Temperature gauge is fluctuating sporadically, and the car doesn't seem to want to go sometimes. I just replaced the thermostat and I'm still having issues.

110

Asked by Drew Oct 30, 2015 at 04:10 PM about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

10 Answers

Check your coolant levels. If the coolant is really low it can cause swings in the temp. readings.

2 people found this helpful.
4,045

By the sounds of this it will be the electrical connections on the back of the gauge

4 people found this helpful.
110

The cars performance coincides with the fluctuation of the temp gauge. And the levels were a little low after I changed the thermostat. But I have filled it since then. Could it be the water pump? Or maybe a cog in the system?

2 people found this helpful.

What are the actual temperature readings? What are your driving conditions when it gets hot? Does it run badly when the temp is really high? If so you may need a new radiator, t-stat, pump, belts and a good engine flush. It also could be a radiator fan issue. Not all t-stats are created equal. Look for one that has a large opening - some have a very small opening.

2 people found this helpful.
110

It runs bad and wants to stop running when the temperature fluctuates high. I installed a new T-stat, and the engines been flushed when I put in a new radiator. The belt is fine. I'm leaving towards bad O2 sensors. I'm changing one at a time right now.

1 people found this helpful.
110

Sometimes it runs fine during a trip, but begins to act up like it has been. Sometimes at the beginning, sometimes in the middle. Short trips.

2 people found this helpful.
110

Replaced the front O2 sensor. Still doing the same. What's your thoughts about the temp. sensor?

3 people found this helpful.
4,045

Being a Chevrolet expert right here in south Carolina, I would check the water pump and whilst off I would back flush the motor, turn the heater to full remove bottom and top hose and spray high pressure water into the bottom hose and all the muck will come out the top of the motor

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
110

After all is said and done, the water pump is what was bad. Replaced the existing coolant with new. Runs good now. But unfortunately my temp gauge isn't working now. But everything else is. Thanks guys.

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Malibu

Looking for a Used Malibu in your area?

CarGurus has 21,329 nationwide Malibu listings starting at $1,300.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2005 Chevrolet Malibu

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,590
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,380
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,140
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
250 Great Deals out of 3,863 listings starting at $900
Used Toyota Camry
1,986 Great Deals out of 40,108 listings starting at $1,550
Used Honda Accord
1,365 Great Deals out of 29,244 listings starting at $1,075
Used Nissan Altima
1,221 Great Deals out of 36,154 listings starting at $900
Used Dodge Charger
699 Great Deals out of 33,721 listings starting at $3,000
Used Honda Civic
1,196 Great Deals out of 32,466 listings starting at $1,495
Used Ford Fusion
775 Great Deals out of 8,909 listings starting at $1,500
Used Chevrolet Equinox
2,410 Great Deals out of 49,389 listings starting at $999
Used Hyundai Sonata
810 Great Deals out of 16,837 listings starting at $611
Used Toyota Corolla
1,560 Great Deals out of 24,175 listings starting at $995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3,993 Great Deals out of 130,168 listings starting at $2,450
Used Chrysler 300
291 Great Deals out of 7,497 listings starting at $1,850
Used Nissan Maxima
268 Great Deals out of 3,532 listings starting at $1,995

Used Cars For Sale

2024 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
1,854 listings starting at $17,695
2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
11 Great Deals out of 151 listings starting at $17,949
2022 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
12 Great Deals out of 140 listings starting at $17,398
2021 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
6 Great Deals out of 110 listings starting at $13,495
2020 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
11 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $7,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.