Why will my car turn over but not start?

These are so hard to answer and give you a good response, there is just not enough information, I do not mean YOU, tigergirl, you did say you 'checked fuel pump' which is more that we get sometimes.. "My car won't start" gets posted often. And that's all. But let me ask: how did you check the fuel pump? What exactly did you do" When we try to do this, we must go to basics: Fuel. Air. Spark. A 10 year old car..not that old. Not at all. Okay, we will go with you have fuel. The '03 Malibu Base came with a 3.1 L V6 with coil packs. If you can beg buy borrow steal an OBD scanner, that would help us get you going we really need those fault codes. Do you think you can get one and scan your OBD? If you can do that bring the codes back here. I wish you the best of luck getting back on the road.

Read this page tigergirl: http://easyautodiagnostics.com/gm_coil_pack/gm_coil_packs_1.php

Recharge the battery and squirt some starting fluid down the intake to see if it's a fuel delivery or spark problem.

To check fuel pump we turn key and heard it movin and we also had fluid coming out a filter so it know it's not the filter and I checked all the fuses to the injectors and all the fuel system fuse and I cannot get OBD

How do I squirt it in not sure where or how

Do you know where the air filter is? I don't have an image of that engine handy, I will look for one. But somewhere is a box, probably black plastic, on top of the engine or maybe off to the side; where the air goes in to the engine, and contains the air filter, that is the intake. It will have a couple sensors attached, and squirt about 2 seconds at most of starting fluid....pssssst, it does not take much Now going to see if I can find a picture of a 3.1 in a malibu

See the black box with the rubber 'accordion' looking hose behind the battery? The air filter is in there, that flex accordion hose goes to the engine, there will be another opening, not shown in this but it's a start to get you in the right direction, I don't know if tenspeed had in mind for you to take the filter out then squirt, some guys do that, some mechanics don't bother and squirt it right in the intake and let the starting fluid pass right through the filter it can be done either way but the ether is really not too good a thing to get on your filter but it evaporates very very rapidly

click on the picture

OK open the black box take the filter out and squirt in the direction of the engine, remember it does not take much, you can really do major damage using too much ether... like I say 2 seconds ought to be enough to find accomplish what we are trying to do here, you will need a helper, somebody to 'give it a shot' and somebody in drivers seat to try to start it immediately, it evaporates that fast. If it is a fuel delivery problem the ether will run the car for maybe 4 or 5 seconds on the fluid seconds then die. The MAF is in there between the filter and the aluminum intake to the engine. OK,n now..if it runs for a few seconds then dies it is a fuel delivery problem. If it does not even 'catch' and run we are back to a spark issue, lets cross that bridge when we get to it. Tenspeed is on to something, his advice is good, I am just elaborating because you asked

Thank you for your help. as soon as i get home I will try ity and let you know what happenend. I also heard that it might be the theft system so I will try that to if what you helped me with doesn't do it and will let you know. Believe it or not I took 1yr of automotive tech training but it was so long ago i don't remember half the stuff i learned.

Security light on?

Comes on and off but doesnt stay on

My car is working.. It was the Theft systme. I had toi turn key to on position for 15 min then off for 1 minute and then start. It started riught up. Thankyou everyone for your help..

I'm having the same issue with my 2009 Chevy Malibu LT. Has to have a jump start just to get the lights to turn on but the car engine will not turn over. I purchased the car a year ago pre-owned. I looked at all of the answers on how to start the car up with regarding the anti theft system but that does not work. HELP

Your 09 has a completely different security system on it. Check for fuel and spark. One is missing maybe both. Just because the fuel pump kicks on it doesn't mean the injectors are opening.

Im having this issue but I think its a fuel delivery problem. My brother is a mechanic and we have tried everything we can think of and still nothing. We did put in a new battery too. This is a 1998 chevy malibu v6. I really need help pleaseeeeee

when I get gas my car idles down and wont start immediately I start it go a little it idles down and shuts off. if I go on the freeway then it runs fine after it has finally run a few times right up like it has to build power back up the fuel pump has been replaced and a few other sensors as well and still the same issue we even replaced the fuel pump from a different store the dealer says I have leaks in the converter that may be the cause

Please everyone, i need your help, what could be wrong with my chevy, the engine is same as the above picture, it wont start whenever its less than 35degrees temperature, i was in the cold for over 5hrs before someone came to pick me up. please whatever you know could be wrong somewhere, please let me know what to do. Thanks alot in advance.

