If your Chevy Malibu won’t start, you are not alone. You are one of many people who have trouble starting their cars. Chevrolet has a serious problem because so many owners have reported having trouble starting their cars. In this blog post, we’ll look at a few reasons why your Malibu won’t start as well as some fixes.
{toc}
The 4 Most Common Causes of a Non-Starting Chevy Malibu
Contents
Before calling a towing service or a repair shop, there are a few things you may check if your Chevy Malibu won’t start. Among the most frequent causes of a car not starting are:
- Dead battery: The battery should be one of your first checks if your Chevy Malibu won’t start. It must be recharged or replaced if the battery is dead.
- Corroded or loose battery terminals: If your battery’s terminals are loose or corroded, the electrical current may not flow as it should, which will prevent your car from starting.
- Fuel system problems: One more frequent cause of a Chevy Malibu not starting is a fuel system problem. Simple causes like a clogged fuel filter or more major problems like a failing fuel pump could be the cause.
- Problems with the ignition system: If your Chevy Malibu won’t start, it could be due to a problem with the ignition system. This could be as simple as a dirty spark plug or as serious as a faulty ignition coil.
Why my Chevy Malibu Won’t Start?
Your Chevy Malibu may not be starting for a variety of reasons. Simple things like a dead battery or a loose connection could be the cause. Or, it can be a more serious problem, such as a broken starter or fuel pump.
Here are a few things to examine if your Chevrolet Malibu does not start:
- Battery: Check to see that the battery is charged and that the connections are clean and tight.
- Starting: Inspect the starter terminal for power. The starter might need to be changed if there is no electricity.
- Oil system: If the engine cranks but does not start, there may be an oil system issue. Make sure there is fuel in the tank, and check the fuel pump relay and fuse.
What Should I Do If My Chevy Malibu won’t Start?
There are a couple of things you can do to try to diagnose the problem if your Chevy Malibu doesn’t start. First, check the battery terminals for debris or corrosion, since this could prevent the battery from being able to start the automobile. Try jump-starting the automobile from another vehicle if the battery terminals appear to be clean.
If the issue still exists, it might be a blown fuse, an issue with the fuel or ignition system, or even both.
Causes and Solutions for the Chevrolet Malibu That Makes Clicking Noises and won’t Start
Chevy Malibu when it comes to no-crank starting troubles, generating clicking noises when trying to start the engine is a very common problem that can typically be readily solved.
The weak battery, corrosion on the battery terminals, poor starter power source, poor ground connection, and malfunctioning starter motor are the most typical causes of clicking noise and no crank in Chevy Malibu vehicles.
Other Reasons Why The Chevy Malibu won’t Start And How to Fix It
Although the Chevy Malibu is a solid travel companion, it is a machine with hundreds of interconnected components, and like all machines, it occasionally fails to perform as intended.
How to Repair a Non-Starting Chevy Malibu
If a Chevy Malibu won’t start, it could be due to a variety of factors such as a dead battery or a damaged starter motor.
What you must understand to identify and resolve the issue is as follows:
- Examine the battery: A dead battery is among the most frequent causes of Chevy Malibu starting problems. A battery should be examined to determine whether it needs to be replaced if it is older than three years.
- Check the starter motor: The starter motor should be examined to determine whether your battery is in good condition. Your automobile won’t start if the starter motor is damaged, since it won’t be able to turn the engine over properly.
- Examine your fuel system: Another frequent cause of a Chevy Malibu not starting is a problem with the fuel system. This could be caused by anything from a clogged fuel filter to a malfunctioning fuel pump that isn’t supplying the engine with adequate fuel.
- Check for common starting problems: There are a few more potential problems that could be the cause if you’ve tested everything above and your Chevy Malibu still won’t start, like a damaged ignition switch or faulty key fob batteries.
4 Reasons How to Get Your Chevrolet Malibu to Start
There might be 4 reasons why your Malibu could not start when you turned the key. Your battery might be dead, your starter motor might be broken, or there can be a problem with your ignition switch.
- Here are several potential fixes to consider when your Chevy Malibu won’t start, supposing you’ve ruled out obvious issues like a blown fuse or loose battery connection.
- Clean the terminals of the battery: Starting issues can be brought on by corrosion on the battery terminals, which can restrict the free flow of electrical current. To restore correct electrical contact, scrub the terminals with a wire brush and some baking soda diluted in water.
- Check the starter motor: if it is damaged, it could need to be replaced. Before investing in a new starter, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle to be sure that this is the issue.
- Check the ignition switch: The ignition switch sends power to the starter motor to start the engine. It could need to be changed if it is faulty.
5 Diagnoses of Chevy Malibu Not Starting
If your Chevy Malibu won’t start, you can check a few things before hiring a technician. The most frequent causes of your Chevy Malibu not starting are listed here, along with solutions.
- First, examine the battery to see whether it requires a jump start or replacement. The starter will need to be examined if the battery is in good condition. The starter must be replaced if it is broken.
- The fuel system should be checked next if the starter is functioning properly. The car won’t start if there isn’t petrol getting to the engine. Check to see if there is enough fuel in the tank and if the fuel lines are clear.
- If everything checks out, the ignition system might be the source of the issue.
- Verify that all of the spark plugs are in good operating order and that no dirt or debris has accumulated on them.
- Call a mechanic for a more thorough diagnosis if the ignition system appears to be functioning properly.
