Update on my 2003 dying Malibu

I just got off the phone with the Chevy dealership service department and they are in the process of manufacturing the cars computer. Apparently they have to create a brand new computer for the car. You would think that they would have that part for every car that they produce but no, they have to build a brand new one. Also, I guess that there is no ball park time frame for this job. I guess I will continue to drive my loaner until they complete the new computer and install it. For those of you who do not know the story, my 2003 Malibu died twice in as many weeks without a hint of a problem. GM Tech and the service department thought that it would be a show of good faith if they replaced the computer and took out at least one of the suspects. Nice people. I am a real patient guy but if this happens again I am not going to settle for another loaner only a new vehicle.

Patrick McLaughlin

I just got off the phone with the Chevy dealership service department and they are in the process of manufacturing the cars computer. Apparently they have to create a brand new computer for the car. You would think that they would have that part for every car that they produce but no, they have to build a brand new one. Also, I guess that there is no ball park time frame for this job. I guess I will continue to drive my loaner until they complete the new computer and install it. For those of you who do not know the story, my 2003 Malibu died twice in as many weeks without a hint of a problem. GM Tech and the service department thought that it would be a show of good faith if they replaced the computer and took out at least one of the suspects. Nice people. I am a real patient guy but if this happens again I am not going to settle for another loaner only a new vehicle.

Patrick McLaughlin

Its not the dealers fault the Powertrain control Module is on national backorder from GM. And yes there is no scheduled date for anyone to recieve any. This happens when either GM has a conflict with the manufacturer making the PCM's or there is a critical component needed to finish building the PCM's that is not available from the supplier (not the manufacturer). It happens all the time. These instances are unforseen by GM and they cannot control suppliers to ensure parts will always be available. Be patient with the dealer, they will do the best they can for you.

One last note on this, ask your dealer if they have a SPAC case open on the PCM. This will force GM to buy one from any dealer in the US that has it in stock and the Sprinting dealer will Overnight it to your dealer.

Good luck

Next time you talk to the dealer, ask if they have started a TAC case on your vehicle. This will enter your vehicle and its repairs into a data base to help find the cause of your problem and if there are other vehicles that have had the same problem, what was done to repair them...might help in getting your car fixed and back to you quicker.

Unfortunatly, GM suffers from problems with suppliers at times which causes a delay in getting parts(doesnt happen too often, but when it does its very frustrating)

Even though the dealer is going to replace the PCM, have they been able to duplicate the stalling problem with your car?

They could not duplicate the problem but they were able to put a new computer module in. I now have the car back and am waiting for it to die again. I am really hoping it does not. I really appreciate your information.

Patrick McLaughlin