Am sorry for using this your thread tigergirl91, i really need an urgent reply. Thanks and you opinion is welcome too. everyone's opinion is welcome. Thanks yall

Get your battery tested, it may be weak, could need a tuneup, idle air control having a lot of carbon build-up could be leaning it out since the cold air is denser.

@John, thank you so much, will check the battery but could you please explain the air control part, where i can find it and if possible clean it up.

It will be on the throttle body, it will look like a big shot glass but black

Thank you

I have a 04 Malibu Classic. I changed the fuel pump but there's no gas comin from the gas line under the hood. I hear the pump come on and the gas needle work inside the car. When I try starting it jus turns over like it want start but it don't. I noticed when I turn the key to start the car my lights dim out and the radio clicks off until I stop turning the key. And I just brought a new battery.

The lights and radio are supposed to do that so the started is ensured it's getting the batteries full power, which fuel line did you pull off? Take a picture of the line and post it. When did you last replace your fuel filter?

I own a 2001 Malibu and I have been having a few problems with the theft system myself. I can't get it to quit going off. Like it will be ok for a few weeks then it will trip again. It is such a pain having to sit and wait 10-15 min. If I unplug the fuze to the theft system what would happen?

I have a 2012 Malibu and I am experience problems with my car not turning over. The Malibu will eventually turn over after being left alone for a couple hours.I took my car to the dealership were they stated they can not duplicate the issue, and have no idea whats wrong. The dealership ran the usual test like the battery, and starter..still no luck. ANY ONE HAS AN IDEA WHAT COULD BE WRONG. Please help

With your 2012 when it starts to act up like that just turn your key in the on position with your door open the whole time and let it set for about 10-15 mins then take the key out for about a min and it will start. Now this is the problem I am having with mine and it randomly does it. I HATE it! I would like to know if I can shut it off or get it to stop somehow?? Anyone!?

It all has to do with these idiotic theft systems in the mMalibu's!

i have a 2011 Impala LT, it turns of while i'm driving it. but once i stop, it starts right back up like nothing is wrong. I drive for a mile or two and it does it all again. I was driving from Houston to Dallas and was 31 miles away from my destination and it started that turn off mess again. Is anybody else having this issue, knows what it is, or how to fix it? REALLY REALLY NEED YOU ALL'S HELP PLEASE

I have a Chevy Malibu LS 3.1 v6 it cranks, but doesn't start did the fuel pressure test everything on that was okay and read a 55 psi checked the wires and plugs. That's all good start is good tested the alternator. It was reading a 12.4 V, but I believe that's just for the diodes, it still can be something wrong with that. Can somebody please tell me what oh I can do thank you for your time.

Alternator output can't be tested while installed on a car unless the engine is running. Do you have spark on the coils? Check for injector pulse with a noid light.

I have a 2002 grand ponatic I just got a brand new alternator and my car over heated and after that day it turns over but won't crank anybody can help me but like lights and radio works .

I have a 1997 malibu that was shaking at idle for about a week. two days ago, shaking was occuring while driving. Now, idle problem is worse. Shuts down during idle and starts up like a champ! At stops, dies. today, i set the idle higher to compensate for a desire to shut down. No help. shut down anyway. Capable of moving a mile max before it shuts down. Any ideas of what is wrong?

