Malibu runs 2 seconds then dies
Grovny
09-06-2003, 11:19 AM
After returning from vacation, got in the 99 Malibu that had been sitting for a couple weeks and instead of the chime got a strange moaning sound. Started the engine and it ran for two seconds then died. Start again, ran 2 seconds and died.
Put in dry gas and injector cleaner and new gas - still runs for 2 seconds and dies.
Any ideas?
George
Put in dry gas and injector cleaner and new gas - still runs for 2 seconds and dies.
Any ideas?
George
wa3sgz
10-05-2003, 07:49 AM
The groaning chime is a potential warning that you have an electrical problem. With the car sitting for two weeks, the battery could have lost 0.1 to .2 volts or more depending on the battery condition. Do the headlights come on to full brightness when the car is off? Does the radio work OK? Turn all your electrical stuff on (rear window defroster, blower, etc.) to load the battery with the car not running and see if the battery can power all the auxiliary systems properly under load- it should. You might also want to charge the battery to see if this helps.
A quick but not exhaustive check of the charging circuit is to measure the battery voltage with a digital voltmeter with no load on the battery (all lights and stuff off) and the key out of the ignition. A low battery voltage (less than 12 volts) is bad, but the car may still start. Now start the car with all auxiliary loads off. If the car starts, the battery voltage should jump up to above 14 volts (i.e., no higher than about 14.5 volts). Putting on the AC may cause the voltage to increase 0.1 volts or so. If the voltage stays close to the original battery voltage after starting the car and doesn't rise above 14 volts, then the charging circuit may be bad.
Of course, to find out the real condition of the battery, alternator, and other parts of the charging circuit, you need to go to a good auto parts store with a battery checker and/or auto electrical shop for the entire system.
A quick but not exhaustive check of the charging circuit is to measure the battery voltage with a digital voltmeter with no load on the battery (all lights and stuff off) and the key out of the ignition. A low battery voltage (less than 12 volts) is bad, but the car may still start. Now start the car with all auxiliary loads off. If the car starts, the battery voltage should jump up to above 14 volts (i.e., no higher than about 14.5 volts). Putting on the AC may cause the voltage to increase 0.1 volts or so. If the voltage stays close to the original battery voltage after starting the car and doesn't rise above 14 volts, then the charging circuit may be bad.
Of course, to find out the real condition of the battery, alternator, and other parts of the charging circuit, you need to go to a good auto parts store with a battery checker and/or auto electrical shop for the entire system.
GMMerlin
10-05-2003, 08:01 AM
Check the electrical system.
Also a start and stall after 2 seconds is caused by a security system fault. Does the security light come on and stay on or flash?
Also a start and stall after 2 seconds is caused by a security system fault. Does the security light come on and stay on or flash?
mnjeeptech
05-13-2004, 01:19 PM
My girlfriend's malibu does has the exact same problem, please post what fixes it!!!
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