Won’t start!!!

2192 Views 45 Replies 10 Participants Last post by repairman54, 7 d ago

ADre

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Just finished replacing vacuum pump on 2020 Malibu LT. Pump was bad and some pieces broke, managed to get all broken pieces out. Replaced oil pan and changed oil, put everything back together and car acts like it wants to start but will not turn over. What am I’m missing or need to do next. Thanks.

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JTR19

· #2 · 2 mo ago (Edited by Moderator)

Please understand that I am not trying to come off like a jerk here: But do you think that anyone on the internet, who has no access to your car, can remote diagnose it based on a short description of four sentences?
If you did this job yourself, you need to go back through the engine bay, both top side and from below and double check the connections of any and all electrical connections you put your hands on during the work you did.

Reactions: 1

ADre

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago (Edited by Moderator)

JTR19 said:
Please understand that I am not trying to come off like a jerk here: But do you think that anyone on the internet, who has no access to your car, can remote diagnose it based on a short description of four sentences?
If you did this job yourself, you need to go back through the engine bay, both top side and from below and double check the connections of any and all electrical connections you put your hands on during the work you did.

Not to be a jerk either but this is a common problem for Chevy Malibu, was hoping that maybe someone might have ran into the same issue and had a real solution not a sarcastic reply. Thanks.

Reactions: 2

DrivenDaily

· #4 · 2 mo ago

Maybe a better way to rewind and start again would be to get the codes scanned and share them here.

And before replacing any parts that may be connected to the code(s), stop and realize that the codes don't mean "replace this here part"; they mean "this system has an issue that needs to be investigated".

Regardless of what tone @JTR19 may have meant, which is impossible to detect from written text, it's still a good idea to check your work. It wouldn't be the first time that a plug was not reconnected or that some other issue was hiding behind the other larger issues that were resolved with your work.

In essence, what you need is help to find out what's going on. Our members here can help you best with more data than you've currently provided.

It may also be good to know that some may question "acts like it wants to start" and "will not turn over" as being mutually exclusive. If it acts like it wants to start, then the engine is in fact turning, but only as a result of the starter forcing it to do so. These are terms that are interchanged a lot on forums, and it is easy to mix folks up when you are less specific. It would therefore be better to indicate that the starter is turning (or cranking) the engine, but that it won't start. Then while this is happening, does it kinda "catch" every now and then, or not even fire at all?

This will help, and then nobody will have to apologize for being a jerk. (Yes, the language was edited to help us stay FF - family friendly.)

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Reactions: 1

ADre

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

Ok, so the code I got was P0556 which led me to the vacuum pump, after reviewing how to remove and check the part the only thing disconnected was the battery and the vacuum line going to brake booster. After changing the part (which was damaged and needed to be replaced) reconnected the battery and the vacuum line. Did notice that brake pedal did not return fully and is still pressed to the floor. Why it didn’t return to its normal position is what has me stuck and wondering if that’s the reason it will not start.
Even though I’m not a mechanic, but do maintenance as my regular 9 to 5 I’m pretty certain that I checked all my work to insure nothing was left unplugged. Pardon me for not using the correct mechanic’s lingo when I first posted this issue.

Reactions: 1

DrivenDaily

· #6 · 2 mo ago

I wasn't meaning to beat you down; only trying to bring to the surface how terms can mean different things to different folks.

The vacuum pump is something that @campb292 can comment on more so that I can. I hear that if you send him beers, he just might rare back and tell ya a tale or two.

rcamburn

· #7 · 2 mo ago

Have you re scanned for additional codes after you performed this repair?

ADre

Discussion Starter · #8 · 2 mo ago

rcamburn said:
Have you re scanned for additional codes after you performed this repair?

Yes and only getting P0556.

rcamburn

· #9 · 2 mo ago

Is your Malibu a push-button start, or does it use a key?

ADre

Discussion Starter · #10 · 2 mo ago

rcamburn said:
Is your Malibu a push-button start, or does it use a key?

Push button start.

rcamburn

· #11 · 2 mo ago

When you put your foot on the brake pedal & press start, what happens?
Does the car start, or do you see any alerts on the dashboard?

ADre

Discussion Starter · #12 · 2 mo ago

rcamburn said:
When you put your foot on the brake pedal & press start, what happens?
Does the car start, or do you see any alerts on the dashboard?

I get the usual lights on the dash when trying to start, then if I push the button again all the lights come on. Still no start.

rcamburn

· #13 · 2 mo ago

Does the starter engage?
Any message about putting your foot on the brake pedal to start?

ADre

Discussion Starter · #14 · 2 mo ago

rcamburn said:
Does the starter engage?
Any message about putting your foot on the brake pedal to start?

The starter seems like it wants to engage, just keeps trying to start. No message about putting foot on brake.

rcamburn

· #15 · 2 mo ago

Did you disconnect the battery while you were doing the repair?

Maybe try disconnecting the battery for an hour, reconnect it, try to start it & scan for codes again.

ADre

Discussion Starter · #16 · 2 mo ago

rcamburn said:
Did you disconnect the battery while you were doing the repair?

Maybe try disconnecting the battery for an hour, reconnect it, try to start it & scan for codes again.

Yes, removed battery when I put the new vacuum pump in. Taking the battery out gave me more room to get part. Maybe exchange the battery for a new one and see if that makes a difference.

rcamburn

· #17 · 2 mo ago

I'm concerned about the brake pedal going to the floor, was the pedal down like this before you started the repair?
do you have brake fluid in the reservoir?
Any obvious signs of a brake fluid leak?

ADre

Discussion Starter · #18 · 2 mo ago

ADre said:
Yes, removed battery when I put the new vacuum pump in. Taking the battery out gave me more room to get part. Maybe exchange the battery for a new one and see if that makes a difference.

When the car stopped on me was getting off the freeway and only way to stop was push it all the way to the floor, no visible leaks, brake fluid is in the reservoir and checked all around car.

rcamburn

· #19 · 2 mo ago

See the service bulletin below.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10205587-9999.pdf

Did you pull the valve cover off & clean out any debris from the failed pump?

Reactions: 1

ADre

Discussion Starter · #20 · 2 mo ago

rcamburn said:
See the service bulletin below.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10205587-9999.pdf

Did you pull the valve cover off & clean out any debris from the failed pump?

No I didn’t, really thought I pulled all debris out. I’ll pull that next and see if that works. Will I need to have the timing done??

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