Engine starts but then shuts off right away with other weird things?

160

Asked by rockchic Jul 18, 2011 at 12:20 PM about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The other day I went out to my car to find that my key fob thing didn't work, which didn't surprise me at all. So I unlocked the car with the key and flipped the lever to unlock all of the doors and it didn't work either. So I thought maybe I killed the battery or something so I tried to start the car. The car fired right up and then shut off right away. Some of the other weird things that I started noticing is it takes a few seconds for the dash to light up and they come slowly and not all at once like normal. Also, the interior lights did not work, nor the dome light, the trunk release also does not work. The radio worked as it was on but after we shut it off it now will not turn back on. Last night my land lord knocked on my door to tell me that my interior lights were on in my car. What??? They did not work?? I went out to my car and they were on and would not shut off, I had to pull the fuse to get them to shut off.

Another thing that I found was after some serious rain that morning there was water on the floor on the passengers side. The rubber thing around the windshield is coming off on the bottom.

I just had the Throttle Position Sensor replaced a couple of days before that. After having that replaced the car ran better than I can even remember it running before.

Could something have gotten wet??? Would that effect the car starting and shutting off right away?? My mechanic thought it might be the Theft deterant system failing. My dad told me maybe a dead cell in the battery. Any other ideas??

42 Answers

1,755

body control module? this is the first thing i would check BUT you should call a chevy dealer.. cuz it sounds like you may have more then that and they can diagnose it with a computer..

15 people found this helpful.

I agree with your dad,replace the battery,a bad one will cause all kind of weird things to happen on todays computer cars.

8 people found this helpful.
160

I talked to the Chevy dealer here in town and that is the thing that they mentioned was the Body control module which is tied to the theft system. My dad tried to pull a code off it with a code reader but it wasn't putting one out. So looks like it will be towed to the chevy dealer. It is crazy to me how the day before I got such great performance out of it to come out and find it in this condition..like it was nothing!! Ugh!!! Oh and we checked the battery, the battery is fine. I am guessing you are right on the money with the BCM. Thank you for your help! :)

16 people found this helpful.
135

i would have the alternater tested bc if your alternater is going bad then the whole car shorts out..that happend to me going down the road..everything electrical stopped working...radio shut off lights didnt work...it was running off the batttery.. when i came to a stop i had to drive on the shoulder to get up to speed well got home and as i was coming down the hill it died....so im for an alternater replacement...go to adv auto and theyll test it for you

9 people found this helpful.
220

I had the same problem and my mecanic find the answer so it was the fuse for the computer.

22 people found this helpful.
50,715

Have your thought of an exorcism?

19 people found this helpful.
445

My car 2001 Malibu is doing the same thing, bought it for my daughter and it ran out of gas, And the lights were left on, So it needed a charge. SAME symptoms. No key fob working, No dome light, No radio working, and will start up beautifully EVERYTIME. but then shut off. did you find out your cars issue.

43 people found this helpful.
300

2011 Chevy Malibu, died while at stop sign and red light. Pushed to side, then wouldn't restart. Had it towed, Chevy dealership hooks to computer and they show nothing wrong. Sell $300 things that MIGHT help. 3 days, drop son off at school. Went to restart, car won't start. Towed to dealer, this time they claim needs Fuel Pump. $700 and it is NOT covered under warranty. FINE. car home 3 days, same exact thing happens. Dealer has not had my car 2 days and they swear they cant get computer to find anything wrong. However, each tow truck driver mentioned fob. ALL state there is an issue. Dealer states they are not techs and are clueless. Now I want the $700 back it surely wasn't the fuel pump. Still clueless in AZ. Hours of missed work and a 2 year old car that dies and wont start. ANY advise???

30 people found this helpful.
50,715

Contact GM customer service. NOT the one at the dealer. There is a GM representative that at times monitors these postings an suggests any issues with a GM vehicle, especially a two year old one, to contact GM Customer Service. Your good dealer has their number to the representative in your area. You are being taken advantage of big time. Any chance you are a female and the service writer is a male? There may be your problem. I would not take this laying down. (No pun intended). You can get your money for all repairs that did not fix the problem in small claims court if GM does not fix you car. Also check on lemon laws in your state. You may force the dealer to take back your car and replace it with a similar one that works. Last avenue it to find an attorney specializing in product failure. Not one that advertises after 10 PM on TV or early Saturday mornings on TV.

16 people found this helpful.
180

Did all put change bcm. Car cranks runs. Then kills. Puzzled

18 people found this helpful.
130

Same happen to me today, after i replace door speakers in my 350z i start car to check if speakers work there was no problems, but i didnt have all electronics and AC controll connected i only check radio and both speakers. I turn off engine, hook up everything, put radio back in dashborad and try start the car.It fired right up and then engine shut off after 10 sec. I try several times... I'm going to check computer fuse tomorrow... Its frusrating.

