem is in the text file display decoding portion of the player software. A firmware upgrade of some kind may fix this issue, but i don't know. That kind of thing is above my pay grade.

Hondatrw,

Thank you for contacting me. So, for clarification, is your Malibu still at the dealership for the head unit issue?

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

The radio was replaced and the problem is still there. I'm working with Chevrolet, and waiting for a call from a tech specialists. I'll keep everyone posted.

OH, Sorry, it's not at the dealer, I'm driving it. It's just a radio problem.

Started after work at 41 DG, and had the "sound". This is after a good dousing with belt dressing the day before. If it were a belt slipping wouldn't the sound go from a high to low. The sound goes from low to high as in speed or RPM. It almost sounds like a bearing spinning in a housing. All I know is it only does it once when I start the car. Every start after that does not have the sound. There is at least 8 hours between the sound when the car starts.That might let the car cool to the outside temp and allow the component causing the sound to be in position to make the noise again.

In reading what an engineer, also a member here, wrote concerning a "thermo element" in the transmission that holds fluid to reduce windage but releases it when cold, it stands to reason that when it lets the fluid go it may be allowing something to make noise until enough cold fluid circulates and starts to refill the thermo element.

That's just a theory, but it fits the available evidence to some degree.

Yes, that makes sense. It would explain the temp issue. I have heard hydraulic systems make noises similar when starting up cold. Like a cavitation sound when air is present in a closed system.

Here an update .

Guys I went under the car this weekend to check if the starter was loose. ( if you go back to page 7 of this forum you will see I took off the starter) The bolts were NOT loose. The starter is nice and snug. I still have the scrape sound on cold mornings.

Now I have a new problem --the dreded "service air bag soon "light. But I went on to this forum and found the fix--I hope. I tie wrapped the plug under the driver seat and so far no light. So far so good. Lets see what else pops up !

Bebug.

In reading what an engineer, also a member here, wrote concerning a "thermo element" in the transmission that holds fluid to reduce windage but releases it when cold, it stands to reason that when it lets the fluid go it may be allowing something to make noise until enough cold fluid circulates and starts to refill the thermo element.

That's just a theory, but it fits the available evidence to some degree.

Driven

You might have something here. Your good! This kinda makes sense.

mine has made this noise as well especially below freezing temperatures. sounded like it was gonna fall apart when i started it at -7 degrees haha i feel itsnormal since so many people have had it happen

Misuraca26,

Thank you for posting on this thread. I am going to be adding you to my list of members that are experiencing this issue.

To all,

Unfortunately, I haven’t heard anything about this yet, but that doesn’t mean that we are not working on it. I don’t always get the updates about these things.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle, my '11 LTZ V6 made that sound first thing in the morning when the temperature was below 9 degrees F. Now that it is warmer, no such sound. Not looking forward to hearing it again next winter. So please add me to your list also.

I don't know if I'm already on your list from some earlier posts, so add me on too!

Me too please!

EnvoyBu and Budman65,

Thank you for the posts to confirm that you are on my list. I can assure both of you that you are on my list with many others.

I haven’t heard updates as of today, April 9, 2011. However, as soon as I get anything I will let you all know. Please, keep in mind that I do not get all updates about these types of things.

I hope that all of you are having a great weekend!
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

EnvoyBu and Budman65,

Thank you for the posts to confirm that you are on my list. I can assure both of you that you are on my list with many others.

I haven’t heard updates as of today, April 9, 2011. However, as soon as I get anything I will let you all know. Please, keep in mind that I do not get all updates about these types of things.

I hope that all of you are having a great weekend!
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service


Thanks for a swift response, Michelle! Any word on the OnStar MyLink for the Malibu?

-Luke S.

GM really needs to address all these problems we are experiencing if they wish to have loyal GM buyers and stop with the excuses at the service advisors booth. We own 4 GM products and all have had some issue which I have taken in at some point in time for, and all I get from the service advisor is that "it is a normal sound; or it functions as intended." "We checked a similar vehicle and it has the same sound/noise/function as yours does." "It was designed like that because (fill in the blank). Then there's this explanation, "There isn't any TSB on this issue", etc. This is from different dealers saying the same or similar things. You wonder if GM has trained them to say this stuff. Having had many, many vehicles in my lifetime and some foreign, I must say I have had fewer issues with my foreign cars than I have had with my GM or Chrysler vehicles. Were really trying to support the American car market but they are not making it easy by continuing to turn out issue after issue then not addressing it properly and responsibly.
Wake up GM, Ford and Chrysler....it's time to fish or cut bait. You all have been cutting bait far too long.

Kckettridge,

Thank you for communicating your feelings about your Malibu and General Motors. I have documented your comments and concerns along with many other owner’s that are on this thread. I have also added your ID to the list that I have made. I do know that this list is currently being reviewed by General Motors. Unfortuantely, I do not always receive the updates that they may provide about this situation.

I am going to be talking with my resources about this later this afternoon to see if there is any new information that I might be able to provide to all of you that are experiencing this situation.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Railfan,

It is done. You were already on the list. 

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Let's have 3 cheers for Michelle P @ Chevrolet Customer Service. She cares enough to try and help us with our problems. There are no guarantees anything will happen, but at least she is trying. Someone at GM cares.

The joker that runs the company need to look at this stuff. If GM doesn't get it right this time it's over. There will be NO BAILOUT next time. Come on tech people at GM, talk to us here. Don't leave us hanging.

Railfan,

It is done. You were already on the list. 

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Thank you, Michelle.

Railfan and others on this thread,

@ Railfan, you are very welcome.

@ all other Malibu owners, I am happy to assist and interact with you. Thank you for allowing me to become a welcome part to the forum family.

I have put a request into my superiors to see about obtaining any updates on this matter.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Hondatrw,

Thank you Hondatrw. I greatly appreciate the cheers. I am enjoying being on the forum with all of you. Well, I can honestly write that you have made me speechles. LOL :)


Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

To all the members on this thread,

Good afternoon guys and gals. First of let me say thank you for being on this thread. I have been in contact with a resource out of several that we have about an update of the remote start scrape that you all are experiencing. I am in need of additional information if all or any of you won’t mind assisting me with this.

What I need to help further research the issue that you are experiencing is the following:
-VIN of your Malibu
-The engine size of your Malibu
-Any type of detailed description of the scrape or noise

If you are comfortable providing me with the above information through a private message to me. This additional information will assist all of us in research this and possibly getting a resolution for you.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

EnvoyBu,

I have researched my resources to include the OnStar website about the information that you have requested. I have found that the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu is not on the list for the OnStar Mylink as of yet.

