[tygriff]

I have a 2010 2LT with only 500 kms (yes under 1000km). I never noticed until now, but the power door switch on either door does not do anything. I originally thought they did not work while the car was in drive, but even when I am parked they don't work. Also, my sunroof open switch works only intermittently. Those I am sure are problems.

However, I have this other event that I am not sure about. When I use the key fob to open the locks and enter the car, the chimes ring (3 times) as soon as I enter (no key in ignition yet). Also, when I park the car and remove the keys from the ignition, then open the door, 3 chimes go off (similar to if you left the keys in the car or the lights on - but only 3 times). Can anyone confirm this happens with their Malibu's? Maybe this is a factory setting.

I look forward to anyone's feedback.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Mine doesn't do that, they always work. I say take it in....might be as simple as a lose harness.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Take it in. The door lock/unlock should work at all times, with or without the key. The only time pressing lock will be delayed is if the door is open. Then it waits ~5 seconds after closing to lock.

The chimes are also not normal as you describe them.

Like Silver, mine doesn't do what yours does.

 

[tygriff]

I just talked to my brother in-law (Product Manager for GM Canada -Global Epsilon) and he talked with some tech's at GM Canada. Most likely the ignition key cylinder is faulty. This explains the chiming during entry and exit (vehicle thinks a key is still in the ignition) and why the switch on the door don't work (vehicle won't allow user to lock the doors via the door switch if key is in the ignition). I have an appointment Monday and we will see if the dealer comes to the same conclusion.

 

[tygriff]

Starting yesterday afternoon, all issues are gone. I didn't do anything different. I am thinking maybe the cleaner used to wash the windows and install the tint, travelled down into the door causing a short. Now that the solution has dried up, the short is gone. I will keep an eye on it over the next couple of days to see what happens.

 

[elcompaLalo]

Yea, that stuff gets everywhere.

 

[tygriff]

This problem is really turning out to be a real gremlin. GM TAC (Tech Assistance Centre) is now involved and they have disconnected a circuit that protects against locking your keys in the vehicle and activates door chimes. I am going to drive for a week with this change. If the issues stop, then they know what the issue is and will repair.

Lets hope it gets resolved!!

 

[1983zsled]

TYgriff Did you ever get this issue resolved? I have an 09 lt2. On the way home from the window tint today my locks were going crazy cycling lock and unlock while driving. I thought it must be the water used in installing the locks causing a short. I'm going to give it a day or two to dry out. Let me know if it was resolved.....Thx

 

[tygriff]

Zsled,

GM ended up disconnecting the 1390 circuit which supposedly prevents the locks from locking when the key is in the ignition and the car is off. After this was done, I had no issues for a week and then out of the blue during a thunder storm, the locks fired again.
The dealer installed a VDR (Vehicle Data Recorder) and for the last 4-5 weeks, the locks won't act up. I honestly think, it was the solution used for window tinting that caused a short and as it dried up the issue went away.
I am going to have them review the VDR data (some wierd events did happen - for example, I would have cruise on and I would hear 1 chime and the cruise shut off) and see if they can find anything out.

I would see if the issue goes away over the next couple of weeks. If not, I will post the specifics regarding the report on my repair so you can take it to a dealer.

 

[1983zsled]

OK Thx for the update. I will let you know how it goes and to keep everyone informed. This morning I tried the door lock button on the driver side...The unlock now works lock doesn't and neither works on the passenger door. We'll see what time does for this?

 

[tygriff]

Zsled,

I had this same issue for the first 4 days after the tint went on. The driver side switch did not work at all (never checked the passenger side).
Are you still under warranty? If so, get to the dealer quick (while the issue still exists) and get a VDR for the car to collect the data when these events occur.
I think I ended up waiting too long (2-3 weeks) and by this time all the issues are virtually gone away. So I never really knew what the cause was.

Good luck.

 

[tygriff]

Seems like I finally had this issue resolved. After having the VDR in for 4 weeks and nothing happening. Then yesterday, the locks went crazy again. I got to the dealer while the issue was happening. Here were the symptoms I had:

Locks opening on their own
Door switch not working when request to open
Chimes going off intermittently while driving
Cruise shutting off while driving

Root Cause:
Torn and improperly seated rubber seal in drivers side door lock mechanism.

It turns out when it rained for a while or we had a really cool night, condensation would travel into this mechanism and fault out. This mechanism also has the sensor for door open. As it turns out, this was cause.

Dealer replaced the grommet and seal. Everything seems good.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Good to hear!

