Anti-theft Controller problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

Tl the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the engine hesitated when started. Also, the instrument panel lighting became very dim and the data on the screen was not visible. Also, the passenger door would not lock and the windows failed to roll down. All the warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact jumped the battery and the engine restarted. Later, the vehicle decelerated while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the anti-theft system failed. The mechanic was currently performing a second diagnostic test. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 46,786.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. While turning the ignition switch, the vehicle stalled and the anti-theft warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. While attempting to start the vehicle, the security theft light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would not start and was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the security system prevented the vehicle from starting. The contact stated that the system was reset by the independent mechanic, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000. The VIN was not available.

Tl-the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the anti-theft warning indicator light illuminated and the vehicle engine failed. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,567. Jw.

After 10 mins car was driven, parked in a parking lot. Went inside shop, and after 15mins, came back and tried to start the car, and car did not started. Anti-theft symbol was blinking. Tried to jump start, did not work. Took battery to auto zone, and then mentioned that battery is not good. Purchased battery, and installed. Turned car key in on position. Anti-theft system was blinking. After ~10mins, anti-system stopped blinking. Turned key to off position, and turned to on and start position, and car started.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. After repeated attempts, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the pass lock sensor was faulty and caused failure with the anti-theft pass lock system. The vehicle was not repaired since the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 43,500. The VIN was unavailable.

When attempting to start my son's 2002 chevy Malibu the anti-theft light came on, and the car would crank but not start. I looked online and found that this is a common pass lock sensor issue. The key needs to be in the on position for at least 10 minutes (until the anti-theft light goes off), then turn the key to the off position, take the key out, then put the key back in, and it will start. This is a known issue and can be referenced on numerous online sites, so there is no reason this should not be a recall issue. Mechanics will tell you it is the fuel pump, fuel lines, or the ignition, and you can spend a great deal of money without solving the issue. At $300-$450 (estimates) you can have the ignition switch replaced, but this is a known issue and should be on the recall list. I do not want my teenage son stranded for something that gm knows about and should replace.

I have had a problem start with the anti theft system going off and having to wait ten minutes for light to go out and start vehicle.

This is the second report I have had to make about a problem with my 2002 chevy Malibu. I went to start my car yesterday and the car would not start and instead would just crank. After reading in my owner's manual that the passlock anti-theft system in the car needed to be reset, I had to sit with my car key in the on position for 10 minutes; then I turned my car off and my car started fine. I just had my car towed last week to a dealership where they found nothing wrong with it because I did not know about this problem. If you do a simple internet search anyone can see this is a flaw in the 2002 chevy Malibu and other years of this same make and model. I do not always have time to wait the 10 minutes to reset this problem and am afraid it is only going to get worse and worse. In the event of an emergency what would I do if my car wouldn't start and I had to get somewhere urgently. I wish this organization would do something about this major problem because some hard working americans cannot afford to be late or miss work because of a flaw in our car's design.

I tried to start my car yesterday morning after having it only sit for an hour when the car would crank but not start. It seemed as if the car was not getting fuel and less than 3 weeks ago had a new fuel pump fixed on it because of this same issue. As I stated before, the car would crank but not start. I had it towed to the local chevy dealership and they were unable to find anything wrong with the car and had it starting and running every time they tried to diagnose the problem. After doing research online, it appears this is a common problem with chevy Malibu's as it deals with an error in the anti-theft device for the car and deals with the passlock system. This is an inconvenience for owners of chevy Malibu's and is such a common problem it needs to be fixed by the manufacturer or this vehicle.

Anti-theft system activates for no apparent reason. One way to restart the vehicle is to turn on the ignition switch for 10-15 minutes, may have to repeat this procedure three times and it still may not start. Looking at consumer complaints many people have spent up to $1500 for repairs that don't always fix the issue. Being stranded in a vehicle in freezing temperatures could be life threating. There are thousands of complaints and gm should issue a recall to fix this issue. This problem affects 1998-2012 Malibu’s and possibly some other models.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu ignition problem, faulty switch and car can incorrectly tell the anti-theft security system that the car is being stolen. Therefore, the car wont start the ignition lock cylinder was replaced.

Antitheft system intermittently causing car to stall and fails to restart tail lights are failing fuel system cutoff.