However, there is another thread on this forum where a member has posted that the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is suppose to be added to the list in July of this year. You could take a look on that thread for additional information as well as contacting OnStar about this too.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

To all the members on this thread,

Good afternoon guys and gals. First of let me say thank you for being on this thread. I have been in contact with a resource out of several that we have about an update of the remote start scrape that you all are experiencing. I am in need of additional information if all or any of you won’t mind assisting me with this.

What I need to help further research the issue that you are experiencing is the following:
-VIN of your Malibu
-The engine size of your Malibu
-Any type of detailed description of the scrape or noise

If you are comfortable providing me with the above information through a private message to me. This additional information will assist all of us in research this and possibly getting a resolution for you.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Mechelle

I think you should have my info.

Keep up the good work !!!!

Bedbug

I too have sent you the information you requested, thanks for the quick response.

I hope you succeed at getting this nailed down for us.

Bedbug,

Thank you for reminding me about having your information. Thank you for the compliment. I really enjoy working with all of you.

Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

To all the members of this thread,

I have had two members provide me with the information that I had requested this past Friday. I am not trying to twist any of your arms, but the more people that will choose to provide me with the additional information that I requested on April 15th, the better chance that we have to getting to the goal.

Have a good week!
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

To all the members of this thread,

I have had two members provide me with the information that I had requested this past Friday. I am not trying to twist any of your arms, but the more people that will choose to provide me with the additional information that I requested on April 15th, the better chance that we have to getting to the goal.

Have a good week!
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

With as many people that seem to have this problem I hope you get more than the two responses :eek:

I will make up names, vin#s and descriptions for you if I need too, I would really like to know what this noise is all about.

To all the members of this thread,

I have had two members provide me with the information that I had requested this past Friday. I am not trying to twist any of your arms, but the more people that will choose to provide me with the additional information that I requested on April 15th, the better chance that we have to getting to the goal.

Have a good week!
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service



Michelle,

I believe Tricia had originally took my information but I did send you a PM for yourself and described the issue!

Thanks,

08chevymalibultz;)

PS. Come on guys! "Members" If you have experienced this issue, help us get it fixed!

^ I agree, I think this threads been here so long that some members may be ignoring it as no break thru's have surfaced.

+2^^

I don't have the issue but I hope that everyone on here who does will contact Michelle or Laura. They are site sponsors as well as being members.

Shortly after they joined we asked for some input on their goals here. They are here to help us, and so far this is the biggest step they've taken to help so many at once. They've helped others one at a time, but this effort looks to have a much larger impact for us as owners and for our member community as a whole.

Michelle and Laura,
I hope the confidence our members put in you will be rewarded by GM. Even though you both work for a company that GM contracts and so you don't have pull as direct GM employees, with enough names that should sway them to take a look at what's going on and do something.

Sent my info in.

Wow, I just read this entire post thinking at the end there would be a solution. My 09 malibu does the same thing. Im going to get the vin info to Michelle tomorrow.

Here an update .

Guys I went under the car this weekend to check if the starter was loose. ( if you go back to page 7 of this forum you will see I took off the starter) The bolts were NOT loose. The starter is nice and snug. I still have the scrape sound on cold mornings.

Now I have a new problem --the dreded "service air bag soon "light. But I went on to this forum and found the fix--I hope. I tie wrapped the plug under the driver seat and so far no light. So far so good. Lets see what else pops up !

Bebug.


Hi Bedbug , Not sure if you are aware but there is a recall out for the airbag lights on the 2010 Malibus it is recall #11034. It replaces the connectors under the front seats.

Michelle I have a 2010 LTZ 6 cyc vin 1G1ZE5E79AF246239 Brought in with complaint twice to Charles Daher Chevy in Lawrence Massachusetts we need to get this fixed,Thank you the Professor

To all on this thread,

Here is the latest update that I have received…

Our technical department is still performing research about what all of you are experiencing. I want to thank each and everyone of you for you patience with us about this. I will be sure to keep all of you in the loop with any new information that I get.

I hope that you are having a great week!

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Professor1,

Thank you for the information that I requested. I have been told by our technical department that they are still researching this. All the information that you and others have provided me, have been forwarded to them. As soon as I receive any updates, I will be sure to let all of you know.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle I have received a recall for airbag lugs to be replaced for corrision dealership said it will take 2 hours for fix also a recall is out to reprogram the ECM software to engine this was received on April 8th

i seem to have the same sound as in DD's video clips, start than click/scrape sound. from time to time i hear buzzing, not always, like something is hitting a fan blade.

what are the odds that this becomes a Recall from GM? i wasn't sure if this was already asked.

professor1,

Thank you for providing me the information of the letter that you had received. Have you made the appointment to get that taken care of? Please, let me know if you need me to assist you anything.

Michelle P,. Chevrolet Customer Service

mos,

Thank you for your question. As you may have read on this thread, I have requested VINs from the owners that are experiencing the scrape sound when using their remote start in cold temps. The only information that I have at this time, is that they are doing deeper research about this. I have posted this publically within the past couple of days.

I would love to be able to provide everyone with an answer, but at this point in time we are all having to play the waiting game as the proper and thorough research is being done.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

mos,

Thank you for your question. As you may have read on this thread, I have requested VINs from the owners that are experiencing the scrape sound when using their remote start in cold temps. The only information that I have at this time, is that they are doing deeper research about this. I have posted this publically within the past couple of days.

I would love to be able to provide everyone with an answer, but at this point in time we are all having to play the waiting game as the proper and thorough research is being done.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle,
can you please make sure the technical people know this is not a problem specific to remote start. I think the reason it happens more often during remote start operation is because we use the romote start on very cold days, and when you remote start it is much easier to hear than when you cold start sitting in the cabin.
BTW, I think I might know the issue and the fix, your people have my contact info.

mm1515,

Thank you for providing me with this information. I will be sure to forward this to the appropriate department for review.

I hope that you have a great weekend!

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

mos,

Thank you for your question. As you may have read on this thread, I have requested VINs from the owners that are experiencing the scrape sound when using their remote start in cold temps. The only information that I have at this time, is that they are doing deeper research about this. I have posted this publically within the past couple of days.

I would love to be able to provide everyone with an answer, but at this point in time we are all having to play the waiting game as the proper and thorough research is being done.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

no problem. like you said before, will take mine to the dealer if i have any problems i. mine seems to be intermittent, so i'll keep an eye on it.

as for the scrap sound, it sounds like the starter gear isn't retracting the same way as when you use the key. so i wonder if there is a delay built into the remote so that it keeps the gear engaged until the engine is started and slightly after the engine has started.

could be the case with mine.

no problem. like you said before, will take mine to the dealer if i have any problems i. mine seems to be intermittent, so i'll keep an eye on it.

as for the scrap sound, it sounds like the starter gear isn't retracting the same way as when you use the key. so i wonder if there is a delay built into the remote so that it keeps the gear engaged until the engine is started and slightly after the engine has started.

could be the case with mine.