13 people found this helpful.
480

I've had the same problem my Chevy Malibu it cranks up and runs for 2 seconds and then dies security light stay on flashing red so I bypassed the ignition module sensor still cranks and runs for 2 seconds come to find out I change the fuel pump and that is not the problem the problem is the fuel regulator up under the hood right there by your intake manifold you pulled the vacuum line off and tap on it with a screwdriver and if it cranks up then you know your fuel regulator is bad or if you pull the vacuum line off and gas pours out the top of it you know your fuel regulator is bad and you need to change it cost me $68 in my car runs with no problem now

37 people found this helpful.
110

I have a 03 Malibu and for some strange reason It starts and runs for 6 hours before going dead and won't start back up until it cool off for 30 minutes. Then it would start and run for another 10 minutes and dies again. I changed every sensor,fuel pump, and battery but still the samething.So I'm going to try BCM next and hope this solves the problem.

11 people found this helpful.
50

Hi Malcolm_125, I believe your car needs new camshaft position sensor. Had same problem on mine!

5 people found this helpful.
210

I know this is an old post but i really need help. My 98 malibu 3.1 is cranking and then dies. I put a now camshaft sensor, icv, and tps. Still wont stay running. If i unplig the tps it will run but then dies as soon as i plug it back in.

21 people found this helpful.
150

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu replaced the battery had thermostat and shifter replaced along with a pulley and serpentine belt all that added to 1,309$ In repairs a new key made at dealer to see if that was the issue and my car dies after a few hours sometimes minties kicks off as I'm driving shuts off

15 people found this helpful.
120

I had the same problem ,it was a security issue , i had to reset the security system . you can do this by using the key .. Turn the key to the lock position then to the unlock position then back to center ,get into car put the key in and try to start it if it does not start turn it off and retry it should start and run ok

12 people found this helpful.
90

I had a 2003 that did the same thing. It would start then die. I tried fooling with the remote to unlock the trunk or sound the horn, and that solved it. Take the remote off your key ring and get it 20 feet away from the car, and then try to start it. If your remote is bad it will shut your car off if it is close to the ignition.

6 people found this helpful.
50,715

GuruDZZ13, for real? I never heard of that. I've had a couple of fabs need batteries and had two replaced, (expensive) but never experience what you posted. Why remove it from the key ring?

4 people found this helpful.
90

It must have a proximity chip in it. If it is close to the ignition switch it will shut the engine off right after it starts.

3 people found this helpful.
50,715

So what you're saying, if it is near the engine block, it may be a chip off the old block? Never heard about the fobs doing that, but the age of progress does move on. Thanks.

4 people found this helpful.
10

So your saying its the computer.my atitheft Lock is on and engen light.they need to be reset

1 people found this helpful.
130

2011 chevy Malibu starts and won't stay running. It does within seconds of turning over. It sputters and dies right away. My wife had left a light on and had it jumped a few times within the last couple moths and had no issues. I got in to head to the gas station and it shit off right away. I saw a video on YouTube that said it could be the camshaft position sensor but reading all these testimonies I don't believe that to be the problem. I removed the wiring harness to that sensor and tried to start it but it did the same thing. I don't know if that is even a legitimate test but it did nothing different for me. I will try to remove the key fob and see if that works. All the power components (door locks, radio, trunk release) work fine. And all interior lights come on. I too, noticed a very odd thing with the dash board lights.. they come on slower and fade in and out as the car is going through it's sputter session upon starting and dying right away. Please help!

8 people found this helpful.
40

if security light is flashing turn key on for 10 minutes and it should stop flashing then turn key off and then try and start the car

4 people found this helpful.
120

i have a 2014 LT chevy Malibu it start up run for about a minute than putt than cut off somebody help

12 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 2003 Chevy cavalier. The car cranks but then shuts off. Can someone help me out with the problem

6 people found this helpful.
180

Check the wires in the back trunk for the fuel pump relay. My car would start up just fine cold I was driving about 20 minutes turn it off going to the store whatever come back out and it would start up a dying instantlyMr. out bunch stuff check the fuel pressure before I changed any parts I have determined that after messing with those wires it will start up so I’m going to replace them and see if that’ll do a permanent fix

7 people found this helpful.
180

Also if you’re driving and all the sudden it cuts out on you and does the same problem it’s probably because those wires are coming loose might even find their burnt

6 people found this helpful.
180

In the trunk on the left side behind the Felt there is a relay box the bottom right relay is the fuel pump relay reach your hand behind the box and mess with the wires then try and start the car :)

5 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2011 chevy malibu. Died going down the road. All fuses and relays are good. Fuel pump no longer receives power. After researching the fusebox in the trunk has a bad connection and the relay isn't relaying.I got the relay to power the pump after messing with. It all for a while and not since. So Basicly the harness to the trunk fuse box aka the bcm is crap. And I just found its been recalled.

