Anti-theft Controller problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

2001 chevy Malibu won't start in August, 2013 car would not start. It was trying to turn over, but would not. Had to have it towed in to dealer. They found passlock sensor not working properly. They replaced cylinder kit (included passlock sensor) and ignition switch. Paid $800. In oct. 2, 2017, car would not start in parking lot. Same thing happened. As before, battery was not an issue. Towed to same dealer. They said security system got set some how. They reprogrammed the system. Said if it happens again, may have to put in new system. Paid $125. Dec. 2, 2017 it happened again. Car would not start in garage. This time, after finding on-line from many posts about the same problem, found a way to get the car started (10 minute wait for the �anti-theft system� light to go out. -this may have been the same way the dealer started the car in oct. ) this time dealer said need passlock sensor replaced, again. This would have been another $500+. Since car was running, and after reading what others say about issue, declined repair at the time. Have seen hundreds of complaints on numerous blogs and websites, including ntsha, on just this specific car and specific issue (2001 Malibu won't start). Many of them saying the passlock sensor does not last very long (sometimes fails in 2-4 months). Also saw same problem on numerous other years of Malibu, and other gm cars. With all of the problems with the system, there should be a recall of at least the passlock sensor. This is a safety issue, whether or not there have been any injuries or deaths. Someone could be followed to their car and/or attacked late at night in a parking lot, or along a street, not able to drive away. It could be very serious. This issue needs to be fixed. Please issue a recall.

The anti theft system disabled the car on the tappan zee bridge, with no place to stop and 18 wheelers going by me at 60+mph. I had to shut the ignition off, turn it back on and wait 10 minutes for the anti-theft to disable, so I could turn the ignition off and reset the anti-theft and start the car. Talking about scared to death. Happy I am still alive to report this. It was in motion 55mph and stopped running, anti theft started to blink.

I backed up my car, put it in drive and the anti theft system disabled the motor. I started rolling backwards and lost my perspective. I rolled backwards into a telephone pole causing a huge dent on my rear drivers side quarter panel. Thank god the pole was there or I might not have realized what was happening. Behind me was a rout iron fence and beyond that was a 20 ft drop (driveway has a retainer wall that it is built on top of. I had filed another complaint. The car had disabled itself on a bridge that has no slow lane to stop in. I can take pictures of the damage in the daylight if needed.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu classic. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed and the anti-theft lock warning sensor illuminated. In addition, the anti-theft lock sensor remained illuminated and the vehicle was unable to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Having problems with the anti theft security has a defect. The car will enter into anti-theft mode and you can't start the car for 10 minutes after you put in the on position ,then you to wait 5 seconds and then start the car. You can buy a aftermarket module to get around this problem for $300,it is a $1000 repair at dealer. My daughter is 4 months pregnant and is driving this car now.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu classic. While the vehicle was at a complete stop, it stalled and the anti-theft system warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed and it was diagnosed that the engine switch needed to be replaced along with a sensor related to the anti-theft system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact mentioned this was the second time the failure occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu classic. While stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted. The contact stated that the anti-theft security indicator illuminated without warning. The vehicle was repaired three times by an unknown independent mechanic where the ignition was replaced, the anti-theft system was reprogrammed, and the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred after each repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu classic. The contact was not experiencing any failures until it was taken to the dealer for a manufacturer recall concerning the ignition switch. The contact noticed that months later, the anti-theft warning indicator kept randomly illuminating. The key was unable to turn over to start the vehicle. The contact had to use the owner's manual and wait ten minutes to turn the key back and forth to get the vehicle to start. The dealer was notified of the failure several times. The contact was to check with the manufacturer to determine if they may be able to provide a repair solution. The recall information was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

When trying to start the engine, the anti theft security system shuts down engine operation. You must wait 10 minutes with the ignition on while the security telltale light shuts off before you can start the engine. The ignition lock cylinder seems to be at fault, but the dealer said this is not part of the current recall involving unintended rotation of the cylinder. They said they will put a key cap on my keys to keep the ring centered to prevent offset rotation. The cylinder obviously needs to be replaced, but this is at an extra added cost. If the cylinder is so worn out and wants to rotate on it's own, why is it not included in the recall? I am the second owner of this vehicle with currently 134,000 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and the anti theft warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart until the anti theft system was turned off. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,000.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system); however, the contact stated that it took several attempts to start the vehicle after the anti theft warning indicator intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start until after the anti theft warning indicator was no longer illuminated. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