In post# 2, DrivenDaily posted some links you may be interested in.

Mos,

Please, check your private messages.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Please add mine to the list. 2010 malibu LTZ,3.6 liter,
sn#1g1ze5e7xa4127904

I'm curious Michelle. Just how many do you have on your list now?

I'm curious Michelle. Just how many do you have on your list now?


Yes, I would like to know that too. Hey Michelle, did I give you my VIN? I forgot if I did or not.

Just another tidbit of info on this start/scrape noise. I purchased a new 09 Impala for my mother as a christmas present. I delivered it to her in Oklahoma from my home in South Dakota.
It makes this SAME COLD START NOISE. It has the 3.5L V6, with 4 speed auto. She is in her 80's, and doesn't hear the noise, so I haven't excited her about it, but just saying, our Malibu's aren't the only one's that display this noise in cold weather.
It has been previously mentioned that it is not only when remote started, it happens whenever started in cold climates either with key, or the remote.
I feel that when a solution for our Malibu's is found, the same will apply to her new Impala.

Rugeroid,

Thanks for sharing that information with us. Now we know that it is a common issue within GM vehicles and not just a isolated issue with just the Malibu.

Also I would like to say that I think it is great that you were able to take care of your mother by buying her a new car, good for you! I am sure your mom loves you and appreciates you even more for your caring and generous gift to her!

There are not many people that are willing or can do that today! God Bless you!

Again thanks for the info!

I'm curious Michelle. Just how many do you have on your list now?

Unfortunately Michelle is out of the office this week, but I will pass along the message and hopefully she will be able to get back to you sometime next week. Thank you for your patience.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

Another possibility comes to mind. I am in the Motorcycle industry, and we commonly use cam chain tensioners which rely on oil pressure to work. In cold weather, when oil is cold, and flows slowly, the cam chain is allowed to flop, and contact the engine case for a very brief time, until oil pressrue arrives at the tensioner. This results in a scrape sound which mimics the noise we are all hearing. Now I don't have a service manual, or parts diagram for this engine, but, if it uses oil pressure to actuate the cam chain tensioner, then this is the first place I would suspect. It is harmless on our motorcycle engines, and customers are usually fine with it after knowing the root cause of the sound.

Any updates?

Thanks Rugeroid if this is what it might be it's a start and if it doesn't damage the engine thats fine ,now maybe we can get GM chevy to look into to this and finally put this to rest.

I'm hearing the noise now in warm weather as well, though it is not as pronounced, but it's there. There are no harmful effects to the car I can detect.

Has anyone heard from Tricia or Michelle from GM on these issues? I've spoken to many malibu owners (specifically with Malibus that have V6 engines) at work and through everyday travels, all same the same thing -- they hear the sound also, more in the winter.

Its a shame the cars not bad -- has a few drawbacks, which i think will be addressed in the new model. But here is where most drivers are. If we trade in our cars we will loose a boat load of money plus the new one will be more that we bought our for, and if we keep it we will wonder what else will go wrong.

Lastly -- here are some new problem I found
1) Service air bag light came on -- turns out some wire under the driver seat comes loose because of a flimsy connection.
2) AC commpressor making loud rattleing sound when you accelerate on highway.
3) Now when I hit the brakes doing about 70 mph - my steering wheel shakes left and right ( I tried to avoid this by tell my dealer several times before).

For a new car -- its become a pain in the ass !

Dear EnvoyBu and others on the forum,

As of today, June 6th, I have not received any updates about this situation.

I will get in contact with the department to check in with them. Please, allow me at least two business days to get this done.

Thank you for your patience.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

This is the 2nd (since 2000) car I have had a remote starter in- both installed after market and have never had that experience. I live in MA so it gets pretty cold in the winter.
I think that is serious and should be looked at ASAP.
Is this a dealer installed or after market?

Dear Bedbug,

I have gotten in touch with my resources about the remote scrape situation that all of you have been experiencing. They are going to be researching any updates that they might have for me to provide you with.

However, I have had a request of Bedbug… could you please, let me know when you are thinking about taking your vehicle to the dealership and what is the name of the dealership that you will taking it to.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle

I will tell you when I bring it in.

Sal (bedbug)

Its the one that came with the car.

Dear Bedbug,

Thank you! We greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

I need to say again that I'm hearing the "sound" all the time now only when I start the car for the first time each day. Warm or cold this happens at least once a day, and the car does not seem to have any issues. 24,000 miles now. The sound really sounds like a hydraulic cavitation noise when a pump first starts.

In my 2008 LTZ V6, there was a Transmission Control Module (TCM) update available that fixed the remove starting scraping sound that I had applied when I was at the dealer today. I only tested it once, but it worked for that time.

Thanks SK. The car is going in for service on Friday, so I'll ask about the update

Most that have experienced the Scrape Sound was when it was colder outside “Winter Time” not when it is warm outside!

Mine has been fine during the warmer weather but I am sure it will be back to the Mental to Mental Scrape Sound in the colder months.

What the rest of you are experiencing sounds a little different since most have the issue in the colder months but maybe Michelle from Chevy Customer Service has a update for us?

It's amazing. This thread started over 6 months ago and we still really don't know any more now than we did when it started.

I get the sound now every day. It's only at first start, but it's there every day no matter what the temp

I still remote start mine on a regular basis when I'm leaving work and it still only does it when it's below freezing outside.

Well boys and girls I heard the sound again this morning . Now this am it was 67 degree and I remote started my car while I was outside. It made the sound short and quick about 1 second , but it was enough for me to notice.

So something is going on somewhere in the start up. Yes you all are correct 6months and no answer -- not good. My fear is this will get worse and what ever brakes will brake after the warranty and we are going to get stuck with the bill to fix it.

You would think GM with all its problems would want to put on a good face and fix this issue. I guess the engineers are busy with other issues.

We shall see......

Dear 08chevymalibuLTZ,

Thank you for your patience. As I have stated in previous posts, I do not always remain in the loop when it comes to updates of the mechanical kind. However, the departments that are involved with this should be letting the technicians at the dealership know of any updates about this situation.

