problem starting 06 malibu 3.5

hello, i searched this site and google with only a couple related posts. First is this one http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/#/forumsite/20857/topics/8665 which seams like my problem. The car doesn't want to start sometimes and it is getting worst. So it generally turns on first time using it...

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this seems very similar to the issue I have with same symptoms. Wish people would post their solutions!!!

 

Well , its not a common issue....so people wont have a definate solution for you.

Next , I would suspect there are codes....what are they and their definition. In a cranking no start condition.... cyeck the fuel pressure. ...and post what it is.... do you have spark when cranking

Also check where these fuses and stuff mount under the hood.... those boxes have been known to fail....so you will notice other systems that the box shares to be having issues

 

The car starts when jumping the starter. Just an electrical issue it seems as there is no crank with the key

 

Somthing may be drawing on battery? Possible bad ground ( had a car with abad ground....corrosion that wouldnt let the car turn over)

 

Possibly but I've wire brushed the power steering and other connections that looked bad.

 

OK, Here's what I've done:
1) Ordered a new ECM and reprogrammed. Didn't fix the error issue.
2) Ordered a new BCM from a working car. Didn't fix the error on dashboard issue/no start.
3) Replaced key lock cylinder and ignition switch. Same issue

Found that the oil pressure sensor wire was actually broken off. Ordered a new pigtail and will re-wire that on. Would that potentially give an ERROR issue on dashboard? Problem is that I can't read any codes as I have no communication with the ECU, so I'm guessing its a short somewhere.

Wire brushed every single ground connector. Can't for the life of me figure out error & powersteering. What other grounds should I be looking for that could cause this issue? Saw a thread where someone said he had a similar issue with a ground and ran a additional ground wire from the battery to the pillar then the pillar to the engine, but honestly I have tried using jumper cables on the ground for the battery to the engine and can't seem to figure out where the hell this short would be coming from. Any ideas?

 

The key sends a signal to a relay, which in turn sends a signal to the starter solenoid.

Since you can get the starter to turn when bypassing that system, then it seems to me that your issue is in that section.

However, since the advent of computers, it's not as simple as all that anymore. The key now sends a signal to the BCM, which sends a signal to the ECM, which then has to "decide" if it's ok to start the engine.

Having a new ECM reprogrammed was the right way to replace it, if it was needed.

But I don't see where you had the BCM programmed to your VIN.

 

That's funny, I never even thought about reprogramming the BCM to the VIN. I thought it was just a passthrough box for all the fuses/harness. This makes way more sense why it may still be erroring out.

 

I have no communication with OBD2, is this port routed through the BCM? I'm just wondering if going the route of buying a new BCM and getting it reprogrammed through the dealer is a good idea or if I should let an electric technician go through the entire car and look for a short first (as this is what I still think it is).

Anyone have issues with no communication with OBD2 and can't get codes with error on dashboard? Suggestions or just pony up for the new BCM and reprogram it to see if that works? Also I'm in Puerto Rico and most dealerships don't work on Chevy's before 2010 here. To get the BCM reprogrammed does it need to be attached to the car and powered on (will the dealership need the car or they can do it on the bench and plug it in another way?) I'm still feeling like this has to be a short given I would have to jiggle the key like 30 times on and off to get it started for a week or so followed by no start. Given I replaced the ignition switch and lock cylinder what the hell could it be if not a short at this point?

Also realized that the techs who replaced the starter ripped the oil pressure sensor wire off the connector, so ordered a new pigtail for that as I'm sure that could effect how the car runs/runs at all.

 

Also I'm readying a BCM can only be programmed once? So if you buy a used one you can't reprogram it to your vehicle?

 

1. It doesnt make sense that a bcm can only be programmed once. Unless they want you to just buy mew ones from the dealer I guess.
2. Alll your issues..... but jiggleing the key would make it start. I would start further down the line of the sensor in the key tumbler.... it sounded possibly like the harness was loose ....... maybe further down the harness.
3. Oil sensor being severed would just toss a code i would imagine
4. Your ECM communication problem could have a wiring issue..... start at the ALDL plug and work your way back to the ECM .
5. With all the swapping of BCM and ECM the tiny harness pins could have been damaged

....man I dont envy you this sounds like a bugger to get through.... hopefully you get it fixed

 

I would rapidly turn on and off the key and eventually it would start, but it was totally random and now obviously there is no contact with electrical to make starter activate...would love to confirm the BCM programming question (only can be reprogramed once new??? - or can i take a used one to the dealership to get it reprogramed?)

 

I would give a dealerahip a call and find out.

 

Ok try this pull every fuse not needed to start the vehicle. Then see if it starts. There may be a short to another wire. If the codes don’t pull you other way

 

Turned out to be fuse box. Replaced whole fuse box and it fixed the issue.

 

So u replaced the entire fuse box and it fixed the problem? When u were getting error message and power steering message did all ur gauges go to zero and fuel gauge go to E as well?

 

Hi everyone. I have an '07 Malibu, was having Sam's issue, error message on cluster and power steering error on radio. Engine would not crank. When key turned on nothing, no gadget worked, just error message.
After spending hours reading and checking everything. I decided that since I was getting no power at ignition, I went to AutoZone and bought new ignition switch. Installed, and now my car starts runs great, no error message, no power steering messages. Less than 30 dollars to fix problem. Only time-consuming taking dash apart and putting it back together (lots of screws). Hope this helps someone. Bill.

 

You need to make your own thread...instead of hyjaking someone elses.... gets you more replys

 

1. It doesnt make sense that a bcm can only be programmed once. Unless they want you to just buy mew ones from the dealer I guess. 2. Alll your issues..... but jiggleing the key would make it start. I would start further down the line of the sensor in the key tumbler.... it sounded possibly like the harness was loose ....... maybe further down the harness. 3. Oil sensor being severed would just toss a code i would imagine 4. Your ECM communication problem could have a wiring issue..... start at the ALDL plug and work your way back to the ECM . 5. With all the swapping of BCM and ECM the tiny harness pins could have been damaged ....man I dont envy you this sounds like a bugger to get through.... hopefully you get it fixed

So I have an 06 Malibu Maxx that I just bought with 118,000+ miles on it and it's been doing the same thing for the 3 months I've had it. Most the time when the error/power steering warnings come on I shut the car off and can just lock & unlock the car 3-10 times with the keyless entry fob and than it will restart and do fine most the day. After a couple days the car just won't start again at all. Every time this has happened we have found that if we pull the battery out and fully charge it, than do the lock/unlock method a couple times the car will start again. Ignition has been changed, replaced the starter, battery, fuel pump, and alternator yet still having this problem consistently at least once a day and it tends to happen while the car is running. Because the keyless entry fob seems to be what fixes the problem and the fact that something is pulling power to drain the battery every few days, everything I have looked into and everyone I have talked to says I need to buy a new ECM but some things online also say the bcm could be the problem so I'm just trying to figure this out before dumping a bunch of unnecessary money into it for no reason. Has anyone else tried the keyless entry technique? Please let me know ASAP.

 

Just a little help on the intermittent start issue and yes 🙂 I'm aware of the late reply. However, my issue is the purge valve and it has gotten worse. It hasn't left me completely stranded at the moment. I also have been leaking fluids onto my starter so I don't know if it is only the purge valve or a combination of the multiple issues I have been having. Though the ignition coil has eliminated the major problems. Hope this is helpful to someone.