[tomx20]

I've only owned my Malibu for a few weeks now, and the first thing I can say about it is that I honestly do love it. The gas mileage is good, its roomy, and extremely quiet!

With all that said however, I have noticed a few problems with it. I bought my 09 used with 36k on it (the newest car I've ever owned), and accepted that since it was a used car there would be a few problems with it. So far, I have noticed three problems:

a) The second and third pre-set buttons on the radio do not work (push them and nothing happens).
b) The blutooth does not work (it will not pair, doesn't seem like there is any signal coming from the car).
c) Both back window controls are not working. I can control them on the drivers side, but on both back doors, both controls do not light up, or roll up/down the window.

The car used to be a rental car, so I'm thinking they disabled the blutooth somehow.

Anybody have any ideas what the problems could be? Remedies?

Thanks in advance,
Tom

 

[Silver LTZ]

The Bluetooth most likely needs to be updated, there is a TSB for a reflash.

 

[Northern Bu]

a) The second and third pre-set buttons on the radio do not work (push them and nothing happens).

c) Both back window controls are not working. I can control them on the drivers side, but on both back doors, both controls do not light up, or roll up/down the window.

a) Maybe the radio stations no longer exist or out of range. Have you tried programming different radio stations?

c) Check to see if you have a Window Lockout button. Mine's located just underneath all the window controls on the left arm rest.

 

[Starship]

The thing is, the Bluetooth for phone option is not possible without OnStar. A lot of these fleet vehicles came with the OnStar/XM deleted.

 

[DrivenDaily]

On my '09 the rear windows stopped working from the rear switches but I could roll them up/down from the front. I found a cold solder joint inside the master switch, resoldered it, and that cured it. It was a large solder joint near the bottom end (toward the rear of the car when installed), not one of the smaller ones. You may have the same issue.

I like Northern_Bu's suggestion on the radio buttons. Try manually tuning a new station that makes noise, press the button and hold it 'til the radio beeps and says Station Stored. If that doesn't do it then maybe one of the renters spilled Coke while driving the slalom at Bob Bondurant's course!

Someone on here can tell you the RPO codes necessary to have Bluetooth and/or XM. The codes should be on a sticker inside the glove box.

 

[tomx20]

I like Northern_Bu's suggestion on the radio buttons. Try manually tuning a new station that makes noise, press the button and hold it 'til the radio beeps and says Station Stored. If that doesn't do it then maybe one of the renters spilled Coke while driving the slalom at Bob Bondurant's course!

No no no, not like that. The two buttons completely don't work. For example, if I tried to program a new station to preset # 2 or preset #3, it would not do anything because the buttons are not functioning at all. Presets 1, 4, 5, and 6 work fine though.

Someone on here can tell you the RPO codes necessary to have Bluetooth and/or XM. The codes should be on a sticker inside the glove box.

So there is a way to fix the bluetooth problem, unlike how another member mentioned the whole kits being deleted with fleet cars?

 

[elcompaLalo]

Since your out of warranty, I would just look for a replacement OEM deck. Swap it and have the dealer program it to your car.............or use this as an excuse to go aftermarket.

As for the bluetooth, I agree that the system needs Onstar in order to work. It relies on the Onstar VCIM to function properly. Again, another reason why you should just go aftermarket.

The window switches may just have corroded or damaged contacts. If some water happens to make its way in there it will ruin them. Check this thread here for some more info........http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7487

 

[DrivenDaily]

No no no, not like that. The two buttons completely don't work. For example, if I tried to program a new station to preset # 2 or preset #3, it would not do anything because the buttons are not functioning at all. Presets 1, 4, 5, and 6 work fine though.



So there is a way to fix the bluetooth problem, unlike how another member mentioned the whole kits being deleted with fleet cars?

Dang. Sounds bad about the radio, man. If you're comfortable with disassembling things you might be able to discover the cause and fix it. If not then it's possibly time to replace it. Without those buttons working some of your menu items are also handicapped.

Bluetooth needs to have certain items installed in the car before you can activate it. If the RPO codes don't exist on your list then you don't have Bluetooth available in your car; likewise, if they're there their activation is a possiblilty but may take more parts and/or dealership programming (read: dollars) to make it work.

Elcompalalo is on track with your window issue as well. You could have compromised contacts, a cold solder joint, or a damaged/broken circuit (either the board or a wire). What helped me trace down my issue were the schematics. Here's a link to it. They are for the '08 models. When I bought them the only difference I could discover was the turn signal repeaters are missing on '09+ models.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4191695/08_chevy_malibu_complete.pdf

 

[toydriver00]

I had the same issue with my radio buttons. It was the 2nd and 3rd buttons like yours. I had to take the car in. They ended up replacing the radio. We found out later (my buddy is the GM mechanic that works on my car) that an update is available to update the radio programming. It fixes the issue.

 

[2001FZ1]

I had the same issue with my radio buttons. It was the 2nd and 3rd buttons like yours. I had to take the car in. They ended up replacing the radio. We found out later (my buddy is the GM mechanic that works on my car) that an update is available to update the radio programming. It fixes the issue.

My radio is having the same problem. Do you have an update reference code or anything so I can point my dealer in the right direction?

 

[greenman]

That's three radios with the 2nd & 3rd presets not working. Start of an epidemic? I searched for a radio service bulletin but came up empty.

 

[tomx20]

I haven't had it fixed yet. I mostly use the aux port or CDs. Even when it's on the radio, I only listen to 2 stations.

 

[2001FZ1]

UPDATE:

I can get the 2nd and 3rd preset buttons to work. I just have to start hitting all the other buttons : seek, menu, band, ect.. and then they usually start working. That is until the car is shut off again........then I have to mash the buttons again. If I can get the Menu button to work, then I can get the 2nd preset button to work.

It has to be a program fault. The buttons themselves are not bad.

tomx20, you should try it and see if your radio will start working normally.

 

[misconi]

I too have a 2009 Malibu with radio buttons not working. 2nd & 3rd do not work at all, and a few of the others have been intermittent as well. We also had the rear lock issue, that was fixed by the dealership while still under warranty. Unfortunately for us the, radio button problem surfaced around 36,500 miles.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

@misconi, I have read your post about your situation with your Malibu. What is the current mileage on the vehicle?

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service