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Chevy Malibu Maxx

5254 messages,  Last post on Feb 07, 2013 at 11:58 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Hatchback

Messages Page 526 of 526

#5245 of 5254 tripping 130K this week... by cwesleyg

Aug 21, 2012 (11:10 am)

As the original owner, I've had my ups and downs with this car, but overall it has at least run reliably. Replaced driver's side hub once, passenger side twice. Had OČ sensor connector replaced at 95K after shop first replaced sensor that was not bad. Replaced control arm and ball joints on passenger side with the second hub at 125K. Have had to have the steering greased numerous times. Fixed the shakey headlights by removing them and smashing the mounting plate bottom in towards the front of the car... reinstalled lights and they no longer vibrate going down the road. Third set of tires... coming up on my 13th full synthetic oil change (every 10K)... Mobil 1 for years, now running Amzoil 5W30... every winter the doors freeze shut at least twice and when you close them they will bounce open and not latch but it corrects itself eventually. I just got my recall notice about the crossed signals in the TERRIBLE electric power steering. Need to schedule that and if it finally fixes it I won't be afraid to let my kids drive the car now. Overall though, I'm not very impressed with anything GM makes. Too much rust, and predictable failures where the replacement parts have all the problems of the original ones. They should see trends and correct issues better because I really don't want to replace the rear wiper arm a 4th time!!! The steering recall went to Cobalt owners a long time ago, but I finally got mine after 129K miles and 7-8 years of trouble. How many Malibu owners have replaced thousands of dollars in parts to try to fix something that you know they knew about the real cause all along... it is just pathetic. So my next car will probably be a Honda again. My 3.5L V-6 runs well and the trans is good. Above all else, never use the Chevy dealer for service! They have lied to me at every turn and have no clue!

#5246 of 5254 Re: temperature gauge showing nothing [murphyc] by hault

Aug 25, 2012 (4:44 pm)

Replying to: murphyc (Sep 16, 2009 9:26 pm)
Did you ever find out what was wrong with the temperature gauge not working. And the fan coming on. My 2004 Maxx I have had since new is now doing this. I switched out the ECT sensor and unplugged and replugged in the dash. It worked for 24 hours. Then today it added a high engine idle like the computer thinks the engine is cold. I'm probably going to replace the pigtail wire that sends the signal from the ECT sensor to the computer. Maybe it's a connection issue.

#5247 of 5254 engine temperature gauge by hault

Aug 25, 2012 (4:57 pm)

I have an 04 Maxx since new. 60,000 miles. Recently my engine temperature gauge stopped working. I looked in the Chiltons manual for help. It suggested the connection on the back of the instrument cluster and the ECT sensor second. The ECT is cheap and easy so I replaced it and disconnected then re connected the dash connection. The gauge worked for 24 hours. On the next day I had a high idle 800-1200 rpm at idle w/air on. The radiator fan was also on even when the engine was cold. The car would not shift into the overdrive either. Later while driving I got the check engine light code P0128. I unplugged the ECT and re plugged it in. I turned the ignition switch on and the gauge momentarily started to work then quit. I'm going to try replacing the pig tail from the ECT to the computer as a last resort. Any ideas?

#5248 of 5254 Gave my Maxx to my daughter 2 months ago... by csandste

Sep 01, 2012 (12:52 pm)

Got 106,000 fairly trouble free. Steering column fixed, and reimbursed by GM. Blend door replaced under warranty.
 
Replaced with '13 Kia Rio EX 5-door which is as comfortable as the Maxx, but has considerably less power. Of course I get about 7 mpg more per gallon and have a lot more goodies like UVO hands free electronics, backup camera, folding electric mirrors, etc.
 
All in all I was very happy with the Maxx. Her car had to be replaced pronto so she could get to work. Sonic turbo and Rio were on my short list. Finally found one Sonic hatch, but dealer ignored me. Drove Honda Fit, which had more room but was a lot cruder in amenities.
 
Car's still in the family in case I have to haul something the Rio won't handle.

#5249 of 5254 Re: Gave my Maxx to my daughter 2 months ago... [csandste] by csandste

Sep 01, 2012 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: csandste (Sep 01, 2012 12:52 pm)
Should have mentioned. It's an '05.

#5250 of 5254 traded Maxx by hault

Sep 03, 2012 (5:55 pm)

I fixed my Maxx by replacing the coolant temperature sensor a second time. Apparently the first one was either not the right one or defective. I purchased the "Delphi" brand. Traded Maxx in on a new 2013 Altima.

#5252 of 5254 Should I extend my easy-care warranty by flower1962

Feb 06, 2013 (4:18 pm)

I have had a 2006 LTZ MAXX since 2008 and have had some issues, but I only have 49,650 miles. I have had the steering replaced and a control arm. I have had minor cosmetic repairs, Other than they can not find out why my rear wiper will not spray fluid I have had no other major issues. My extended warranty is due to expire and because of the low miles they want 2700 for 4 more years. Is this worth the money?

#5253 of 5254 Re: Should I extend my easy-care warranty [flower1962] by comem47

Feb 07, 2013 (8:15 am)

Replying to: flower1962 (Feb 06, 2013 4:18 pm)
On my wife's 2006 Maxx I've personally replaced both control arms within the past few years. Overall it's been a pretty decent and reliable car, albeit a bit "rattly between the steering joint (replaced, but wearing again) and rear suspension setup. She now has about 72K on it. As for your rear washer: are you sure nothing is coming out at all, or is it just not hitting the window? I originally thought the hose plumbing might be bad , but from memory I believe the rear arm went bad and the fluid was dribbling down, not shooting out (look for signs of any fluid coming out or have someone watch. As for your warranty extension, that's a personal thing and I never get them. Assess what expensive damage might happen, but I'll take my chances the V6 and transmission are not problem ridden area and will last. Anything else is under the break-even $2700.

#5254 of 5254 Re: Should I extend my easy-care warranty [comem47] by flower1962

Feb 07, 2013 (11:58 am)

Replying to: comem47 (Feb 07, 2013 8:15 am)
Thanks for the insight!
The wiper issue has stumped the techs as well, the unit on the back works and the pump in the front. They want $90 to take the interior roof down to see where the problem lies which is a cost to me. The first time the went through a gallon of fluid and still could not figure out where it is all going. I do not have any water on the interior or puddles so it is a mystery!

Messages Page 526 of 526

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