I am having a similar problem as tigergirl. My 2005 Honda Accord will not start without a jump--battery, alternator, and started check out ok. It doesn't start up without jump if I turn the key in "on" position only for 20-30 min. The reclining seat back quit working but I don't know if this is related or not--loose wire??? The fuses are all ok.

iam having problem with my 2000 mabuli it turns over but wont start i let it sit 10 min and than it start once in a while it shut off while running what can i do please help i put in a new fuel pump and two weeks later its starts again, please help me

2002 Malibu starts runs 20-30 seconds and dies. replaced fuel pump 2 months ago, ran fine last week coming back door adjar light came on while driving daytime running lights stayed on as well as interior lights killed battery. replaced battery reset theft system started ran, but dead next morning. used Snap On Modis to scan no codes. trouble shooter said ignition switch, replaced it lighting issue is fixed but car still only runs 20-30 seconds. cleaned idle air control valve and no change. Help please!!!!

You replace the fuel filter?

Same problem 2012 Malibu sprayed a squirt of starting fluid in intake finally started. Drove right to dealer Dealer has made 2 new keys 3 months ago replaced melted relay. Now same problem today back at dealer. 3rd time towed in made look at while not starting when they found melted relay. Getting really old.

Just reported on nhtsa site. If everyone did this we could get a recall and solution

Melted relay means too much current.

It is back at dealer for the 4th time no start. 3rd time could have been the relay but 4 times same problem. Have a feeling it is the ignition switch and anti theft problem. It acted like no fuel but yet if it starts ten minutes or 8 hours later it had fuel. Too intermittent

Pretty sad could have changed a whole lot of parts for an anti theft problem. No fuel hey let's change the fuel pump. Starter is fine. The point is the problem isn't the 2 new $120 keys and the $400 in work but it is the anti theft causing no start

If it's an anti theft issue then only an idiot would have replaced the fuel pump. Anti theft doesn't disable the fuel pump it disables the injectors, you still get fuel pressure.

Right this is our dealerships at their finest. They need to just do a recall and fix the issue on the malibu all year

found problem with crank no start, another burnt wire due to faulty connector off the junction block. This is after original dealer replaced burnt junction block, fuel pump relay, they said nothing wrong with car. Like we just imagined it all. Couldn't recreate or give a code so they gave up. Had they finished the job they started in June this car could have been fixed back then.

I have a 2006 chevy malibu. I put gas in it one day it just shut off. I was told it was the fuel pump. I replaced the fuel pump, the canister, fuel lines, and the crank sensor and it still will not crank. Its getting the fuel delivery, but still will not crank? can someone help

I have 2012 chevy Malibu. Yesterday the engine light came on, engine had rough start n blue smoke came out n after runnin awhile blue smoke gone but engine light came on.. Now it idle but no start.. Anyone help?

Sorry to comment but im not much a car person and really need help.. I have a 99 grand am and I have been having turn on problems when it comes to cold weather. My lights and everything turn on when I jump it but it will not start over.. any help would be awesome! Thanks

your problem sounds like what i just had fixed. i have a 2003 chevy s10 v6 4.3liter. mine would crank but not turn over. i had spark and fuel but still didnt start. what it turned out to be was my rotor (will keep engine from starting) and my fuel destributer. the fuel pump is in the gas tank. i seriously doubt it would be the problem and only true way to locate problem is to get a diagnostic from a mechanic. here in austin texas diagnostics are $90.

Anyone and everyone, I need some help. My mechanic moved away and I am now on my own. I live out in the country so I don't have many resources. I have a 2005 Ford Escape 4 cyl and have been having this issue for almost 2 years and problem is getting worse. Basically when the car sits for a while it will not start. If it sits for a short time it usually will start. When it doesn't start, it will crank, just doesn't catch. If I spray starter fluid into the intake it will start everytime which leaves me to believe it is fuel related. The car is not throwing any codes and the search engine light is not on. I have had my mechanic replace the fuel pump, fuel filter, crank shaft sensor and cam sensor and another sensor I don't recall what it is. It sits right on top by injectors in front of all the plugs. Just can't recall what sensor it was. He also checked all the grounding to make sure that wasn't it. I'm out of ideas as to what else it could be that is fuel related and need some suggestions and help. I don't want to just keep dumping money into it guessing. Something else that I've noticed is when its cold or rainy outside ( around 50 deg or so)and sits for awhile, it seems to start with no problem. Its only when it gets warmer out and the sun is out that it doesn't want to start. Please help before I just take this thing out to the desert and set it on fire.