At this time, I have not received any updates about the resolution to the situation. I apologize for the lengthy wait.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Has anyone hear from Chevrolet customer service ? Has anyone found a fix to this issue? Its been a while I would think with all the people having this problem and Chevrolet would of come up with something by now.

I still have this sound -- I notice it more on damp days.

Im a persistant individual and will not stop till I get an answer. So if anyone from GM is looking at this --any update would be nice.

Im a persistant individual and will not stop till I get an answer. So if anyone from GM is looking at this --any update would be nice.

So, what is YOUR dealers service shop telling YOU about your car and this strange noise ??

If you are waiting to get an answer here, you might be waiting a LONG time.

I have not heard anything, nothing form here, nothing from the dealership and nothing from GM! Before we know it, winter will be back with colder temperatures and our cars will start with the Scraping Sound again!

I have not heard anything, nothing form here, nothing from the dealership and nothing from GM! Before we know it, winter will be back with colder temperatures and our cars will start with the Scraping Sound again!

And posting that HERE will likely get you ..........more of the same nothing. :(

Start making some phone calls.
If you let them, they will ignore you forever......or at least until your warranty runs out.

Great ! Don't you fell you have been left out in the cold by GM. They sell you the car and want nothing to do with you after.

I know this says '08 but it's a POSSIBILITY , remote possibilty, but here's what I can find as far as bulletins on the matter.


#PIC4773: Knocking / Rattling Noise From Under Hood After Remote Start - keywords 3.6L 6-speed bolt converter clunk cold disengage engine engaged full intermittent line MH2 noise pressure RVS rattle starter - (Feb 13, 2008)


Subject: Knocking/Rattling Noise From Under Hood After Remote Start


Models: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (new body style)

2008 Saturn Aura

equipped with 3.6L LY7 (VIN 7) engine




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
A customer might notice a noise coming from the engine compartment ONLY after performing a remote vehicle start (RVS). This noise may be described as a knocking, rattle, or even sounds like the starter is staying engaged after the engine has started. This noise could be caused by the torque converter bolts being loose/cross threaded. The main reason this condition is only heard after performing a remote vehicle start is the transmission control module (TCM) is not powered up via GMLAN when the vehicle is in a RVS state. This causes the transmission to be at full line pressure during a remote vehicle start event .Consequently, the condition caused by the loose bolt/cross threaded condition is more likely duplicate.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If you have the condition above please inspect the torque converter bolts for being loose/cross threaded. If either concern (loose/cross threaded) is present, it is highly recommended that you replace the bolts with new ones.

Note: If the bolts are just loose, then torque them to specs per SI-2000 Document ID# 1747824






#PIP4367B: Noise When Vehicle Is Started And Running In Remote Start Mode - keywords 3.6 3.6L 6T70 6T75 grind growl LY7 MH2 MH4 MH6 MY9 start whine - (Jan 26, 2009)


Subject: Noise When Vehicle is Started and Running in Remote Start Mode


Models: 2007-2008 Saturn Outlook

2007-2008 GMC Acadia

2008 Buick Enclave

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

2008 Pontiac G6

2008 Pontiac Torrent

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

2008 Saturn Aura

2008 Saturn Vue




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This PI was superseded to update models. Please discard PIP4367A.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Customer comment of a whine/growl/ grind noise when vehicle is started and running in remote start mode.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Calibration commands elevated transmission line pressure during remote start run mode.

Reprogram the TCM and ECM using the SEQ selection from TIS2WEB, SPS Pass-Thru method release 3.5 (2008) or greater.

There is no fix for this issue at the current time! Does GM know of this issue? Absolutely! Knocking and Rattling is not what we are experiencing! A MENTAL TO MENTAL SCRAPE SOUND when using the Remote Start & Key in cold temperatures!

Chevy Customer Service has already reported this issue with our cars to GM and there has been no response from GM or our Dealerships!

Do I feel like I have been left out in the cold by GM? You bet I do, More than once!

Yes I like my Malibu but facts are facts and I am also feeling like nothing is going to be corrected / fixed! I am also getting the feeling that nobody at GM headquarters cares! Are you listening GM! Please fix our cars,

I have the sound all the time. Warm or cold. Nothing seems wrong with my car other than the short cavitation noise when I start it. I think it is a cold transmission noise. After the car warms up and you restart the car, the noise is gone. Having said that, GM needs to say exactly what the sound is.

I have the sound all the time. Warm or cold. Nothing seems wrong with my car other than the short cavitation noise when I start it. I think it is a cold transmission noise. After the car warms up and you restart the car, the noise is gone. Having said that, GM needs to say exactly what the sound is.

Has your concern been addressed? Have you contacted your local dealer? I can also look into this for you with your VIN. Please feel free to contact me privately. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

There is no fix for this issue at the current time! Does GM know of this issue? Absolutely! Knocking and Rattling is not what we are experiencing! A MENTAL TO MENTAL SCRAPE SOUND when using the Remote Start & Key in cold temperatures!

Chevy Customer Service has already reported this issue with our cars to GM and there has been no response from GM or our Dealerships!

Do I feel like I have been left out in the cold by GM? You bet I do, More than once!

Yes I like my Malibu but facts are facts and I am also feeling like nothing is going to be corrected / fixed! I am also getting the feeling that nobody at GM headquarters cares! Are you listening GM! Please fix our cars,

Do you have a case with customer assistance regarding this concern? I would be happy to look into this further for you. Please feel free to contact me privately and include a case number if you have one. Thank you in advance.

Tricia, GM Cusotmer Service.

Since I have had the TCM upgrade on 2010 malibu Ltz I haven't heard the sound

My 08 LTZ makes a sound with the remote start ,but I think its the 10 minute timer mechanism kicking in.If the key is`nt in the ignition it will shut off after 10 minutes. Jay G

My 08 LTZ makes a sound with the remote start ,but I think its the 10 minute timer mechanism kicking in.If the key is`nt in the ignition it will shut off after 10 minutes. Jay G

Just FYI, the 10 minute timer isn't mechanical so it doesn't make noise.

Do you have a case with customer assistance regarding this concern? I would be happy to look into this further for you. Please feel free to contact me privately and include a case number if you have one. Thank you in advance.

Tricia, GM Cusotmer Service.



Seriously? In all respect, but I thought you and Michelle had taken notes and were looking into this for us? Please PM me if needed!

Thanks, 08chevymalibultz

I know this says '08 but it's a POSSIBILITY , remote possibilty, but here's what I can find as far as bulletins on the matter.