My handicapped mother has a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu that has been experiencing the same exact ignition related issues as those in the current massive gm recall. On more than two occasions the anti-theft light illuminates and the vehicle shuts off while she was driving. This has resulted in two significant repeat repairs, one in 2010 and one this week. In both cases the Chevrolet dealership describes the issue as an ignition pass lock sensor that fails due to key positioning. I have researched this online and have found hundreds of similiar complaints. Luckily this issue has not resulted in an injury but easily could have in the very congested metro DC area that she lives in. Why is the Malibu not being included in the current investigation and recalls?.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnose that the anti-theft system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000 and the current mileage was 162,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the anti-theft system warning light illuminated preventing the vehicle from starting. The contact mentioned that the anti-theft system reset approximately ten minutes after shutting off the vehicle and then the vehicle was able to start. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

I walked out the door ready to go to work got in the car turned the key it would not start. So first I had to wake someone up with a phone call because this is our only car. Got a ride to work late and called the place where I am buying this car for them to tow it two miles to there shop and charge me seventy eight dollars. I get the call from them saying its the fuel pump(another common unnecessary fix that you here repeat over and over. He also said the antitheft light was on and that I somehow demagnitized the key(wasn't possible because I was given a all silver key no chip in it) so that cost almost a extra hundred for the key. So after im riding almost fine torque could be more v6ish but I digress Tuesday Sep 4 2012 not a month later it doesn't start again, and again on my way to work. This time I had it towed and by the time it made it to the mechanic its was starting fine. I don't make enough money to continuously worry about this obvious widespread problem with gm vehicles made from 99-05. If whoever reads this types in my car wont start 2002 chevy Malibu, and just read the different peoples story's and see videos. In conclusion gm must recall these vehicles and fix these problems. Im a long time gm supporter of there american made cars and trucks. I've owned a 1989 Cadillac biaritz, 1999 chevy surburban,and now this 2002 chevey Malibu. Ive been lucky I read about a guy whose antitheft acted up while he was driving with his child. Recall and save lives and headaches.

I purchased my Chevrolet Malibu from a private part and the vehicle was running fine but sometimes it does not want to start. Bought a new battery and replaced the ignition switch and still have the starting problem. Seems that this type of vehicle has a history of anti theft system problems I called a Chevrolet dealership to ask if it could be repaired and was told I need to take it in at a cost of 80. 00 dollars to check it plus towing fees. I don't feel it is right that they do know the problem but still trying to get more money out of customers.

Bought my Malibu new, had no problems with it until after 100,000 miles. Was at a yellow light and the car shut off turned key to off position and restarted the car and went on. I say about 5 months later we went out of town for 3 day came back went to the car tried to start it. It would start and shut off it would keep doing it. Took to the shop they had for over a month pull back seat out thinking the wires under the seat was bad. Then check a lot of other stuff then he said it was the key switch and replaced it got it going. Called use up to pick the car up and it wouldn't start. He replace that one with another switch called us up to pick it up and it would not start. Then he by passed it with a toggle switch it worked for one day and started all over again. We don't know what to do. It is the anti theft system.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu security/anti theft system erroneously disables the car - every 20 or starts, for no reason, requiring a lengthy process to re-enable the ignition system. Car is low mileage and has original keys & key fob.

The 2000-2003 chevy Malibu will turn over but won't start, ever!. Auto repair place kept care for last 8 days. Problem is caused by the antitheft system. Dealers and auto-repair shops charge $1000 without fixing the problem. I've seen over a hundred complaints on this issue from people with Malibus of this era from the 'carcomplaints website'. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the anti theft system would activate and would not allow her to start the vehicle for at least ten minutes. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was not recognizing the key. The contact replaced the key; however, the anti theft system would still activate intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 68,000. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

I bought a 2002 chevy Malibu from a private party. Up until a few days ago it was running fine. One day it doesn't start up right away but I don't think anything of it. I park it then later get in to go to the store and vehicle will not start. So I get a new battery and that still did not fix it. I notice that the anti-theft light is on and is preventing me from starting my own car. A local gm dealership has my car and they say that there is definitely something going on with my ignition and theft system. There are thousands of complaints about the anti-theft system on 2002 chevy Malibus and Malibus not letting owners start their car. This is a manufacturing problem and gm knows all about it, yet they refuse to own up and issue a recall. It's not right that we have to pay for repairs on a defective theft system that gm built in there vehicles. They should be ashamed for putting thousands of american's at risk because everytime they start their car they have to wait 10, 20 mins, and sometimes more just for their theft light to go off to start their car. That is actually putting people at risk. Does something awful have to happen before gm opens up their eyes to this dangerous problem???????.