 

[1983zsled]

Tygriff..... I called the dealer and they didn't seem interested in installing a VDR, instead they said they'd look at it when I brought it in to fix the multi function switch, trim around the drivers seat airbag, and the broken spring in the rear cup holder. A very relaxed approach. The funny thing is now it doesn't fire anymore on its own. probably because it has dried up. The power lock button only unlocks the doors on the driver side will not lock. The pass. side lock button does nothing. I will mention your findings to them and hopefully they'll have a look at the drivers side door lock mechanism. thanks for posting your findings, and wish me luck......God knows I'll need it.

 

[1983zsled]

Well I took my 09 in today to get the stuff done in the previous post. I dropped it off in the AM and received a call that it was good to go around 2 pm. I got the car and looked in the back. No cup holder fix or trim fix around drivers side seat air bag either. Back in I go. Apparent mix up from tech to service adviser. Another 3 hr wait while they fixed the two issues. The service adviser then says, " oh by the way, our tech damaged the dash when fixing the multifunction switch, but I'm going to fix that for you,...you'll have to come in later" You should see the dash. I'll post a pic. The tech must be blind and retarded to do that kind of damage....I don't get it. Now they want to patch the dash..... some company they hire to mix s a past and iron it over or something...The fight will be on and I will win. They will replace all the damaged pieces. Here's a pic or two.

Back to the lock issue topic.... The drivers side door lock button had suffered from corrosion between the contact points, and had to be replaced. I had told the service adviser of your findings but they figured this out on their own. They didn't even look at the passenger side after I had told them. Rather than having some retard doing more damage to my car I took the passenger side apart myself, cleaned the contacts and it now works fine......Sorry to rant and carry on but I'm just a little Pissed! Any one on here have this issue with a multifunction switch replacement?

 

[ChicagoMalibu2009]

Someone got a bit agressive pulling off the steering wheel -- Thats my guess.

But then... why would they have to pull-off(pry off?) the steering wheel????

 

[Silver LTZ]

I'd call customer service and get a few free oil changes....

 

[DrivenDaily]

I'd tell them that it wasn't a repaired dash that they damaged - it was whole and complete and that's how it's gonna go back! What happens when/if you sell it and someone notices the "repair" job? Loss of money or worse, loss of sale! Not your fault, so they can fix it right or else.

The scratches on the facia (below the gauges) can be made to look like new without replacing it, but only if it's done by someone with moderate or better skills. Newbies need to stay away, so no dealer techs since they're not trained to "fix" things, just replace them.

 

[1983zsled]

I could not agree more DailyDriven. I'm going to call today and get this organized. First I will get a hold of parts and price out the pieces so I know what I'm dealing with. This way they can't give me the "you can't get only that part you need the whole dash" And if that is the case, they can put a whole new dash in. Mind you I cringe to think of the damage they'll do to the door frames and roof liner ! They didn't pull the steering wheel to do that damage. My guess is the service tech didn't telescope the steering wheel out and down far enough to allow room for the new multifunction switch to be removed and replaced. So If it doesn't fit just force it right?
I used to own a 99 Garbage Am, and I replaced the multifunction switch in that. The only way to get it out was to have the wheel all the way down on the tilt. Just for Shitz and giggles I'll keep everyone informed.

Free Oil changes !!!!! Ah ya don't think so....next thing they 'll do is scratch the main bearings in the engine changing the oil..... OK maybe the worst they can do there is strip the oil pan bolt, or rip a CV boot ! I think I'll just do it myself and save the issue. Plus I use synthetic and they charge a extra $8.00 a litre for the oil.

 

[bkswick]

Seems like I finally had this issue resolved. After having the VDR in for 4 weeks and nothing happening. Then yesterday, the locks went crazy again. I got to the dealer while the issue was happening. Here were the symptoms I had:

Locks opening on their own
Door switch not working when request to open
Chimes going off intermittently while driving
Cruise shutting off while driving

Root Cause:
Torn and improperly seated rubber seal in drivers side door lock mechanism.

It turns out when it rained for a while or we had a really cool night, condensation would travel into this mechanism and fault out. This mechanism also has the sensor for door open. As it turns out, this was cause.

Dealer replaced the grommet and seal. Everything seems good.

I am having the--rapid lock unlock with chimes even though key isn't in ingnition--problem also. I too had the windows tinted the day before this started happening.
Tygriff, have you not had this issue return on your car?
Has anybody else had this happen, and how was it fixed?
I am scheduled to take my car in Monday morning for them to see what the problem is. I too was able to take my car in while the problem was occuring so they could see first hand what it was doing. They pulled the lock fuse to stop it from happening until I bring it in Monday.
Thanks