#PIC4773: Knocking / Rattling Noise From Under Hood After Remote Start - keywords 3.6L 6-speed bolt converter clunk cold disengage engine engaged full intermittent line MH2 noise pressure RVS rattle starter - (Feb 13, 2008)


Subject: Knocking/Rattling Noise From Under Hood After Remote Start


Models: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (new body style)

2008 Saturn Aura

equipped with 3.6L LY7 (VIN 7) engine




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
A customer might notice a noise coming from the engine compartment ONLY after performing a remote vehicle start (RVS). This noise may be described as a knocking, rattle, or even sounds like the starter is staying engaged after the engine has started. This noise could be caused by the torque converter bolts being loose/cross threaded. The main reason this condition is only heard after performing a remote vehicle start is the transmission control module (TCM) is not powered up via GMLAN when the vehicle is in a RVS state. This causes the transmission to be at full line pressure during a remote vehicle start event .Consequently, the condition caused by the loose bolt/cross threaded condition is more likely duplicate.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If you have the condition above please inspect the torque converter bolts for being loose/cross threaded. If either concern (loose/cross threaded) is present, it is highly recommended that you replace the bolts with new ones.

Note: If the bolts are just loose, then torque them to specs per SI-2000 Document ID# 1747824






#PIP4367B: Noise When Vehicle Is Started And Running In Remote Start Mode - keywords 3.6 3.6L 6T70 6T75 grind growl LY7 MH2 MH4 MH6 MY9 start whine - (Jan 26, 2009)


Subject: Noise When Vehicle is Started and Running in Remote Start Mode


Models: 2007-2008 Saturn Outlook

2007-2008 GMC Acadia

2008 Buick Enclave

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

2008 Pontiac G6

2008 Pontiac Torrent

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

2008 Saturn Aura

2008 Saturn Vue




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This PI was superseded to update models. Please discard PIP4367A.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Customer comment of a whine/growl/ grind noise when vehicle is started and running in remote start mode.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Calibration commands elevated transmission line pressure during remote start run mode.

Reprogram the TCM and ECM using the SEQ selection from TIS2WEB, SPS Pass-Thru method release 3.5 (2008) or greater.

This is exactly the problem most of us are having. Why doesnt GM understand this . This is Bull Sh*t ! what the hell are these GM reps doing ? how is it someone on this blog can find it and no one from GM can figure it out . The 08 is mechanically the same as the 09 and 2010.

Unbelivable !!!!

Dear Bedbug,

Thank you! We greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle

Please go to the post that rodent posted on 8-18-2011 at 9:30pm. His post explains exactly what is happening here. Also the saturn aura was the sister car to the malibu, you know how GM makes the same car for diffrent brands under the GM umbrella, well these are the same car. Is it not understandable that these cars would have the same problem ? wouldn't it be good problem determination for GM to try the fix on one malibu to see if the problem goes away. I mean really this is common sense and we as GM owner deserve better than this .

To Chevrolet Customer Service: " Michelle"

Any Updates or information on this yet? It has been some time now and we have not heard anything yet! Please keep us updated, Winter is just around the corner and I am sure this Metal to Metal Scrape Sound will return on my Malibu!

PS. Do we need a case number for this issue? If so, can you please provide one for us?

Thanks,

08chevymalibultz

Dear 08chevymalibultz,

Well, the reason that I have not posted updates about this on the thread, is for the fact that I don't have any updates that have brought to my attention about the progress of getting this resolved. I keep to my word about providing all of you with updates once they are provided to me.

As for case numbers, I have been advised that when and if any of you start to have this happen with the cold weather coming upon some of us, it is the best avenue to contact Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center to obtain case numbers.

I apologize that I have not posted the information that you were hoping for.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Meanwhile, what is GM doing as far as research concerning this problem? After all, they do have the means/facilities to do their own testing/research, nor do they need to wait on us/or winter.

I haven't been on the forum in a while, (bought a new house this summer and the wife has me busy) but I see that we haven't made any progress on this issue? My warranty runs out Jan. 2nd and I was hoping to resolve this issue before than. Anyway, it won't be long now before the temperature starts dropping and that nasty grinding scraping sound comes back! :eek:

Budman--
you are correct --no progress. My suggestion go to the dealer before the warranty is over. Have them document that its happening and there is no fix at this time, and if a fix comes up you would like to have it covered under warranty.

I will be going to a new dealer on Nov 7th. I have a list of problems: The Scrap sound is back, Steering wheel shutters braking from 70mph, I have a knocking noise when backing up, and the car acts as though its going to stall when your hit the pedal to pass or need power.

Now, this weekend I recieved the lates issue of consumer reports magezine. In it it gives a shorten version of car reliability. To my chagrin I found the Chevrolet Malibu V6 --WORSE THAN AVERAGE (-20%) and the Chevrolet v4 at Average. Both were on the bottom of the list.

After reading that -- I felt BAMBOOZLED! Here you have it rated by consumer digest as Best Buy and Top Safety Pick 2009, 2010, 2011, But Consumer reports -- that gets there info from testing and customer feedback rates it diffrently.

After reading these blogs I have to lean towards consumer reports.

Lastly if my car does not get repaired properly at this dealer -- I will wait till I have 6 months left on the factory warranty and i will trade it in. I dont care how much I loose. I just have a bad taste and am very dissapointed after 30 years of owning gm cars.... Im done.

LOL Consumer Reports...

Everyone

Today I brought my car to another service center in Brooklyn NY. My complaints were:
1- service air bag light
2- Scrape sound on remote start
3-During hard braking steering wheel shutters.
4- Whine noise while driving.
5- almost stalling when accelerating

The service airbag light was fixed -- a wire under the drivers seat was reconnected and re-secured.

The scrap sound -- They heard about it, asked me to leave the car over night on a cold night so they can mimic the problem -- nothing done.

Braking -- they resurfaced my rotors , put in new brake pads, lubed everything up and charged me $310.00 ! front only.

Whine noise -- they say its normal all the transmissions on Mailbu's make that sound I was told -- Between you and me I think this was BS.

Almost stalling when accelerating -- computer update for transmission shifting.

All this in a 4 hour wait time. I drove the car home -- it felt much smoother and the braking was smooth -- but I did not get the car over 50mph.

So the remote Start scrape sound is still there -- no fix and I will have to bring it back for them to hear it. They actually looked up this thread and said wow -- we were unaware of this issue -- but they said they will look into it.

Lastly -- $310.00 for brake pads and resurfaced rotors -- how many of you think I was taken to the cleaners on this one? -- your reply is welcomed

Thanks
Bedbug Brooklyn NY

I vote: Yes. Did you get Martinized, too?

I think that's what they wanted us to pay for our Envoy, but they would have put brand new rotors.

I vote: Yes. Did you get Martinized, too?

