Car won't start

Asked by Anna Jun 14, 2018 at 10:46 AM about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I'm thinking of purchasing an 03 Malibu for my
daughter. Current owner says it'll start but then
won't start again for a couple of days. He replaced
the fuel filter and everything was fine for a couple
of weeks then back to original problem. He thinks
the fuel line is clogged. Is that possible? How
expensive of a fix would it be?

1 Answer

3,030

I could almost GUARANTEE you this is a failed security system. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM. (Theft Deterrent Module) The TDM is what tells your computer that the correct key is being used and that it is "OK" to allow the vehicle to start and run. These 3 parts must be in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending important signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, (normally due to a failing/broken part) the car goes into antitheft mode. The car misinterperates this and thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is NOT getting that signal from YOUR specific key. There is where the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. So basically, if that light is on, your system has some sort of failing part. This can start as an intermittent "no start", to your vehicle not running for days at a time, to the vehicle NEVER starting again. The problem is electrical and computer based, so don't count on an easy reset button, or the problem fixing itself. The hard part is isolating which part is the problem. You can spend a thousand dollars through a mechanic very easily. I have had great luck with bypassing the entire system. This way the problem will never return. It actually CAN'T ever return because it is eliminated. This can also be done yourself at a much cheaper cost. google NEWROCKIES. This company makes a bypass unit for this system. I've installed many with great success. Still driving one today.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

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

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
7 Great Deals out of 133 listings starting at $4,888
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 973 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,149 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Civic
198 Great Deals out of 4,034 listings starting at $440
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 680 listings starting at $3,795
Used Chevrolet Camaro
13 Great Deals out of 468 listings starting at $11,749
Used Toyota Corolla
135 Great Deals out of 2,300 listings starting at $103
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
214 Great Deals out of 8,009 listings starting at $1,500
Used Hyundai Sonata
46 Great Deals out of 814 listings starting at $1,543
Used Nissan Maxima
11 Great Deals out of 195 listings starting at $1,450

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.