my headlights and wipers don't work right

17,585

Asked by crumbob Jan 07, 2015 at 09:29 AM about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I got a OBDII for Christmas and my car I was testing it has a problem with the lights and they only come on when the scanner is plugged in they work on high and low and they go off when I turn the car and all the relays and fuses are good I have checked all the electrical connection. my wipers only work when the scanner is plugged in

7 Answers

103,655

On the Malibu, are the wipers and lights all on the same switch? If so, I would replace the switch. If you have a needle tester, turn on the lights or wipers and stick the needle into the wire. If the light doesn't come on, you know the switch is not operating. Your OBD tester must be acting as the switch when you plug it in.

1 people found this helpful.
103,655

Do you have daytime running lights? Do they come on when you start the car?

103,655

If relays, fuses, and grounds are all good, the only thing I can think of would be the switch. Here's a video of how to replace. Really simple to do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR8NmTJ3QVI

2 people found this helpful.
17,585

it wasn't grounding right and when I pluged the OBD in it caused a full ground circuit

My running lights came on last night (on their own) & this morning the wipers came on (by their self) & the batter is now dead!!

Your Answer:

Malibu

Looking for a Used Malibu in your area?

CarGurus has 1,148 nationwide Malibu listings starting at $1,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,600
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,410
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
12 Great Deals out of 112 listings starting at $3,531
Used Honda Accord
37 Great Deals out of 905 listings starting at $2,799
Used Toyota Camry
53 Great Deals out of 957 listings starting at $2,212
Used Nissan Altima
25 Great Deals out of 669 listings starting at $2,000
Used Honda Civic
151 Great Deals out of 3,404 listings starting at $2,495
Used Nissan Maxima
9 Great Deals out of 149 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Camaro
24 Great Deals out of 344 listings starting at $10,500
Used Hyundai Sonata
42 Great Deals out of 1,044 listings starting at $3,499
Used Toyota Corolla
119 Great Deals out of 1,945 listings starting at $1,995
Used Hyundai Elantra
154 Great Deals out of 3,212 listings starting at $1,850

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.