Anti theft passlock system, 2001 chevy Malibu. Locked me out for 3 time and will not allow me to start my car. 6 months ago had ignition switch changed out worked fine untill repeated times being locked, won't start no matter how many times it is put through relearned cycle. Now may loose my job, can not go to work for days now.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that several attempts had to be made before the vehicle could start. The contact stated that the vehicle was powered off and back on until the anti theft warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to be started after the anti- theft warning turn off. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the lock cylinder and key were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Yesterday as I was driving, the passlock, (anti theft system) had shut the car down. Luckily I was only on side streets and there weren't a lot of people out at the time. It got me looking into ways to solve this problem, and it amazed me how many other people are having this issue of cars dying on them with this issue. I have been told by many mechanics that it is a common problem with these cars, yet im unsure of why there has never been a recall. Its only a matter of time before this causes a serious accident, or kills someone.

On at least 10 occasions over the past 10 years when attempting to start the vehicle the anti-theft passlock system will activate for no apparent reason, which disables the ability to start the engine by cutting off the fuel. If I turn the ignition key to on position and wait for 10 minutes, then turn the key to the off position and then attempt to start the engine it will startup successfully. This is very annoying and potentially dangerous when it happens while parked in dark parking lots late at night or operating the vehicle in very cold weather. This problem has been reported by tens of thousands of gm owners over the past several years. Why hasn't gm been forced to repair the problem.

Anti theft system on this car along with hundreds if not thousands of people have left us stranded. You call the dealer they say nothing of the reset stuff that is in the book. I did not have a book went on line last winter the first time it happened. Dealer said bring it in and get it tested never once offered the fix in book,so if they have a fix in manual don't you think they know its an ongoing issue???? please make them do the right thing. This is the 6th time for me 3 on my way to work. Call polar Chevrolet and tell them your car wont start and anti theft system is on bet ya get the same answer I did. They are ripping the consumer off with bogus fixes for a problem they know about. I drive a school bus for a living I just need to get to work. Google antitheft chevy Malibu check it out please! next site is abc cbs nbc and cnn.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start sporadically, as a result of the anti-theft pass lock system malfunctioning. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the anti-theft pass lock system and was advised by the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Antitheft system passlock randomly activates and prevents starting of car -- must leave key in car for 10-15 minutes and then it starts. It happened again. Did internet search regarding Malibu starting problems and saw lots of people have same problem I have but when the cars are taken in they are told they need ignition switch or some other thing but after replacement still have the problem. Other people on the internet expressed that this is a safety issue and I agree -- having a car that may or may not start at any given time is not safe. For example, what if engines cuts off or is turned off and car needs to be moved for an emergency or safety reason but wont start for 10-15 minutes?! has happened more than 12 times over the 10 years we have owned it. Lost count. Bought it new.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was driving 50 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The anti theft system warning light illuminated after the failure and the vehicle restarted. The failure repeated many times after the initial failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 146,000 and the current mileage was 180,766.

I went outside to crank up the car and it would not start. It would crank but would not start and the anti-theft light would flash. Researched the internet for possible causes and was advised to put the key in the on position for about 10 minutes to bypass the theft system. It seems as if the theft system kicks in and kills the car so that it will not start. This has happened several times. I am always able to get the car to start after about 10 minutes of it being in the on position, but there is clearly an issue with the wiring as this is a common complaint on the internet about these cars.

[note that I lived in ontario, canada] I stopped my car in a parking lot, but then could not get started. I called the gm dealership and was told to wait for 20 min while leaving the key in the on position. It worked. . Read more...

Our chevy 2001 Malibu has a defective anti theft system that many other complain about also. It disables the car at the most in opportune times that can be life threatening in some instances. Gm should recall this and they have not.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to start the vehicle, the anti-theft light illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 65,000.

When I go to start my car-2001 chevy Malibu the anti theft light comes on and the car will not start. This has been ongoing for amonth and chevy will not fix. I have researched the internet to find this is a common problem and chevy will not fix or recall. Please help. I am a sr citizen with a severely disabled husband. This happens daily. I had it towed and the garage said a battery needed to be replaced. So it was and it still does it.

The anti-theft won't let me start my car for several minutes in the morning an other times. It takes forever to get started an I need to get a recall on it hopefully. I'm only one of many with this problem. Please help me get this resolved.