2002 Malibu will not start- anti theft system has shut down car. Fixed 5 years ago- over ride last year- won't start. Also tail lights work when they want to-most the time not at all. Keep having leaks in coolant area- needs to be fixed yearly running around $900 a year.

I have a 2002 Malibu that has left me stranded more times than any vehicle I have ever owned. The passlock system has locked me out more times than I can remember choosing to activate itself on its own. The theft engine lockout has caused me to have to leave for work early every day cause I never know when it is going to activate. Now the key locked up in the cylinder and $450 repair bill later, I don't think this is going to fix the problem. I have contacted gm and they just blew me off. What a crappy car - the worst I have ever own. I am stuck with a car that is totally unreliable. Thanks gm - I wont forget.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start or respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the anti-theft system was reprogrammed yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the anti-theft system would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 29,000 and the current mileage was 32,000.

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS and the passlock/ anti-theft system has kept my car from starting on several occasions. In re-searching this problem online I've found that there are several other complaints on the same issue. If this is a common complaint, it makes sense that gm should have to cover the expenses the fix the problem.

My anti-theft light was on for a couple of days, then one morning after getting off of work (11-7am) I started my car but the sound it made was that it wanted to start but didn't click over, after several coworkers attempting to help me I had to walk home and get my car towed from my job. The car shop stated they had to reprogram the key, well 4 weeks later the same thing happened and I had to get it towed again from work. I have gotten it towed 3 times leaving me stranded, when I called the car shop stating to them this is happening again and I am tired of spending several hundred dollars for something they are stating is taken care of they stated to me to keep the key in the ignition for 10 min and then it should be able to start. I have been doing that since but recently now everytime I get in my car it won't start to where I have to do the 10 min ritual before I leave anywhere. This has been very inconvenient and dangerous for me because I am a young woman that depends on her car to work because I work night shift, currently in school and have doctor appointments that I weekly have to take my grandmother.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and the anti-theft system warning light would illuminate upon the failure. The contact would have to wait until the light stopped blinking before the vehicle would successfully start. The failure occurred on a daily basis. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the anti-theft system would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000 and the current mileage was approximately 67,000.

I own a chevy Malibu 2002. The problem is the anti-theft system. The anti-theft system shuts down the fuel injectors and the car won't start. I have to put the key in the ignition in the on position for 10 minutes to reset the computer. Sometimes this will take more than 1 attempt. This happens on a regular basis for no reason. There are thousands and thousands of dissatisfied customers who are currently experiencing this problem. Also many after market parts claiming to disable the anti-theft system to try to satisfy customers. I purchased this vehicle in October 2001 and have had this problem for years. I only wish I had found out about this site sooner to voice my concerns. Please do some research. There should be a better way to fix this issue than to disable the system.

2002 chevy Malibu, failure to start. Towed to repair show, determined it is a bad anti-theft sensor that is preventing me from driving my own car, using official chevy key, but not starting. Cost 575. 00 to tow and repair. Scam. Why is chevy putting such a device in the car that is obviously faulty and serves no purpose whatsoever expect to scam people out of their money.

Without warning, car suddenly will not start. Anti-theft system will activate when trying to start car. It appears that the ignition does not recognize the car key. Seems it thinks someone is trying to still the car. This first happened in the summer of 2009. It just happened again on 3/7/2010. In both cases the car had to be towed to a repair shop. The first shop was an independent repair facility. They reset the computer that controls the ignition system. The second shop was the dealer. They reset the computer that controls the ignition system. Then, they replaced the bcm unit and the ignition key cylinder. I've done some background checking on this type of problem. Many, many owners of this make & model (chevy Malibu) have had this same issue.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle would only start after being off for approximately two hours. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the anti theft device, the tumbler and the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The failure recurred. Also, the horn and the turning signals also turn on independently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 145,000.

I have a 2002 Malibu/chevy that has theft system and gives me problem all the time and I have to wait for 10 minutes then one minute to start the car. I am really sick and tired of it. This is very common problem for all chevy, Malibu theft system. The general motors should recall the situation and fix it in free of charge. Thank you.

Passlock system fails preventing the car from starting. This happens almost everytime I attempt to start the car. The car cranks but doesn't start and the theft system light is the only thing that lights up on the dash.