Between you and me im just disgusted with service at GM. The worst feeling is that you got taken for service. GM will never get my money again --I was better off going to my mechanic it would of cost me less and I would have gotten better brakes.

My buddy at work has a 2010 Acura TL -- he just had the same thing done for $130.00 total. -- Unbelivable!

Bedbug

I also vote yes! I guess that’s why many call the Dealerships, Stealerships! My brakes are also due for pads in the front and not far off for the rear for replacement too! I will not let the dealership / Stealership do the work for what they want / charge!

I am looking into aftermarket parts for the brakes! Maybe Napa Auto Parts, many Service / Garages use Napa. I may not spend less but I know I will get better quality parts and will replace all rotors with new one’s instead of resurfacing them!

I will most likely go with Napa’s Ultra Premium Pads & Rotors but I am still looking around. The Original / AC Del co Pads Don’t’ last long on this heavy car! They wear-out too quickly. IMHO!

PS. No response of any kind from GM concerning the Scrape Sound; No letters from GM, no calls OR Concerns from Dealership either!

Guys

I would suggest anyone who lives in Brooklyn NY go to 86th street Chevrolet.
There customer service is outstanding. They actually care -- really. Now as you all know I question the cost of my brakepads. They actually investigated my concern and refunded half the cost. This really blew my mind. Not only that,-- the mechanic who looked at my car called me asked me how the brakes were, and is looking into that scrape noise as well as a number of other issues these cars are having. Just yesterday the service writer called and told me hey its going to start getting colder out when you have a chance leave your car over night so we can get to bottom of scrape sound, I will leave this as an open problem till we get to bottom of it.

Now I thought it was only me they were treating like this, turns out its not the case. We have chevy Impalas at work, some of them get serviced at 86th street Chevrolet well I talked to the fleet manager and he says "yea they call me every once in a while to see how the repairs went --I have two voice mails from them now".

I used to be a service manager for IBM. One big thing they use to do for Customer service is have every field tech call the customer from the day before to see how there machines where working. This made the customer feel good -- and most of the time give the tech a very satisfied rating .

Well this dealer is on to something good here. Bottom line I was treated like a human being, they empathized with me on my concerns, and they did a follow up. I did not feel as though my concerns were dropped once I left, and they are keeping my ticket open to follow up on one of my issues.

I have to say -- they won a loyal customer, I am totally amazed. My wife wants a chevy Tahoe or Traverse -- the first place im going is to 86th street chevrolet in brookyn -- for no other reason that there service department !

Finally it feels good to be treated like a customer, A VERY SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT THAT.

That is outstanding news! Congratulations for finding such a great place. I hope your future experiences are of the same caliber.

Mine made a terrible clanking noise for a few seconds this morning. It sounded like a cold diesel engine. That's GM quality for you. :rolleyes:

It's still not cold enough here. It's supposed to get down in the 20's this weekend. I'll try to remember to leave it outside overnight and see if mine still does it?

It has not got cold enough here either but I have no doubt that it will start again when it really gets cold! The biggest disappointment / turnoff is that GM has done nothing at this point and has not acknowledge there is a problem or that they are looking into this in anyway other than through this site “ Intermediate Chevy Customer Service” Don’t get me wrong , they have been great but it is not like we have dealt with GM directly!

I am glad to hear that a dealership out there is taking this seriously and is looking into the problem. Time will tell and we will see if GM will do anything for us or at least have an answer of what is the cause of it, this has been an ongoing issues with some GM Vehicles. I have read on this site from other owners that there are other GM Vehicles that do this also.

This Metal to Metal Scrape Sound does not sound good at all in the colder months! All I can say is, I am hoping for the best at this point but I am not holding my breath!

Ok gents , this morning in Brooklyn NY there was light frost on the cars. I looked at my car said to myself --its gotta be cold, remote started it -- and yes there it was that wonderful scrape (metal on metal ) sound 2 to 3 seconds max.

Im sick as a dog -- when i feel better off to dealer it goes.

I've played mine on a video for my dealer service dept and their top tech suggested to me that it's just a cavitation at start. But that's for the sound on my car, which lasts less than one second. If mine lasted longer like yours I'd be very concerned as well.

Here's hoping you feel better soon!

I've played mine on a video for my dealer service dept and their top tech suggested to me that it's just a cavitation at start....


Yeah, that sounds just like the doctor who told my friend that he just had Acid Reflux. Two years later my friend died of Esophageal Cancer.

suggested to me that it's just a cavitation at start.

Did he explain how a piston engine has "cavitation"? And why it would happen ONLY when using the remote start ??.....(assuming that it does)

Did he explain how a piston engine has "cavitation"? And why it would happen ONLY when using the remote start ??.....(assuming that it does)

I understood him to mean the transmission fluid was cavitating, so I never thought about the engine being the source of the sound.

I understood him to mean the transmission fluid was cavitating, so I never thought about the engine being the source of the sound.

It is my understanding that the transmission is completely disconnected when in park, except for the torque converter, and that cavitation requires considerable speed OR very thick liquid.

If he was referring to the transmission, how would a remote start be any different than a normal one, where the transmission is concerned ??

Did your pants leg feel wet after he told you that ?? :rolleyes:

It is my understanding that the transmission is completely disconnected when in park, except for the torque converter, and that cavitation requires considerable speed OR very thick liquid.

If he was referring to the transmission, how would a remote start be any different than a normal one, where the transmission is concerned ??

Did your pants leg feel wet after he told you that ?? :rolleyes:



Not to sound like a Smart A-- but that sounds like a common / typical answer they gave him at the dealership since they themselves are clueless. "Did your pants legs feel wet after he told you that"?? LOL!:p

I don't quite get the "wet pant leg", but I assume it was meant to be funny. I'll LOL and scratch my head. (Hey, I don't get everything everyone sez.)

When the engine is started, RS or by key, I get that sound for a fraction of a second, but only if the tranny fluid is cold and has been sitting for a long time. Once I start it I can turn it off immediately and restart it and it won't make the sound.

I can see how it is just the TC spinning with a little less than all the fluid it needs until the pump feeds it. Or it could be something in the trans settles into a position after a long drain-down and the noise is just the sound it makes before the trans comes to life. The TCM also has to wake up, and if it isn't controlling all of the solenoids then one or more could be parked in a position that allows the noise to occur until the TCM is awake.

A lot of theories I agree, but that was the path I was directed down at the dealership.

A lot of theories I agree, but that was the path I was directed down at the dealership.

Can't disagree with any of that.......since it's just a wild guess.....but none of that describes "cavitation". Starved for lube, maybe. That could apply to engine parts too.