The Most Frequent Reasons for Malibu Breakdowns are Covered in This Section
If your Chevy Malibu won’t start, there are a few quick fixes you can try before taking it in for service; OBD2 scanner usage for diagnosis, fuel pump malfunction, broken fuse, faulty spark plugs, rodent toxicity, faulty alternator, fuel filter clog, and motor failure. Utilize these time-saving options:
OBD2 Scanner Usage for Diagnosis
Because the Chevy Malibu has onboard diagnostics (OBD), a fault diagnosis can give preliminary clues as to where the malfunction is. First, you must connect the diagnostic tool to your Malibu before you can start troubleshooting. Under the dashboard is often where you’ll find the OBDII port.
Turn on the ignition after connecting the wire. However, take care not to start the car. The majority of diagnostic tools then request certain details about the car. You must input this completely and accurately, or the search result could be tampered with. You typically need to enter the engine and vehicle ID numbers in addition to the car brand and model.
Always verify the accuracy of the information for precise troubleshooting.
Fuel Pump Malfunction
The engine of your Chevy Malibu won’t start if the fuel pump malfunctions. The pump typically makes sure that the proper volume of fuel is transferred under enough pressure from the tank to the engine’s injection system. Before your fuel pump breaks down, it usually becomes apparent: if your car’s engine frequently fails, it’s challenging to start, the engine jerks slightly, or the performance of the engine declines, you should have your pump checked.
This could be caused by pump wear or contamination. The gasoline pump is typically also apparent before failure if the pump is leaking, a power contact is broken, or a line or a pump lever is broken. A damaged fuel pump can be changed at a mechanic’s workshop.
Broken Fuse
Occasionally, your Malibu’s malfunction could also be caused by a blown fuse. Verify all the fuses in the fuse box that are needed to start the engine. However, exercise caution if you decide to assist with the fuse box yourself! Repairs and tests should always be carried out in service because the box is powered.
Faulty Spark Plugs
The engine won’t start if the spark plugs aren’t working. A defect frequently does not affect the spark plugs themselves. Instead, the ignition system’s plug connections loosen. You can solve the issue on the spot if only one plug is genuinely loose. If a spark plug breaks, it needs to be changed at the shop.
Rodents Harm
Another potential cause of your Chevy Malibu’s failure to start is rodent damage. The animals, such as rodents, nibble on the cables and wires as they creep underneath the car.
In theory, this may have an impact on all vehicle systems, including fuel, oil, and electrical supplies. Looking into the engine compartment usually makes it easy to observe rodent damage. The workshop can fix the harm a rodent bite causes. Here, costs are going to be fairly expensive.
Faulty Alternator
A generator that generates electricity is called an alternator. Your Malibu’s alternator won’t be able to generate electricity, which prevents the battery from charging. As a result, even if you replace the batteries because you believe the battery is to blame for the engine’s inability to start, the battery will eventually run out and the engine will not start.
Rarely do alternators malfunction. Modern vehicles, in particular, are supposed to perform better and last 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers. If the alternator malfunctions, a new alternator must be installed. However, depending on how you use it, it could malfunction, and in the case of a used car, the alternator might be extremely dated. Keep your guard up at all times.
Fuel Filter Clog
Your Malibu’s fuel filter does not deteriorate over time as a mechanical component would, but it does become clogged with dirt and other airborne debris. Both the gasoline pressure and the filter’s permeability decrease.
To some extent, this doesn’t matter, but if the fuel filter is too dirty, the engine won’t run as well and, in rare cases, it might not even start. There is no way to clean it; the only option is to change the filter.
Engine Malfunction
It’s quite unlikely, yet it could be the reason why your Malibu breaks down or your Chevy Malibu may not start. When an automobile’s engine fails, everything stops functioning.
It happens frequently that a vehicle’s driver is accountable for such damage. Timing belt tearing, improper fueling, insufficient lubrication, hydrolock, engine overheating, and persistently running at excessive speeds are a few common causes. Engine failure in a workshop can only be identified by a professional repairperson.
Still, Having Trouble with Your Chevy Malibu?
A short-term solution, there is a tried-and-true method of starting the engine with a malfunctioning starter motor if you are on a highway without any services nearby. While your companion tries to start the engine from inside the car, take a hammer and begin lightly tapping the starter motor.
When the starter’s internal components are jammed together or the gears are only slightly out of alignment, this solution works. It is advised that you have the starter evaluated by a professional because it is conceivable that it is almost at the end of its lifespan.
FAQs
Q. What Might Prevent a Chevy Malibu From Starting?
A dead battery, an alternator issue, or a bad starter are the three most frequent causes of a Chevrolet Malibu not starting. To speak with a specialist about your problem, look through our network of RepairPal Certified stores close to you.
Q. How Can a No-Start Be Diagnosed?
It can be challenging to evaluate the ignition timing on a no-start, but it is still possible by connecting a timing lamp and observing the timing marks when a helper cranks the engine.
This may or may not be based on timing according to the manufacturer’s specifications, but it shows you where the spark is coming from.
Q. Why My Chevy Malibu Won’t Start, Why Is It Producing a Clicking Sound?
The most frequent causes of a ticking noise coming from a Chevrolet Malibu engine are low oil pressure or level, an ignition system problem, or an exhaust leak.
Conclusion
Your Chevy Malibu won’t start for a variety of reasons. Use the exclusion principle and start with the most obvious cause, an empty battery, when searching for the trigger.
Weak batteries and a bad electrical connection are the easiest causes to identify when you’re trying to figure out why. In any case, it is recommended that laypeople attend a workshop. A qualified technician can quickly identify the no-crank problem for you.
