2005 Malibu Classic 4 cylinder won't start

Asked by Beanbelly Sep 15, 2015 at 05:24 PM about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Car had not been problematic until one day the check engine light came on and seconds later it died in traffic.  Towed it home and trouble shot. No fuel pressure no pump sounds the car would start when starting fluid was sprayed into intake. Checked fuel pump relay and it had 12 VDC. Swapped the relay with another with the same number. No change. Jumpered the relay. Still no fuel delivery. Replaced the fuel pump with a sued pump from a salvage yard. Car started right up. A week later it died. Repeated the trouble shooting as before. Took the pump back to salvage yard and they replaced it. Installed and the car started right up. 2 weeks later it died. Had car towed to a repair shop. They couldn't get it started when it arrived. The next day it did start and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. No charge and I drove it home.  A few weeks later it wouldn't start (at home). Again no fuel pressure, no pump sound and starting fluid would get it to run.  Ordered a new pump on line.  When it arrived I checked the voltage at the fuel pump and got 7 VDC for less than a second once the ignition was turned on. The voltage quickly drops to zero. Have not installed the new pump yet.

4 Answers

70,875

i would run or put a test light or small buzzer at the fuel pump wire close as you can to the pump and just start giggling the wires / relay/bulk head connectors/grounds.. and listen to the buzzer for a change in pitch...really...you gave some good info BUT was the power after the relay also 7 volts and zero at the same time... you need to rule out when and where 12 volts stops...could even be the ign.switch...

3 people found this helpful.
144,725

Agree with Kelly,but all so check your ignition switch,there was a recall on this,and if it was done it may be bad again.

There is a constant 12 VDC at the relay as long as the ignition is on. Yes it was recalled but the "fix" during the recall had nothing to do with the ignition switch itself. GM's answer was simply to "fill in the hole in the ignition key". The original key had an oval slot. If the key had excessive weight e.g. a heavy key ring, then the weight of that might cause the bottom of the key to turn counter clockwise and shut off the ignition. By filling in the hole then any weight the ignition key would support would be centered in the middle portion of the key minimizing the twisting affect on the key and ignition switch. I don't know. Seems like a band aid. GM designed the switch to be easy to turn and therefore turn off again. But the price to fix it right is higher than the price of customer safety or loyalty.

3,845

one side of your relay is going to have 12 volts that is the load side the other side should have 12 volts for 2 seconds a prime. when testing a fuel pump relay use a test light not a volt meter i would have a long explanation on the meter way to long. at the pump if you turn your key will it light a test light for 2 seconds if you crank you car should be 12 volts at the pump for more than 2 seconds. i would check your grounds and wires at the pump and install the new pump

1 people found this helpful.

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