May be the rotor

I have a 2001 Chevy impala. It will turn but not crank, I know the Battary bad and the starter is 2months old and the battary is 2 months old also.

had the rotor tested and they said it was fine. Thank you for your reply though notamechanic01. Something else I forgot to mention is it will die on me at stoplights or stop signs if I don't keep the RPMs up with the gas pedal. Not every time but every day I use it, it will die at least once or twice on me. Usually at the worst times to. Like on a freeway off ramp or onramp or in the left turn lane on a green arrow. lol. Usually it will start right back up but occasionally I have to get out and pop the hood like an idiot in traffic and spray my starter fluid to get it going again.

I have a 2006 Chevy Malibu 2.2 engine. I can drive it fine all week. When I put gas in it at the gas station it won't drive. I turn the key in the ignition it will start, stall and cut back off. I have to gas it while I'm turning the key. Once I gas it, I have to throw it in drive. I was told its the fuel pump. Got that replaced with a brand new one, didn't change ANYTHING. Well, my gas gauge works now, that's it.

Can someone please help i just bought a 2009 chevy malibu and im having the same problem as some of you, it won't start "occasionally" ive taken it to the dealer and no codes seem to show up, im so desperate sometimes it will take up to 4-6 hrs to start again. And once it does it'll run great as long as I won't turn it on and off more than 3 times!! Help! Pleasee

I have ran out of fuel and put new fuel in it is taking over but not starting please help 2006 ford focus

I have a 2003 Malibu my problems started a couple of years ago and since then I have had the anti-theft system bypassed and changed the fuel pump. Now it won't start, it is turning over and catching but won't stay running. It will run a few seconds with ether sprayed in air intake but die. Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 2011 Malibu. It turns over but acts like its out of gas. Changed fuel pump. Tapping on the fuse box in trunk will aid in starting it every time it acts up. Changed fuse box and the problem went away for 5 months. Same issue again. Have to tap on outside of trunk fuse box when the car won't start.

I have a question. Not sure id anyone has a suggestion as to what I can do. I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu. It ran out of gas as I was pulling into the station last night. Put gas into it. But, now it will not start. When I turn my key into the on position, I can hear the motor of my fuel pump start. What else could be the problem

I have a question and I need some help. I have an 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. Everything is coming on in the car , but it want roll over not say anything. But I did get a message on my information to service alarm system. And a few days prior to that it sounding it was out of gas and going dead on me. Had to pump the gas just so it could pick up speed. But it had gas in it. Can someone help me out pls.

I have a 2003 Chevy impala never any problems until I recent oil change. Got oil changed drove home did fine loaded car to go on vacation go to start won't start turn over but won't start. Finally starts and check engine light comes on. So I took it back where I got oil change to make sure it wasn't something they did and of course they didn't do nothing but he put it on his computer and it was throwing either crank sensor or can sensor. I didn't truly believe them so I had it towed went on vacation came home and it started but when I turned it off it wouldn't start again so I put it on my dads computer and it threw code po325 knocking sensor . I replaced it and it started but not on the first time next day drove it and it drove very rough and by the time I got home the check engine light came back on and it was the knocking sensor again Now dad said fuel pump but it is coming on so changed fuel filter and now nothing again and there is no pressure at the hose under hood. But when we took off fuel filter thee was pressure there. Any ideas I'm lost at this point and I'm about to have diagnosis done bit starting to get low on funds. I'm just wondering if it could be the fuel pump. Any ideas I need help its my transportation to work.

Ok I have a 08 Malibu it doesn't start but on occasion it does we have changed fuel pump cause the gas gauge went out . then it started fine for about a week now back to on occasionally checked fuses one was covered cleaned it off and started right up a week later back to the same thing sometimes u can tap on fuse box and it will start but not always what to try next

Most with a no start issue check your cam sensor

On mine, the grey wire going from the fuse block to the fuel pump had a burnt spot on it. I think the wire wasn't making a good connection. Repaired the connection and made sure it was pushed all the way on. No more non starting issues as of yet. It's been over two months. I use to have to tap on the fuse box in the trunk like you. It's now a thing of the past.

