Edmunds Answers questions

2005 malibu maxx ls. rear disc brake caliper piston wont squeeze back in! is there a special trick with these type

msf68 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:44:30 GMT

i tried to get the piston back in with a c-clamp and it wouldn't budge! i even cracked the bleeder and then the brake line. is there some tool or other special way to push it back in so i can get new pads on?

Chevy Malibu Maxx/Security/RKS vs. Passive?

agentk — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:50:18 GMT

What's the difference between the security with the RKS vs. Passive? I go through the D.I.C. System and it lists both kinds, but I don't know what the difference is. Also, my Traction Control, when engaged, has a line through it, so I assume it means something is wrong with it?

I have a 04 Chevy Malibu Maxx and all of a sudden my keyless entry stopped working, and my key will not open my car door

kenni — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:42:10 GMT

All of a sudden, my key pad stopped working. I changed the battery on the keyless entry pad, but it is still not working. I only received one key when I purchased my car, so I assumed that the ignition key was also the door key. Since my keyless entry pad stopped working, I tryed to open the car door with the car key, but it did not work. I have been locked out of my car twice. What is causing this problem and what can I do?

Water Stains on 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx

agentk — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:36:34 GMT

Is anyone else having problems with water stains on the interior cloth of their Maxx?

How can I fix the poor sound reception on my radio? It is in a 2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx LT.

whitewagon — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:01:48 GMT

The sound problem is interment crakle, sort of like a hicup. It is annoying!

Why did my remote start quit working after I replaced my battery on a 2004 Malibu Maxx (factory option remote).

hend42 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:25:00 GMT

Hello,
I replaced the battery on my 2004 Malibu Maxx. The remote locks the doors, flashes the lights and you hear the fuel pump but no turning over. Does it have to be reprogrammed?
Thanks

I have a battery drain on my Chevy Malibu .axx

maxxedout1 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:59:40 GMT

anytime I leave the 2005 Maxx parked for more than a day, it won't start. I've replaced the battery and taken the car to my mechanic. the poor guys have checked all the electrical connections, run diagnostics, checked the bulletins and nothing has panned out. it seems fine if i do my normal routine, go to work, leave the car sit all day, drive home, etc. The other day, i stayed home sick but knowing that not using the car might make it die, i started it and left in running for 15 minutes. the next day, it wouldn't start. I've gotten really paranoid and stand in the garage until all the interior lights turn off. If anyone has had a similar problem, I'd love to hear about it. the next stop is the dealer and I'm not sure that i can afford to have them dinking around on it. My mechanic didn't charge me because he couldn't fix the problem. Help!

Require shifter cable for 2004 Malibu Maxx.

madhatter4 — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:37:15 GMT

GM can't find the required cable in North America. Scrap yards are also empty. GM said the part won't be available till August.(I guess they forgot to pay the supplier.) Any suggestion would be greatly received.

Where can I get an owner's manual for a 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx?

iless3 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:23:48 GMT

Where can I get an owner's manual for a 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx?

My information center says my key fob battery is low even after I changed the battery. Is it a malfunction? Chevy Malibu Maxx.

curiousg0595 — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:07:38 GMT

My information center on my 07 Malibu Maxx LS is saying my key fob battery is low even after I put a new battery in the keyless remote. Is this a malfunction or an electrical problem?

Malibu Maxx remote keyless entry question.

sleepylion — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:36:52 GMT

I have an '05 Malibu Maxx and the keyless entry pad quit working. Inside the piece that holds the battery in had come unsoldered. I soldered the piece back into place and here's where my problem comes in. The remote start will no longer work, instead it acts as a second panic button. Is this something that can be fixed with a re-program or do I need to buy another keypad. Thanks in advance for any answers or help.

Emergency brake broken? Chevy Malibu Maxx.

kristine70 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:44:22 GMT

My emergency brake cable has snapped. My Malibu Maxx is 5 years old. The dealer said that the rear calipers seized causing the system to fail. The estimate to fix it is $1500! Is this normal for a safety system to fail at only 5 years? Do I have any recourse in having these replaced at GM's cost?

TIA for any help.

