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3823 messages,  Last post on Oct 12, 2006 at 2:31 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Electrical, Engine, Sedan

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#21 of 3823 coolant leak by homerkc Feb 12, 2004 (12:23 pm)
My 98 Malibu (now driven by my son) has "consumed" coolant for some time. I occasionally see a small pool on a horizontal engine surface, but for the most part it disappears. I see no exhaust steam cloud, no performance problems, etc. It seems to be a bit worse lately. I know this has been thoroughly discussed, but since I don't know where the discussions are . . . What is the "fix" and how expensive? Can I continue as is?? (By the way, is my wife's new '04 Venture with 3.4 engine still prone, or were the rumored intake manifold improvements included on late 2004s?? Replies to this message: bcg1 (Apr 30, 2006 5:09 pm) bertiebarb (May 01, 2006 9:30 am) mybooo (May 01, 2006 10:11 am)
#22 of 3823 Park Brake warning light by chevymalibu19 Feb 12, 2004 (12:30 pm)
This is a copy of the message I posted in the other Chevy Malibu forum.   I have a 98 Malibu with a little over 146000 miles on it.   I have a very strange problem with my Malibu. My "brake" warning light in the instrument panel is on, and thinks that the parking brake is engaged. For example, after I fully release the brake and then try to drive, the "brake" warning light is on and it dings for a couple of seconds attempting to remind me to check the park brake. Also, my ALC is inoperable with the "brake" warning light on. Accustomed to five years of using the ALC system, I keep leaving the headlights on at night (I'm afraid that I'll eventually forget to turn them off, and drain my battery.)   So, I was wondering if this happened to anyone else before? If it has, is there a way that I can fix it myself without having to take in to the dealer. I consider taking it to the dealer the last resort.
#23 of 3823 Message #21 response by mjohns7861 Feb 12, 2004 (3:21 pm)
Sounds like your intake gasket needs to be replaced. You can get this done at a local garage in the $500-600 range and likely much more at the dealership. Your problem is identical to mine - have not fixed mine yet but will shortly. Justed added some coolant the other day on mine and I just need to deal with it. Recommend you call around and get some quotes. It is a common problem in GM cars - when you call people will know exactly what you are talking about. Ask for a price that includes a radiator flush and oil change.
#24 of 3823 by jtrujillo86 Feb 12, 2004 (6:32 pm)
Make sure they don't do an ENGINE FLUSH unless they pull the oil pan and clean the oil pump screen. Crap from inside the engine can come loose (which is the point of the engine flush) and then it gets caught in the oil pump, clogging it, and eventually starving the engine of oil. When I had my intake manifold gasket replaced, they offered a "free" engine flush, but when I asked about pulling and cleaning the pump screen, they wanted to charge me $300.00 more for that.   Jeremy
#25 of 3823 chevymalibu19..parking brake by deminin Feb 14, 2004 (11:30 am)
The way "most" cars work, there is a microswitch located near the parking brake lever/handle, and that switch opens when the brake is released. You may have a shorted switch. I looked on our 03 and didn't see it in any obvious location, but the foot pedal dissapears up into the dash, so it may be there, but somewhat hidden. I had the problem years ago, on my 1990 Z28, and I had to remove half the center console to get to the $5 switch. You might go the the library, and see if they have a Chiltons or Motor manual that might give you more info on this. Often times, though, wiring info is only contained in the factory shop manuals, and they are big bucks.
#26 of 3823 deminin by chevymalibu19 Feb 14, 2004 (1:27 pm)
Thanks for the information, ever bit helps. I'll goig to check into this and I'll let you all know what I come up with.
#27 of 3823 chevymalibu19..parking brake by alcan Feb 14, 2004 (2:02 pm)
Check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir. If it's low, the float switch in the reservoir will turn the brake warning light on. Also, a low reservoir fluid level usually indicates worn front brake pads.
#28 of 3823 New Purchase by hbund216 Feb 15, 2004 (10:23 am)
We are looking into getting a 04 Malibu LT. Anything to watch out for? Replies to this message: mhelsel (Nov 13, 2005 1:18 pm) xkiddx13 (Jan 25, 2006 1:42 pm)
#29 of 3823 RE: Chevymalibu19 by jtrujillo86 Feb 15, 2004 (11:45 pm)
I just e-mailed you about your brake problem. If in fact it turns out to be the switch Deminin was talking about, that switch is located on the brake fluid resivor. I was reading the Malibu manual I still have and that switch is mounted on the master cylinder reservoir. Here are the steps to change it if need be: 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Detach the electrical connector from the fluid level switch. 3. Using needle-nose pliers, compress the switch locking tabs at the inboard side of the master cylinder reservoir and remove the switch. To install: 1. Press the fluid level switch into the master cylinder reservoir until the switch snaps into place. 2. Connect the negative battery cable.   Hope that helps!   Jeremy
#30 of 3823 Rotor problem by boogm Feb 17, 2004 (6:32 pm)
Thanks for the input, oldntired. We wrote to GM's CFO. Guess who responded? The same "front" person that previously said GM rescinded its offer. How's that for customer relations. Anyway, we're still waiting to hear her latest "party line".

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