Electrical and Emmission System

[aguerrero]

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu. When I start the car, the gauges do not work (temp. and gas), the power windows do not work, and the A/C does not work. Then 2 or 3 minutes go by and everything works. This happens off and on. Finally, my check engine light went on, it read that there was a malfunction in the crankshaft sensor and oxygen sensors. Shortly after, my car died while driving it. After many tries, it started but I was only able to drive it a few yards and it stopped again. I cannot drive it since it stops off and on. What kind of electrical problem do I have? Is the electrical causing my car to stop? Or is it the cranks shaft sensor. Someone told me that by changing the crankshaft sensor my car will not die again?? About a year ago I replaced the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, and fuel filter. I also replaced the fuel filter a few days ago just in case it was clogged. Help, PLEASE!!!!!

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by aguerrero

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu. When I start the car, the gauges do not work (temp. and gas), the power windows do not work, and the A/C does not work. Then 2 or 3 minutes go by and everything works. This happens off and on. Finally, my check engine light went on, it read that there was a malfunction in the crankshaft sensor and oxygen sensors. Shortly after, my car died while driving it. After many tries, it started but I was only able to drive it a few yards and it stopped again. I cannot drive it since it stops off and on. What kind of electrical problem do I have? Is the electrical causing my car to stop? Or is it the cranks shaft sensor. Someone told me that by changing the crankshaft sensor my car will not die again?? About a year ago I replaced the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, and fuel filter. I also replaced the fuel filter a few days ago just in case it was clogged. Help, PLEASE!!!!!

This will be a tough one, but I say with a little diagnosis it can be fixed.
Electrical gremlins create chaos with different componants and will cause several problems.
I would look towards a common factor. Gages, power windows and A/C are all switched ignition inputs (this means they all get power when you turn the key)
Unfortunately my service info is down so I cant tell you if the are all powered from the same leg of the switch, but I'm guessing they are.
Find the fuses for those componants and check them for power (with a test light) when you turn on the key. If no power is present, I would look towards a switch failure (have seen many on that body style vehicle)
Next would be to diagnos the SES light...do you have the codes? This would be helpful.

[bottomtech]

Bad ignition switches were pretty common on these cars, which would cause several different symptoms. It sounds like you have more than one circuit through the switch going bad. Take out the cluster trim and wiggle the switch and connectors next time it happens, usually you can make the car act up this way.

[autodon47]

Did you ever fix this problem? My dad's Malibu has similar symptoms.