Where can I find a bug shield for 2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx?

paducahshane — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 15:30:06 GMT

I found a site last year. It took a good long while. I can't find it now. Most have then for the Malibu up to 2003. I usually can find anything online and this is making me crazy

New transmission for a 2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx .

tessa22 — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:46:59 GMT

ok I just got into an accident and my car was almost totaled out but I was wondering how much it is for a new transmission because I got it back and the transmission was messed up and now they need a new one and I would like to know how much one is so I can call my insurance people to see if I can still total it out

Chevy Malibu Maxx hatch will not open.

madmaxx — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:40:06 GMT

2004 Maxx LS

Hatch will not open. I can hear the relays click when I push the main release button and the safety release button above the license plate.

Anyone else have the same problem? How was it fixed?

Thanks!

I noticed some discoloring within the headlight housing. The headlights work but seal may be failing. Chevy Malibu Maxx.

maxiumpete — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:56:13 GMT

2004 Malibu Maxx headlight problem on passenger side only.

Anyone else have problems with a 2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx making popping noises under driver's floorboard when turning?

maddermaxx — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:08:16 GMT

I've had to take my 06 Malibu Maxx in each year since purchasing late 06, for same popping noise under driver's side floor. Steering column was replaced at 28,000 miles, steering shaft replaced at 37-38,000 miles, then tire rod replaced, along with leaking struts at 47,000 miles. Each time, the noise went away for about a year, except for the last time, when the dealership replaced the tire rod and struts. Noise began again after only 2 weeks. Took back to same dealership, they replaced the steering shaft. This did NOT get rid of the problem at all! Dealership said it wouldn't be dangerous to drive this way, just an aggravation to put up with the noise in turning.

the tc/abs lights won't turn off. drives and stops fine

mikec56 — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:24:47 GMT

No codes on code reader, fuses good - odd thing found on checking fuses- no fuse in the trans module spot. added fuse made no difference, brakes work fine pushing trac control button makes no difference. its a 2006 malibu maxx - don't want to go to dealer.

Want to upgrade existing single CD with 6 CD on 2006 Malibu Maxx. Where can I get one, and will menu, etc. be kept?

tonyjoe — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:26:17 GMT

DIY problems,warranty if dealer installed, I have shop service manual but has not proven too helpful for other things. Also, special tool for radio surround needed, etc.

I have a 2005 Malibu Maxx and radio is not cutting off after the door is open. Can someone please help?

drbell_2332 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:22:13 GMT

2005 Malibu Maxx LS

Need names of extended warranty companies used by Jim Smith Chevrolet in New York?

Lennyg218 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:00:12 GMT

Jim Smith Chevrolet went out of business. I purchased an extended warranty and need to have warranty related work on on my vehicle but don't have the name or phone number to give to the dealer doing the work.

Have an 05 Chevy Malibu Maxx, 50,000kms, new brakes. Buy-out $11+k. Should I go for it? What are the potential problems with these?

moishe1 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:26:31 GMT

Have enjoyed our 05 Malibu Maxx - leather interior, double moon roofs, climate controlled, rear radio, tinted windows, remote entry and starter, have only had to replace the brakes recently - needs new windshield and rear wiper -what other problems do these models have that may make it not a good investment if we consider buying it out of the lease - only 50,000ks - buyout is $11+ks.

2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Bought new. Always have had front end shimmy.

endsley — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:57:21 GMT

Can live with turn signal bulbs coming and going. Also elctric door locks going crazy at times. But I really need to fix the problem of front end shimmy.

Bought this 2005 Maxx new. Had shimmy then. Dealership said it would quit after break in time. After driving six thousand miles I was told by same dealer they would not cover any warranty over five thousand miles on suspension parts.

At around 40,000 miles I had the struts replaced with new aftermarket parts, bought two sets of new rotors and pads. two weeks after replacement of last set around 2000 miles on new rotors, balance and pads shimmy starts agian.

Tires were balanced front and rear each time rotors are replaced. I like the car. What is my problem and how do I fix it? Also changed tire size to 215/60/16. Did not help. First two weeks after changing rotors and pads with balance drives perfect and then starts over again. Help.

71000 miles now. Plan to keep two more years.

Replacing stock radio 2005 Chevy Malibu MAXX?

jrosiek — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:12:53 GMT

I'm looking at replacing my stock radio and want to keep the information system working on the car. Are there any options available to be able to do this? Thank you in advance!!

