[mrrsn83]

Hello all. I've been browsing the forums for a few days now and this is my first post. I am the proud owner of a 2009 Malibu LS, 4cyl/4speed.

This afternoon after work my car started fine but when I reached the edge of the parking lot and came to a complete stop the engine died suddenly. I quickly put it back in park and tried to start it up again and it fired right up as if nothing had happend. The car had only been running for maybe 1-2 minutes at that time it died. I then drove the car home, about 40 miles on the highway and 10 miles of stop and go, and had no problems the rest of the trip. The car did not throw a check engine light and to the best of my knowledge everything was working fine (A/C, radio, turn signals, etc...). It's been really hot here in NC the past few weeks and it was about mid 90's today I think in case the heat had anything to do with it. Any ideas what might have happened?

I did a search through the forums already and saw 2-3 other posts about the engine dying when coming to a full stop but the OP never replied back if the problem went away or if the dealer found something wrong. Naturally I assume that for them it was a fluke and maybe never happened again but I'm curious if I should do anything about it. Take it to the dealer? Wait til it happens again because it could very well be a fluke? Any easy things to check? I am fairly experienced with car repairs so I don't mind digging in and looking at things myself if I know what to look for.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Check your air filter. If it's restricted, then with high heat and humidity it's conceivable that it simply choked off the air. Or like you say it was a fluke.

And welcome to the site. Got any pics? What engine/trans?

 

[Silver LTZ]

What engine/trans?

It says it is a I4 A4.

 

[mrrsn83]

Yep, I4/A4.

I don't have any pics yet, I want to take some decent ones soon and I'll be sure to get them up. I was unsure about the color at first, I thought it was too bland, but I'm really liking the dark gray. I think it looks good on this car.

I'll check the air filter tonight when I get home, sounds reasonable. I would have suspected they changed it at the dealership before I bought the car, but maybe not and it's the original.

 

[Silver LTZ]

Have them check for codes too. It might have stored one.

 

[RaineMan]

Its not the air filter... that thing would have to be completely blocked to starve the engine.

I'm saying it's a fluke or maybe some bad gas. Occasionally an air bubble or a little bit of water or debris may get into the fuel system, which will cause the engine to stumble and possibly die. It happens more often with 4-bangers because the power strokes don't overlap.

If it happens again take it in... but right now the dealer is probably going to tell you "can't duplicate the problem" and send you on your way.

 

[DrivenDaily]

It says it is a I4 A4.

Oh, hey, yeah, it does! My bad!

 

[ElantraMax]

Maybe its a dirty throttle body. Take the air duct off and look inside for dirt.

 

[mrrsn83]

Hey guys. Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies. The car has not done it since that one time, so I'm guessing it was a fluke. If it ever happens again I'll definitly take it in to the dealer to see if they can find anything and post the results here.

 

[RaineMan]

Oddly enough... mine did this to me on Friday afternoon. I had stopped at the local store to grab some steaks for dinner. I started the car, buckled my belt, then was fiddling with the A/C and radio while still parked (I'd rather not do it while driving). Took maybe 2 or 3 minutes. I then pushed in the brake, shifted to reverse, tapped the gas gently... and nothing happened. Sure enough, the engine wasn't running. Put it back in Park, restarted, and everything has been fine since.

 

[Billium2016]

I have a 2010 Chevy Malibu and I bought it with 4 miles on the odometer. I drove it for 1 week and it stalled on me while traveling about 30 miles per hour. I thought it was bad gas so I didn't pay it much attention. We traveled 300 miles that weekend and with new fuel it stalled 3 times while driving. I brought the car in for service and it stalled on them finally last week. I have owed the car about 1 month now and it has 890 miles on it from them test driving the crap out of it. I have only had my car 1 week out of the whole time I have owned it. The worst part is I was driving a loaner vehicle off of the showroom floor it also stalled on me. Is anyone else having this issue? I have the V-6 2LT.

 

[Chevrolet Cust Svc]

Billium2016-

I have read your post. I completely understand the inconvenience that the situation is causing you. I also recognize the frustration that you are going through with your vehicle being so new.

I would like to gather more information from you about your situation. However, the information that I will need I would like to remain confidential. This information would only be used for me to perform research about your situation with your vehicle. I will private message you with the information that I will need so we can take the necessary steps to get a resolution to your vehicle issues.

Sincerely,
Michelle P-Chevrolet Customer Service