03 Malibu cranks but won't start ( don't think its a passlock problem)

Asked by Chris Jul 17, 2014 at 08:45 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I bought the car and on the way home with it it
overheated and died, so I had it towed the rest
of the way. I replaced the water pump and t-
stat and flushed and refilled the cooling
system. After that the car wouldn't start back
up so I checked the fuel pump and filter ( both
are fine) replaced spark plugs and battery still
won't start. Saw that it might be ignition switch
so I replaced that and still won't start. No
check engine light or theft lights are on so I'm
at a loss as to why it won't start. Any ideas
would be greatly appreciated

3 Answers
51,255

John answered 10 years ago

You can change the spark plugs until the cows come home, but if you don't have tow things, spark at the plugs or fuel running through the injectors, you will not get ignition. That is what needs to be checked. Don't throw money into what doesn't need fixing until you get it running and then find what should be changed out. Make sure you have spark at the plugs first. Then see if you have fuel flow to the injectors. It could be a computer problem, sensors are sending messages to the engine not to start the engine. Have the codes read if you can. That may save a ton of problems. You even may have a wire to a sensor lose or off.

Mark helpful
500

Jared answered 7 years ago

Engine coolant temp sensor is important..if it thinks the car is still overheated it won't allow you to start the car...unplug it and try to start it

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

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