John

2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx. Rear sunshade doesn't retract.

2tired — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:56:44 GMT

I just recently purchased a 2006 Malibu Maxx. The first time I tried to use the draw type sunshades covering the rear sunroof, they wouldn't retract. Is this an easy thing to fix?

My Chevy Malibu 2004 stalled after clipping a curb. Half a tank of gas, reads no fuel. How can I reset?

mattigy — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:35 GMT

Suspicion is that the car stalled as a response to the curb, as if it was collision. So now it seems the gas may have been cut off. The check engine light is on solid. Have checked all the fuses related to the fuel system, and even disconnected the battery for a few minutes to see if the car would reset. Fuses are fine, still registers as no gas and wont turn over. Again, prior to bumping the curb the gas read just shy of half a tank. Options?

With the new page display for new cars, where can the list of "Standard Equipment" for a particular car be found?

aquaknot2000 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:18:58 GMT

Same as above.?

How often must the oil be changed in a 4 cylinder 2005 ?

925lady — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:56:43 GMT

I've always had it changed every 3000 miles. This time, however, I have driven it over 4500 miles. I'm wondering if the oil must be changed so often???

What size socket do I need to remove oil pan from a 2005 Chevy Malibu with a V6 engine?

nykole711 — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:10:36 GMT

I have a 2005 chevy malibu with a V6 engine, I need to know what size socket I need to remove the oil pan to change the oil.

2008 Malibu LT.Anyone have info for fog light kit (same as LTZ) from GM or aftermarket availability.

tsaxy1 — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:18:11 GMT

Want to install fog lamps (like the LTZ 2008) on a 2008 LT model. GM did not offer option. Will they come out with a kit??? Or will the aftermarket beat them to it?

06 Chevy Malibu steering failure due to torque input sensor. Dealer wants to replace column assy & steering motor?

okot — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:24:46 GMT

Every slow speed left 90 degree turn causes the power steering to fail which makes the car almost undriveable. This vehicle has electric power steering and had a similiar problem beginning in the 04 model.

They replaced the column assy under warranty then as the vehicle was only months old. My '06 has 55k and is no longer under warranty. The esitmated cost to repair is $1135. I'm wondering if I'm an isolated case or are many GM owners ( Saturns & Vette's have the same system) experiencing this problem and if so was the diagnosis the same.

2003 Chevy Malibu stock radio removal questions

chiefrudy — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:30:59 GMT

I need to get the stock radio out of the dash on a 2003 chevy Malibu. Does the trim around the radio just pop off? Are there any screws that hold it in? I need to pull mine out so I can install a FM modulator for my sirius radio.

Thanks in advanced!

Where is the oil filter on my 2006 Chevy Malibu. 4 cylinder 2.2 L.

rossg1 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:37:50 GMT

Is the oil filter in a door or something?

Anyone ever replace the lower control arm on a V6 2004 Chevy Malibu - new body style - any help or hints?

harkey — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:20:06 GMT

Ball joint is bad on a 2004 Malibu with 60000 miles. Chilton's manual says on vehicle with v6 engine, engine mount must first be removed in order to remove the control arm. I don't have an engine hoist. Can I just remove the engine mount bolts and use a block of wood and a floor jack on oil pan and raise motor? Just high enough to remove control arm bolt?

My father in law has a 2000 Chevy Malibu 3100 engine. With no warning, drive went on the transmission.

lasvegaskid — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:32:09 GMT

Hi Everyone,
I've never been on here before. My father in law has a 2000 Chevy Malibu 3100 engine. With no warning the drive went on the transmission. Reverse works fine. Has anyone had this happen ? If so was it a complete overhaul? Thanks very much, Bob

I have a 2005 Chevy Malibu with a steering box thunk. Have there been any recalls on this problem?

tdeemer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:23:36 GMT

It makes this clunk when turning both left and right.

How do you replace a power steering line? Chevrolet Malibu.

lbecerra — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:43:42 GMT

I have a 97 chevy malibu v6, the power steering line wore out or busted down on the bottom where it connects, i have a replacement for it already, i just don't have alot of mechanical knowledge how does one begin to replace it do i start at the bottom and work my way up or start at the top and work my way down. is it easy to replace or does it take a experienced mechanic. any suggestions. thanks

Chevy Malibu power steering hose came loose.

lbecerra — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:47:56 GMT

i am trying to figure out what to do, i have a 97 chevy malibu v6, a power steering hose came loose from the metal tube located under the front axel.letting all the fluid out how do i fix it what's the parts name. can putting a pressure clamp work, i am clueless. thanks for any advice.