I have a 05 Malibu the lights and everything comes on but car won't start at all I changed the starter but that's not what's wrong can anybody help me with this

hi im having trouble with my malibu 2004 2.2 the car does crank and turns on for 3 seconds and it dies i had that problem beafor but i would take out the fuel pump relay and it would turn on but now is not doing itnot even if i change it it comes out gas from the fuel line thats on top of the motor so i think the fuel pump is ok hopefully somebody can help

have a 2004 Chevy Malibu LT V6. I replaced the fuel pump and fuel filtera little over a month ago every time I fill my gas tank up my car stars having issues like my car will start lurching farward or it will stall. If I try and restart it will crank but won't turn over. After I did the 15 min reset it started and I made it home. After I run a little bit of gas out of it then it runs fine. Any idea of what's wrong???

I change the ignition barrel and the thetf lithe when on the car being it has been running good for a couple of months they recently changed the fuel distributor and changed the gas filter and I bought a new battery but now my car would crank but it won't start theft light is still on without blinking, anybody has any ideas I will really appreciate the help

Ok my car want crank and I replaced a fuel pump and a fuel pressure and still want crank I notice my security light is solid in my car so what to do

I have a 2011 Chevy Malibu ltz the car turns but will not start . I sprayed the spray it starts but goes right off. Everyone telling me to purchase fuel pump but after reading all of the things being said that's not the issue someone please help me I'm over 500 miles away from home

Can anyone help me. I have a 1999 chevy malibu change fuel system still won't turn over

FIX We just encountered to strangest thing. Our mechanic said that the Malibu had issues with the security systems and that is why it would not start. He had us put the car in the on position but not start it and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then turn it off for a moment and try to start it then. Well...it worked. I have no idea why or how but it worked.

ok so my 2012 Malibu will no start; its getting spark and fuel and when turned over the valves move so its not locked up. the battery is good and even tried it while getting a jump, but it will not start. tried the thief system thing from above but did not work. any suggestions?

I've got a 2012 Malibu with the not starting will turn over but not fire. Had the relay replaced. Now it is shaking when it is started and idling. After restarting 4 times the shaking stops. Not sure what the cause is and at this point in time I am about completely done with Chevy. Any suggestions on what may be causing the shaking that disappears after restarting. With each restart the shake is a little less.

I have 2012 Chevy Malibu will turn over but will not crank! Got my towed Friday to the dealer ship. They told me it was the battery replace the battery for $255.00 the car Monday and it's Wednesday night the car is doing the same exact thing! Any suggestions on why can be the problem.

I have 2012 Chevy Malibu it will turn over but will not crank! This is the 4th time the car has left me stranded. I took the car to auto zone and got the battery, starter and alternaor check all came back good. The guy at auto zone recommend to get get new spark plug and wires and a gas treatment. Three or four days later the car will not crank The fuel pump is coming on! The car is getting fire and getting gas to the engine. Got it towed to the dealership Friday picked up the car on Monday with the dealership telling me is the battery which ended up costing me $255.00 which included $118.00 labor fee to install the battery!! Now it is Wednesday night and Im stranded again the car will not crank. I tried using my other key and resetting the security system still not cranking! My car only has 65,000 miles on it. Any suggestions on what could be causing this issue?

9/15/16 get car towed towed to dealership. Get a car today to tell my car is ready. They supposedly replaced the fuel pump cost me 776.00 bucks. Get there to get the car guess what the car will not crank again!!! PLEASE HELP!!

I found the solution to my not starting 2012 Malibu. I am trading it in on a Challenger. Problem solved!

Malibu 2012 I have heard that the Ignition switch in those cars go bad often. I would personally test a lot of other thing first but it sounds like you have checked for spark and fuel. Also If your car has a fuel cutoff switch. I would check it 1st its often overlooked but you also said there is fuel so i still think its worth checking very easy to do. If that doesn't work I would check the crank sensor then the cam sensor. if not then it could be vacuum leaks but usually not bad enough to start a car and it would be obvious. Compression is the next thing and if its that its a really bad day for you. oops Check all fuses and relays related to the ignition and fuel pump to.

old car it sounds like the idle air control valve sometimes they can just be cleaned. i also would clean the throttle body and the ports its not that hard and is often overlooked.