The wet pants leg comment comes from "Don't pee on my leg and then try to convince me that it is raining." A favorite saying of Judge Judy. :)

Anybody out there who has this problem try draining the power steering fluid, and refilling with high-quality fluid that has lower viscosity in the cold?

I'm at work right now and it's in the 20's with some light snow on the ground. This is my first chance to see if my car still does it. My power steering fluid was changed over the summer when they changed some of my steering components for the infamous steering problems the V6's are know for. I think they refilled it with something other than the original fluid but I'll have to check the paperwork. IMO it doesn't sound like a power steering issue but what do I know; I haven't had any luck narrowing down the problem either. It doesn't do it for a long enough period of time and its too damn cold outside to mess with it for too long!

Well, no noise this morning. It's supposed to get close to 19 tonite so I'll give it one more try tomorrow morning.

When the engine is started, RS or by key, I get that sound for a fraction of a second, but only if the tranny fluid is cold and has been sitting for a long time. Once I start it I can turn it off immediately and restart it and it won't make the sound.


What happens, if anything, if you pull fuse 4 and fuse 42 from the underhood fuse block prior to starting the car? That would remove power from the TCM. I know there was a bulletin out for '08 about the then current calbration for the TCM commanding full line pressure on remote start. The updated calibration may not have corrected it all but was supposed to be better. I don't get all the fuss about it but to each their own. Out of curiosity, has anyone ever had a failure of any kind that could be tied to this issue?

What happens, if anything, if you pull fuse 4 and fuse 42 from the underhood fuse block prior to starting the car? That would remove power from the TCM. I know there was a bulletin out for '08 about the then current calbration for the TCM commanding full line pressure on remote start. The updated calibration may not have corrected it all but was supposed to be better. I don't get all the fuss about it but to each their own. Out of curiosity, has anyone ever had a failure of any kind that could be tied to this issue?


Anyone that has heard the sound it makes would know that there is now way it could be beneficial to the car. It's definitely not a noise you would associate with a newer vehicle that's supposedly in mechanically sound condition.

Anyone that has heard the sound it makes would know that there is now way it could be beneficial to the car. It's definitely not a noise you would associate with a newer vehicle that's supposedly in mechanically sound condition.

Let's stick with what we know for now. Answer the question, has there been a failure for anyone? Yes or no? If this were so much of an issue, by now there should be quite a few failures of some sort, if this is a failing part issue. You may very well be hearing trans fluid going through a passage somewhere and when the TCM gets powered up right, this passage opens or closes and the noise is gone. That's why I asked what happens when those 2 fuses are pulled. Maybe nothing happens but we don't know if we don't try it. I've never heard the noise on mine yet, but then I don't remote start it standing right in front of it as often as most people seem to do. Getting all wrapped up in hype about this doesn't solve anything. If DD is willing to pull the fuses, or someone else, great. If not, no big deal. This may be how it is, especially if it is a TCM control issue while the TCM powers up completely. Fluid passing through an orifice it would normally pass through usually doesn't cause mechanical failure but can cause noise issues.

If I am not running late tomorrow morning I'll try to remember to pull the 2 fuses and see what happens. My noise isn't a big concern to me, but if I can understand the cause I'll know if a cure is needed or not.

My Steering Rack made all kinds of noises and did work but was replace so time back because it was not normal and could have failed! Any sound like Metal to Metal scraping is not normal in my opinion and could very well cause failure to something in the long term since it only last for about two seconds!

Until GM decides to look into the issue, we will most likely never know what the cause is until a complete failure happens. Then just maybe GM will look into the problem when it starts costing them money for those that are under their Bumper to Bumper Warranty, but again there has been all kinds of front end / Transmission problems issues and they really have done nothing to correct that either, so who knows!

Until then, I am quickly loosing faith in GM and the Quality of their Vehicles! The Dealerships and their Techs would not get so much criticism if GM had put out better Quality / Reliable Vehicles, IMHO! Sure there might be some better Dealerships from one place to another but I don’t always / totally blame the Dealerships or their tech, I blame GM!!!!!!!!!!

Until GM decides to look into the issue, we will most likely never know what the cause is until a complete failure happens. Then just maybe GM will look into the problem when it starts costing them money for those that are under their Bumper to Bumper Warranty, but again there has been all kinds of front end / Transmission problems issues and they really have done nothing to correct that either, so who knows!

Some noises are a sign of a failing component, others are a fact of life. Can't tell me you never heard a lifter tap a few times until it pumped up. Did the lifter fail, not usually. It bled down overnight or whatever and had to pump back up. The old TBI motors in the C/K trucks would knock loud as can be for 20 or 30 seconds sometimes, oil was getting squeezed out of the number 1 main bearing from what I hear most often, the serpentine belt actually lifted up on the crank due to the way it was routed and on a cold soak (overnight) enough oil got squeezed out to have this noise on startup. How many engines failed because of it? Well, maybe some but the majority of them kept right on knocking and right on running.
I got 170,000 miles on mine. Knocks just like it did from day one, never got worse, never got better and most important never failed.
It's not that cold here yet, coming in the next day or so we'll see the 20's overnight. I remote started mine tonight and all I heard was a real short duration (1/2 second tops) noise, very similar to a power steering pump that's low on fluid and sucking air, lots of people should be able to relate to that sound. Is that what this is all about?

If it is, I'll say I can't believe it's power steering as the reservoir sits higher than the pump, fluid would drain into the pump, not out of it. It sounded to me like it was coming from the left side of the car and I was in front of the car. The engine was quiet so really all that's left is the transmission fluid pump. There's not a lot of distance from the filter to the pump but if there's no 'check valve' type device to keep fluid from draining back over a day at work or overnight time period ( 8 hours or so), it's easily possible to have the pump 'suck air', 'cavitation', probably not a really good engineering choice of words but the common person gets the picture. This would happen though on a regular start as well as a remote start.

Do the majority of those with this noise hear it ONLY on remote start? This noise would then not happen again until an extended time being shut off which sounds like what most people say. Pulling the TCM fuses won't affect anything at the pump, the pump is mechanical, engine running, pump turning. DD you may set the check engine light when you pull those fuses, it'll clear itself after a few drive cycles. I can do it too, though at this point I'm not so sure it's going to do what I was hoping yesterday.

Those that want GM to explain it, I'm with you, it would be nice but don't hold your breath. If GM took the time to answer every question like this, the cost would be incredible and if the cost/benefit analysis doesn't favor doing it, it isn't happening. The best we can do is toss it around ourselves and come down to some realistic probabilites. Still the question stands as to whether there has been any failures. So far no sign of that.

