2002 Malibu won't start.

My girlfriend has a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu with a 3.1 auto. She drove the car all day yesterday during her lunch break, then when she got ready to leave it would not crank. It turns over but will not start. I can hear the Fuel pump hum when I turn the ignition on. I also disconnected the battery for like 6 hours to try to reset the ecm and it still made no difference. I checked the fuel pressure on the passenger side of the engine compartment with the check valve and it sprayed gas all over my hand. I also removed a spark plug and it is getting spark. If I spray starter fluid into the intake the car will run but will only run on the starter fluid. I am thouroughly confused. Does anyone know anything about this or have a similar experience?

Oh I forgot to mention that the theft light flashes the entire time that the key is in the ignition.

Hello there,

I had problems with the theft system. The alarm would light on the main panel eventualy when driving. This normally should not happen. It should go on at startup and turn off. One night, the car would not start at all as you mention. I had to take the car to service where they changed the ingnition. Explanation was that the theft system was locked on and had halted the car. All mecanical was ok. Had to drop both car keys for reprogram as well. Left car late nite, was ready by mid afternoon next day.

Hope this helps...

My car, 2002 Malibu

the theft system tripped
leave the key on for 10 minutes until the light stops flashing and turn the key off for 30 seconds and the car should start.
this is in the owners manual

I had the same theft-deterrent problem when I was in a fast oil-change bay. My non-GM mechanic recommended that, after leaving the car sit for 10 minutes, open and lock the driver door using the key, not the key-fob. Do this 3 times, waiting a bit between each time. Whether his instructions were good or whether Lady Luck intervened, I don't know, but the car started up right away.

Had the same problem with my 99...got progressively worse...and then *BOING* $400 for a new computer :disappoin

Yep, its a Passlock failure. You might be able to reset it but you'll need to have it replaced. ALL GM cars will or had this problem.