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2008 Malibu won't stay running
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Monkeydoodle07
New User
Sep 5, 2015, 10:20 PM
Post #1 of 8
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2008 Malibu won't stay running
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Hello, I need help with my 2008 Chevy Malibu LS, Charlie, she has a 2.4L engine and has about 79,000 miles.
I was on my way to work and she started just fine, I got out on the road and just as I started to accelerate she jerked a few times and sputtered and the harder I pushed on the gas pedal barely anything happened. I was able to limp off the road I was on and as soon as I stopped she died. At this time and as of now there are no indicator lights on showing check engine or anything. While I was stopped I tried to start her and it would start then jerk and sputter then die... After about the 4th or 5th time of doing this and pressing the gas pedal I was able to get her to run and limp home.
Upon checking some things, we put in a new fuel pump ( when I say we I mean dad ;) ) and still she doesn't want to run.
It was put on a diagnostic and the only "error" is a C0550 ECU Malfunction which she still needs to be serviced for a recall that may be related to that?? Not 100% that's what that error is related to though.
Can anybody help me?!?!
Thanks in advance,
Sara
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 6, 2015, 2:49 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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Sara - There's been a recall, TSB for engine cooling issues for some time. Were you notified that it is in fact still outstanding?
This was causing a host of issues - your complaint listed. I think you should tend to that as what I found is it can be or do serious engine damage!
With that if you know of this notice you should be talking to GM and a dealer about it,
T
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Monkeydoodle07
New User
Sep 6, 2015, 3:11 AM
Post #3 of 8
(1863 views)
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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Thanks T!
I went on the Chevy website and there are three recalls for my exact car... Brake lamp malfunction, electric power steering assist , and shift lever indicator. Would any of those really cause my car to not run?
Sara
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 6, 2015, 3:27 AM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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I'd say no on those recalls or notices. Many, many engines that are or think they are overheating are going to go into limp modes, default settings for how it might run. You might get a "grace" period when starting cold or not?
I just searched it out like you did and if that wasn't taken care of yet don't think checking much else is going to be accurate or effective.
Ask. Recalls should be a free fix for whatever. TSBs (tech service bulletins) probably not but know of an exact common problem to enough to send out a bulleting to you and or dealers or hunt them down what you do about them.
You currently seem to know of three for this car. Why not let GM fix their problem?
Tom
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Monkeydoodle07
New User
Sep 6, 2015, 3:34 AM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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Thanks again... I'll see if I can get it to a dealer
Sara
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Sep 6, 2015, 3:50 AM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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IDK - Plain call one, when they are open with you VIN# ready. If towing is involved and you don't have coverage for that ask them or around for costs that would be on you.
I'm very happy most of the time with AAA motor club as a service in general - for you another may be better. These type things offer discounts at totally non automotive places so essentially free if you use them.
If you do join a motor club I would check them out for your area first for ratings. I'd also make sure if towing is involved how far and if they will tow to the place YOU request not them.
After the fact if you have nothing this would be a pre-existing issue so not covered but might still get a good deal if you ask,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 6, 2015, 6:25 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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That code is for the ABS system and not the reason your car won't start.
If you want to try to narrow it down yourself, follow this procedure.
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.
Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.
These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.
1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.
2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.
3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.
4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.
Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 6, 2015, 7:09 AM
Post #8 of 8
(1839 views)
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Re: 2008 Malibu won't stay running
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Totally apologize if found info was wrong but ended up a GM site for info. Mostly ABS on trucks not cars. Cars were spelling out the symptoms and all about cooling system issues? From that I only guess it can't tell the fans to come on or something and does overheat?
Other recalls seem to be ignored so not sure of much on this thread as to the upfront reason it's not reacting at all it seems right now? T
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