Will an 01 Chevy Camaro 5 hole rim fit my 07 Malibu?

jerrjett — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:57:30 GMT

will an 01 Camero 5 hole rim fit on my 07 Malibu

I have a 2009 Chevy Malibu LTZ and have had problems keeping my cell phone paired with the Bluetooth.

mfrois — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:06:51 GMT

I could go through all of the steps but would leave to go in a store and return with no connection. I might have gotten it fixed today except now, when pairing, the Bluetooth system will not accept my phone name. There is "dead silence." Anyone have this same problem and do you have a solution. I have Onstar working on it but would love to know answer now. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Anybody else experiencing steering problems witha 2008 Chevy Malibu; 4 cylinder?

elliemae7 — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:47:56 GMT

At about 11,000 miles the steering wheel started to intermittently jerk back and forth when driving. It will be fine for awhile and then just start acting up. No rhyme or reason to it. Dealer has rotated/balanced tires and reprogrammed steering wheel position sensor. It didn't fix it and it acted up within 2 miles of leaving the Dealership! Anybody else experience this problem and find the cure?

After car has been runnig for about 1 hour freeway driving, engine will not retrun to idle speed. Stays at over 2000 rpm's. Chevy Malibu.

dkm418 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:29:53 GMT

2002 Chevy Malibu. After engine has been running for about 1 hour freeway driving the engine will not return to idle rpm's under 1000 the engine will stay between 2000-3000 rpm's. After engine has been shut down for about an hour will start and run at normal idle rpm's.

Temperature gauge shows normal and all fluids at normal levels.

What is the issue and approx. cost to fix?

Besides balancing ,alignment, bad tires, and damaged cv shafts, what else can cause a vehicle to vibrate? Chevy Malibu.

javi_vela7 — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:13:06 GMT

My 2005 Malibu vibrates after going 60 mph. I have already balanced the new tires. I replaced the cv shafts and had the car aligned. The vibration continues but it only does it some times and only after 60mph.

Why are my brakes squealing? 2005 Chevy Malibu.

djseph — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:29:18 GMT

I own a 2005 Chevy Malibu. I changed the front brakes and rotors about a month ago. The breaks however are squealing very loudly. I have eliminated dust and rocks. The front brakes will even chirp when my foot is not even on the brake pedal. When I turn the vehicle right or left when it is chirping the sound will go away. Any ideas why the breaks are squealing and chirping?

2008 Chevrolet Malibu 3.6 ltr. V6 engine misfire.

maliblues1 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:53:41 GMT

I have a continuous misfire problem. No check engine light or codes. Two dealers have failed to correct the problem. They have replaced oxygen sensors and two injectors. One dealer noticed a 7% drop in fuel trim when misfire occurs. I and dealers have started 2009 Malibus with this engine they have the same problem. I also experienced the misfire in Pontiacs and Cadillacs with this engine. Does GM have a problem with this engine?

Do the '09 Chevy Malibus have a serious engine oil leak problem? My mechanic says he's seeing a lot of them in the shop.

chrismax — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:54:37 GMT

I told my mechanic at my local shop that I was interested in a new Malibu. He advised against it and said he's seen several brand-new Malibus come in for oil changes and noticed that many of them were leaking. Is it a quality-control issue or something else?

How can you enter a phone number extension on a Bluetooth phone on my car 2010 Chevy Malibu?

mustang3693 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:33:44 GMT

I would like to know if there is a way to enter phone extension numbers to a phone number I am putting in my phonebook on my car bluetooth

Can a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu be flat towed?

deenaracer — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:37:31 GMT

Can a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu be flat towed?

What causes shuddering, vibration in steering on 2008 Malibu LTZ starting from dead stop, turning to the right.

walkermick — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:15:02 GMT

Returned auto to dealer. Was told that the power steering hoses were touching, they repositioned them. Did not help. Returned to dealer 2nd time. Was told the engine was carboned up, Mechanic drove it hard to clean carbon from engine. Did not help the steering problem.