1 people found this helpful.
130

ALL: I have been absent for some time, but recently had my Malibu fixed by the dealership. They concluded that I had a faulty connection in the rear fuse box and it was starting to melt the box in the trunk.. they also determined that a rodent had chewed a wiring harness the goes up the driver side of the vehicle from front to back. This may be a rare coincidence with some of the symptoms that you alm have spoken about, or commented on but the car is doing good so far.. been two weeks after months of making a dead cars payment! Glad to have the vehicle back. I’ll let you know if it dies again.. thank you for all the feed back. Maybe I can post a copy of the report from the dealership. I haven’t made much sense of it yet but also haven’t taken much time to look at it. Could be useful info in there for some others in my situation? Good luck to you! Oh, and by the way, it only cost me 2 grand to have it fixed! :(

4 people found this helpful.
10

my 2017 malibu just had valves changes and 2 days later when the eco boost kicks in and I stop at a sign. It dies! it starts right back up, but of course dealer says no codes computer says all is good. What happened to old school mechanics looking for the issue not just responding with the computer says IT IS OK!

1 people found this helpful.
20

My 2009 malibu had a similar issue today. It appeared that I was low on oil and what left in the system did not provide enough pressure on the sensor, which in turn caused all the troubles. Once oil was added car went back to normal.

2 people found this helpful.
50

My Daughter in law's malibu just quit. Running fine when parked. She tried starting it and it started, moved about 10 feet then quit. Plugs are black, will start then quits right away. Will run rough with throttle wide open. Son put in new plugs, new cam position sensors no help. seems to have plenty of fuel at the rail. Finally pulled the wires of the MAF sensor, car is running again. Bye the way had codes read only came back with a mis fire code. Hope this helps someone.

5 people found this helpful.
100

1997 Malibu 2.4L quad 4. engine cranks and starts, but dies almost immediately. Its like a bad fuel pump test. Spray starting fluid, engine starts and dies. pulled fuel line to rail and pressure seems fine. did not take actual pressure test yet. problem seem to be electrical. but not sure. Anyone figure this out yet?

3 people found this helpful.
40

Maurice to GuruYXCK I have a 2011 Malibu 2.4 that's cutting off after a couple seconds. Starts right up and keeps cutting off. Anyway took your advice and unplugged the mass air flow sensor and it continues to run. Plug it back up it cuts off. Did you ever find the cause of that and if so what was your solution. Thank you

1 people found this helpful.
40

2011 Chevy Malibu 2.4 Car runs for a couple seconds cuts off but starts right back up. Unplug the mass airflow sensor it continues to run with no problem. Plug it back up and cuts off. Can anyone help me with this. This site is very helpful I would appreciate any help I can get thank you in advance.

3 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2013 Chevy Malibu. Yesterday my car cracked on its own, then would turn off and on again as if someone was starting it on, then turning it off. I have never had this happen. The key was in the ignition but the car had been off for several hours. When i got in the car i turned the car on and it worked just fine. There is no problem with it cranking or going off, it's just that it does it when no one is in the car. Spooky!!!

1 people found this helpful.

My 2003 Malibu runs fine for about ten miles stalls and it will not start again until it cools down then goes or another ten miles over and over again, It loses antifreeze. I put an egg in the coolant. I may have the wrong antifreeze. So many people have told me to replace the cam position sensor. What has that got to do with the coolant temperature? Why will it not start right away.?

10

Engine turn starts then shutdown and I found out the ECM fuse pulled out and check it out was good put it back and put it in and started the car and it ran fine it in the in side fuse block

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Malibu

Looking for a Used Malibu in your area?

CarGurus has 20,156 nationwide Malibu listings starting at $1,295.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2001 Chevrolet Malibu

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,590
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,380
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
255 Great Deals out of 3,865 listings starting at $950
Used Toyota Camry
2,114 Great Deals out of 37,308 listings starting at $700
Used Honda Accord
1,467 Great Deals out of 29,270 listings starting at $600
Used Nissan Altima
1,279 Great Deals out of 37,312 listings starting at $700
Used Honda Civic
1,330 Great Deals out of 28,366 listings starting at $1,499
Used Chevrolet Camaro
600 Great Deals out of 9,353 listings starting at $2,000
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,097 Great Deals out of 130,276 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Corolla
1,587 Great Deals out of 24,280 listings starting at $866
Used Hyundai Sonata
807 Great Deals out of 17,449 listings starting at $850
Used Nissan Maxima
246 Great Deals out of 3,456 listings starting at $2,500

Used Cars For Sale

2024 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
1,666 listings starting at $17,695
2023 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 155 listings starting at $17,498
2022 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 156 listings starting at $14,588
2021 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 114 listings starting at $10,999
2020 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD For Sale
18 Great Deals out of 186 listings starting at $8,800

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.