The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 25 mph the anti theft light illuminated on the dashboard. When the vehicle stalled he coasted to the side of the road because the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The local mechanic advised him that only the dealer could provide him with the error code. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who reset the code. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for the failure. The failure occurred twice. The failure mileage was 114,000 and the current mileage was 125,000. Updated 03/29/11 updated 04/28/11.

I have a 2001 chevy Malibu. The anti-theft system prevents me from starting the vehicle about three times a month. I have to wait 15-20 minutes before it will start. This has caused me to be late to work many times.

This complaint relates to the poorly designed gm passlock anti-theft system that erroneously enters anti-theft mode and disables the fuel injectors. Gm should be forced to recall this passlock system ã‚ it is simply unacceptable to strand motorists because of an incompetently designed anti-theft system. I have replaced both the in-tank fuel pump and two ignition modules (at an expense of three towing bill plus $1000+ in repair costs), only to find out that the anti-theft system was misreading my ignition key and disabling the injectors. Several internet forums that I found after the expensive repairs describe how to reset this erroneous signal after having to wait 10 minutes for the system to clear. I have personally read hundreds of similar horror stories in online forums, and this is a widely known issue. It is unacceptable that people have to deal with this defective system, and that dealerships and mechanics make huge profits replacing fuel pumps and ignition modules unnecessarily. By the way, after each of the expensive repairs I mentioned were done, the car experienced the same issues within 30 days of the repairs.

Purchased a 2001 chevy Malibu and after a week worth of starting the car, the car would "crank" but not turn over. I had to wait 10-15 minutes with my key in the acc position then restart my car. I have night classes and if this happens at night it could be dangerous. My friend also has a 2002 chevy Malibu and he has the same problem. To correct this problem I am having my anti-theft passlock system wire (yellow) disabled. How is the anti theft lock going to lock out the owner with the original key?!?!.

Passcode antitheft system - 2 separate repairs, latest oct, 2011 involving the ignition/theft system. The system malfunctions and the vehicle will not start.

I have a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu with the anti-theft system/passlock problem, that turns the car off while I am driving on the highway at 55 mph (or any speed for that matter). In fact, it simply turns off whenever it likes. This morning turning onto a highway, it stalled as I turned and I was almost hit by a truck had the truck not moved out of the way. I could not move because my power steering did not work due to the car shutting off. The mechanic I took it to said he's replaced hundreds on all kinds of gm cars, and that he was surprised it was not recalled. After researching this, I have found thousands of posts of people complaining about the identical issue! this is incredibly frightening and has happened to me on more occasions than I can count! it happens at least once a day.

I have a 2001 chevy Malibu and I have had multiple issues with the passlock system. I have spent numerous hours, and a large amount of money trying to figure out the problem and get it fixed. I know now that this is a very common issue and wonder why there isn't a recall for the said part.

2001 Chevrolet Malibu: anti theft/pass lock problems. Sporatic issue cause the vehicle to not start. Multiple tows and service charge with no consistent fix.

Two months ago we bought a used 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. Two days after was sitting, stranded because of a malfunctioning passlock system. The first time it malfunctioned I turned the key and the security system light blinked so I waited 10 minutes and it cranked after it reset. We took it to our local dealer and they replaced the ignition switch at a cost of $470. The very next day I get stranded at the gas pump only this time the security system light comes on solid for 5 seconds then goes away. No other lights on my panel other than the mileage shows up. I sat for two hours waiting and trying to crank it before getting a ride home. Went back the next day and it cranked right up. Yesterday I was stranded again only this time the thing went dead. It cranked right up and then after a second or two went dead again. Went to re-crank and the security system light only comes on for a couple of seconds and no other lights. I sat for two and a half hours trying to crank that thing and finally had to call the police to give me and my two children a ride home. We went back this morning and the evil thing cranked right up. We drove it home and it's sitting in our drive looking innocent as ever. It will crank 20 or so times before the passlock kicks in again. This car runs great and I have no other complaints other than the passlock system of the !@#$%!!!!.

My theft system light came on and the vehicle would not start. This happened 3 times about a week apart each. I ended up replacing the ignition lock cylinder and relearn. The repairman indicated he has seen this issue on a number of Malibus. Sometimes using a different key fixes the problem. Not in my case. Similar complaints are logged on internet chat rooms.