Here's what happened this morning at 29F and frost on the car.

Pulled fuses 4 & 42 from the under-hood fuse box
Started car with key
No change in the sound I hear on almost every cold start - hard to describe but lasts only a second or less.

Seems like it lasted longer this morning so maybe really low temps make it last longer, and that would make me suspect the fluid more than anything else.

So, does it sound like cold fluid is the biggest contributor to this sound, at least with the current set of data?

************************************************** *

Rodents, thanks for your truly insightful and intelligent input!

08cmltz, I honestly wish your vehicle didn't have so many unresolved issues, as the car really is a pretty decent car overall. Everyone has their own tastes of course, but personal differences aside it's an impressive vehicle in many ways (except that tiny opening for the trunk ;)). I feel badly enough for you that if you were near enough to where I live I'd offer to help see if we could work together and just make some of those issues go away. And those aren't just words; I enjoy working on cars, and problem-solving is something I get paid to do everyday. And when I'm successful (paid or not) I get that great feeling of satisfaction that comes only when you cross a problem off a list and move on. If there was some way I could help you start crossing some off it would benefit both of us.

Seeing that nobody knows what's causing the issue, it's hard to determine if the noise is related to any kind of failure. The malibu is known for having transmission and hydraulic steering problems, maybe they are somehow related? When the temps were in the single digits last year, my malibu would sound like that for almost a full minute. The sound kind of reminded me of an alternator with a bearing out in it. It's kind of hard to impress your friends and co-workers with your new malibu when it sounds like it's about to break down.


Let's stick with what we know for now. Answer the question, has there been a failure for anyone? Yes or no? If this were so much of an issue, by now there should be quite a few failures of some sort, if this is a failing part issue. You may very well be hearing trans fluid going through a passage somewhere and when the TCM gets powered up right, this passage opens or closes and the noise is gone. That's why I asked what happens when those 2 fuses are pulled. Maybe nothing happens but we don't know if we don't try it. I've never heard the noise on mine yet, but then I don't remote start it standing right in front of it as often as most people seem to do. Getting all wrapped up in hype about this doesn't solve anything. If DD is willing to pull the fuses, or someone else, great. If not, no big deal. This may be how it is, especially if it is a TCM control issue while the TCM powers up completely. Fluid passing through an orifice it would normally pass through usually doesn't cause mechanical failure but can cause noise issues.

Seeing that nobody knows what's causing the issue, it's hard to determine if the noise is related to any kind of failure. The malibu is known for having transmission and hydraulic steering problems, maybe they are somehow related? When the temps were in the single digits last year, my malibu would sound like that for almost a full minute. The sound kind of reminded me of an alternator with a bearing out in it. It's kind of hard to impress your friends and co-workers with your new malibu when it sounds like it's about to break down.

You're exactly right, we DON'T know what IS causing the problem, but with a little work and some common sense we can narrow down the possibilites. Let's narrow down the transmission problems you mention. The 3,5, Reverse wave plate failure, that's been resolved to the best of my knowledge. The shifting issues, slow response, hunting for a gear, yeah that's still ongoing but I fail to see how that ties to the noise so let's set that aside for now. Of people that read this, if you had transmission work done, in or out of warranty, and you can provide at least some detail as to what was done and whether the noise we're discussing was affected at all, could you please let us know?

Steering issues, yeah still having some issues there and it seems as though a fluid type change may be being looked at as a possibility to reduce the noise somewhat. On other platforms, there is a change to Dexron 6 ATF which seems to help at least some with noise. Noise lasting a minute should be something you can at least trace to where it originates and I would think it would be a p/s whine or moan and that would come from the right side of the car as that's where the pump is.

This noise though, to me sounded like it was on the left side. When I got back from school tonight and picked up my car, the noise wasn't there. The car was moved maybe 3 or 4 hours earlier and the noise seems to happen when the car sits longer. I ran it past the instructor at school today. He said he hadn't heard of the noise and they had no Malibu's there to try. I ran the transmission pump cavitation theory by him and he said he could believe it was a possibility. So, now thanks to DD's experiment this morning ( I appreciate your time, effort and cooperation BTW) we now also know that it's NOT just a remote start scrape sound and it is temperature related. The colder it gets, the longer the duration. DD, was the noise appearing to come from the left side? If so, I would really bet on the transmission pump cavitating. To really prove that, you'd need to disconnect the torque converter from the flexplate and push the converter away from the flexplate and do a cold start. If the noise was gone, then for sure the transmission and most likely the pump could be isolated as the source of the noise. Only then can you try to examine any possible fixes. As long as the noise is gone in a second or two, I'm not going to worry about it though it would be nice to know what the source of the noise is. This is a very popular thread so let's see how many people chime in with transmission issues other than the 3, 5, reverse wave plate and the common shifting issues. I'd really be interested in knowing if anyone had a transmission pump replaced in their Malibu.

@DD,

I only wish that I could say nothing but positive about my Malibu but unfortunately that is not the case and I would not be telling the truth if I said other wise!! Yes it is a beautiful looking car but I have to say it has had a list Of problems from front end work to transmission work, no car is perfect but as for myself and many others, not just “me” have got a taste / list of GM errors and yes too many for a new / newer car for sure.

It is not like I have buyers remorse since I really like the design But the unresolved/ non - stopping issues with this car pisses me off And the fact that GM has done nothing to make me feel like it was not a mistake doing business with them again. Not one call or letter of concern!

Even through all the issues and countless returning trips to the Service Department, I have never disrespected the Advisors or techs in any way. I was always polite and talked to them with respect but I have always, for the most part have been persistent until an issue got corrected, other wise this car would have never got fixed in anyway if I had listened to their famous line, “We can’t duplicate the problem / everything is normal deal!

Thanks for the kind words and the offer to help me out if we lived closer. You were a great Mon. and have been an outstanding Administrator. You have not let this title change you and it has not got to your head.
Some like to go on a sick power trip, but that has not been the case for you. You seem to enjoy interacting & Helping other as well as taking pride in your car like most of us try to do!

Again., Thanks!


@Rodent,

Mine does it by Remote & Key Start, not just Remote. Temps outside needs to be cold enough for the noise to happen.

I have a question for you, I had my steering rack replaced in the past, and just recently I can hear and feel a clunk every now and then, mostly when I am at slower speeds, like backing up or parking. Any ideas? Could this be the Steering Rack again? The noise is not loud but I can sometimes feel the clunk in the brake pedal along with the steering wheel! There are times that I don’t notice it but this is a just recent issue that I have been paying attention to again!

Thanks!