[rf overlord]

I realise this isn't a Lumina forum, but I figure a '99 Lumina is not so different from a '98 Malibu and maybe this will help someone here.

My elderly M-I-L has a '99 Lumina that had problems with the power door locks. The switches on the doors wouldn't open them, neither would the keyfob. I think the driver's door would lock, but none of them would unlock...something like that.

Anyway, I traced the problem to a relay buried behind the glove box. When a door switch was actuated, the relay had voltage going in, but little or no voltage coming out. I replaced that relay and for $21.79+tax I now have a very happy mother-in-law.

I disassembled the old relay and found it was full of carbon dust and the contacts were all burnt and pitted, so even though it still "clicked" when actuated, it was bad.

I don't know if the Malibu uses the same relay, but I bet it does, so before you take your car to the dealer and empty your bank account, check that relay.

 

[DrivenDaily]

Appreciate you sharing the results, man.

 

[Starship]

Very useful and timely information. I'm sure we're going to see a lot of door lock problems as the weather gets cold. This does apply to the gen. 5 Malibu except that the door lock/unlock relays are in the driver side instrument panel fuse block.

 

[redhotclassi]

I wonder if this could be my problem. Awhile back my car horn would beep at random times, like when you are driving down the road, or as you are walking away after parking. I noticed the drivers door lock switch was sloppy and the beeping usually (but not always) seemed to happen when it was stuck in the UP position. I figure it didn't matter much. I always used the key fob to lock and unlock anyhow. After 6 months or so it stopped . Soon everytime I used the cigarette lighter I'd blow a fuse. I finally gave up and stopped replacing the fuse. Now I think that if I just replace the door lock switch, it will not only fix the sloppy switch, but maybe I can use the cigarette lighter again. I can charge my phone and get a GPS. Does anyone think I could be on the right track here?

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

redhotclassi,

I know that there are several members on this forum that are very mechanically include that could possibly provide you the information that you are seeking. They are awesome on this forum.

Another avenue that you could try, if you would like, is to put a call into the dealership and see what the techs have to say. There are some dealerships that will discuss things like this with a customer. I know that in my area there are a couple of dealerships that don’t mind discussing situations such as yours and providing additional information to owner’s such as yourself. I can’t guarantee anything but it is worth a try.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[redhotclassi]

redhotclassi,

I know that there are several members on this forum that are very mechanically include that could possibly provide you the information that you are seeking. They are awesome on this forum.

Another avenue that you could try, if you would like, is to put a call into the dealership and see what the techs have to say. There are some dealerships that will discuss things like this with a customer. I know that in my area there are a couple of dealerships that don’t mind discussing situations such as yours and providing additional information to owner’s such as yourself. I can’t guarantee anything but it is worth a try.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Well I went to the dealership. Got the switch. replaced it in less than 10 minutes. VIOLA! Fixed AND the auxilary power port (not cig lighter, I dont smoke) totally works now, NO blown fuses. Oh Happy day! Off to buy a car charger and GPS.

 

[DrivenDaily]

So much joy from so cheap of a repair! Congrats!

 

[Justanotherdummy]

Well I went to the dealership. Got the switch. replaced it in less than 10 minutes. VIOLA! Fixed AND the auxilary power port (not cig lighter, I dont smoke) totally works now, NO blown fuses. Oh Happy day! Off to buy a car charger and GPS.

I have exactly the same problem in my 99 malibu. I was just wondering what switch are you talking about that the dealership replaced? Im hoping to just replace it on my own.