My 04 chevrolet malibu won't crank up but will turn over. Changed the fuel pump last year, alternator last year, starter is fine, and battery is good. Was told it was the timing belt? I am going to pay to get it diagnosed by the dealer where i brought it from. What signs show that a timing belt has went out? When it was being driven, the car cut off and the battery light came on. Went and got it charged and car still wont start but will turn over. HELP

CAN THE INGION SWICH MAKE THE CAR TURN OVER BUT NOT START ON A 2004 CHEVY MALIBU CLASSIC WITH THE 2.2 ENGINE

I have a 2011 chevy Malibu. I was driving it on day, and out of no where; it starts to loose speed while I'm driving as if it's giving out of gas. There was gas in the car. So I pulled over and turned the car off, after 5 minutes I started the car again. It drove for about a mile before it did the same thing. Got it towed to a shop and the mechanic said he couldn't find anything wrong. What could it be? The car drives and switches gears just fine.

if you have a manual check out ESC TCS systems disable them both By pressing TCS button. Same with ESC until message reads off Applies to both systems. .Same button!

Okay I no longer own my 2012 Malibu. I could not deal with being stranded because it did not want to start. Would turn over but not fire and start. My mechanic went over all the electrical wiring he could without taking off interior panels. Never did find out what caused th no start problem. I traded it in on a 2015 Taurus (so far LOVE this new car) When I took my Taurus in for routine scheduled maintenance they told me they had sold my old car (2012) Malibu but had to buy it back because it did not always start. They even sent it to a Chevy dealer who was unable to fix the problem They service manager said they do not know what they will end up doing with it. Good Luck to all you Malibu owners. I am done with Chevy for the now.

This may work for some of the above issues ... PROBLEM: With key on, I had no dash lights. Cranks but does not start. SOLUTION: With the key on l pulled the radio so I could reach the back of the ignition and applied pressure while wiggling the back of the ignition ... So the issue is with the ignition and / or harness were it plugs into the ignition ... I had also unbolted the two bolts holding the ignition and reattached them making sure it was aligned properly ... RESULTS: So far so good ... Key seems to turn easier ... The dash lights up ... The car starts ...

Checkout my youtube video for a solution to the start up problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AcRVfBW7HQ

There seem to be many no start issues in so many Malibu's I also have a 2012 with no start issues. I have had the fuel pump replaced because my Fuel pump relay kept cutting out or burning out. So i figured the fuel pump was the issue drawing to much current .I replaced the pump and then it was fine for only a month or two , then it started having no start issues and stalling issues while driving. After wiggling the wires going into the fuse panel in the trunk i was able to always get the car started again. This is an on going thing i never know when it will occur, and is so annoying ! I still have not found the exact wire causing the problem though. It will require removing the fuse box and checking each wire and each connector. I suspect burnt wiring, and this CHEAP WIRING is a JOKE ! GM should be FORCED to do Recalls for these issues at THEIR EXPENSE ! You would think with how most Things Advance with technology , Technology doesn't cure issues for occurring and most times its at the Owners Expense ! Job Creation and Job Security is what its all geared toward . There is nothing like the reliability of Vehicles of the past , sure they had issues as well but NOTHING in comparison to the Cheap Junk manufactured today that is NOT BUILT TO LAST at over inflated pricing !

Negative battery cable loose

I’ve been dealing with this problem on and off for a few years now. I’ve spent the $600 on the new fuel pump that didn’t fix the issue. My 2012 still stalls on any road, especially the bumpy ones. Wiggling the wires in the back usually fixes it for a bit but I need a permanent fix.. or should I just sell it

Same problem for me...and i don't have any of the electronic keys for the car...just unhooked the battery for 10 minutes, hooked it back up then put my key into the on position and left it for about 15 minutes...anti theft stopped flashing on dash and car started right up.