[ST42Curell]

Hello all,

I am in the process of replacing the transmission on my 2007 Chevy Malibu LT 2.2L. I believe I have made it through with very little issues to the point where I am filling up my new transmission with transmission fluid and to properly fill I had attempted to turn the car on. Everything seems normal immediately after putting key in ignition regarding lights, radio, etc., but where there is usually the mileage displayed on the odometer is replaced with "error", a power steering message displays on the radio, low fuel displays on the radio (despite being at half tank), and once I go to turn it over it is entirely unresponsive. No clicking or anything. I also should mention the first few times I had put the key in the ignition it gave a message "Engine Power Reduced" and "Engine Disabled" but those seem to have stopped appearing the last several times I tried the key in the ignition.

Two possible things I may have messed up with installing the transmission is a cable coming from the negative battery that I am completely stumped as to where it goes:

This cable does not seem to be able to reach to the starter and I am stumped as to whatever else it is supposed to connect to (I should have taken note when removing).




I also feel the wiring connector that plugs into the PNP switch on the top of the transmission feels it is a bit too easy to disconnect so I am unsure whether I have connected it properly:

Any thoughts? Could it have something to do with the new transmission or be that I forgot to reconnect something? I appreciate any help.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Do not assume that that ring terminal belongs to the starter, or that the color of the insulation indicates polarity. Always check the polarity on the case of the battery. If that cable goes to the Neg terminal, then it needs to be bolted to a ground.

I would tend to agree that the plug you show is not fully seated.

 

[repairman54]

That big black cable coming from the neg. terminal of the battery is the main engine ground. Most likely it was under one of the engine / trans mounting bolts.
Get it attached, the other small ground will burn out quickly with starter loads on it.
Attachment point would be the closest it will reach with some slack to allow for engine movement.

 

[ST42Curell]

Thanks for the responses, I will take a look today and try to attach it to an engine/trans mounting bolt. Would this cable not being grounded be a plausible reason as to why the car is unresponsive when trying to turn it over?

 

[DrivenDaily]

Yes!

 

[AdamBizich]

Did that fix your problem? I'm having the same problem with my 07 Malibu

 

[ST42Curell]

Did that fix your problem? I'm having the same problem with my 07 Malibu

Yes! As soon as I connected that cable to one of the bell housing bolts on the transmission side it fired right up!

 

[AdamBizich]

Yes! As soon as I connected that cable to one of the bell housing bolts on the transmission side it fired right up!

Could you please tell me exactly where the housing bolts are located I have very little knowledge when it comes to cars and I do not want to call anyone to come put it on

 

[ST42Curell]

Could you please tell me exactly where the housing bolts are located I have very little knowledge when it comes to cars and I do not want to call anyone to come put it on

There's three bell housing bolts that on the top side of the transmission, I believe they were 15mm bolts, and one of those bolts should have a nut attached to it, it is the top side mounting bolt that is nearest to the front of the car. I brought that negative cable to that bolt and it is clear that the procedure is to take the nut off of the mounting bolt, slip the negative cable onto the bolt, then screw the nut back into place. If you bring the negative cable towards the transmission it would be the only mounting bolt that it could reach. I can try to take a picture tomorrow

 

[AdamBizich]

There's three bell housing bolts that on the top side of the transmission, I believe they were 15mm bolts, and one of those bolts should have a nut attached to it, it is the top side mounting bolt that is nearest to the front of the car. I brought that negative cable to that bolt and it is clear that the procedure is to take the nut off of the mounting bolt, slip the negative cable onto the bolt, then screw the nut back into place. If you bring the negative cable towards the transmission it would be the only mounting bolt that it could reach. I can try to take a picture tomorrow

Mine negative cable appears to already be attached I tried looking for anything else that was disconnected but couldn’t find anything my car is doing the exact same thing your car was doing with the error and power streering

 

[repairman54]

Mine negative cable appears to already be attached I tried looking for anything else that was disconnected but couldn’t find anything my car is doing the exact same thing your car was doing with the error and power streering

You need to start your own topic as not to get mixed in and confused with another person's issues. Don't forget year, engine, model info. Code scan data would be helpful also.