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Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Interior and Passenger Comfort Concerns

136 messages,  Last post on Sep 12, 2007 at 9:36 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Interior, Hatchback

Messages Page 14 of 14

#127 of 136 FRONT END RUMBLE! RUNNING HOT! by tybrentado

Aug 06, 2011 (3:12 am)

I've been reading this forum for the whole summer, trying to diagnose my malibu maxx, and I'm not quite sure what to look for. In spring of 2009 when the malibu was still my mom and dad's "Let's do everything in this car" car the steering column was replaced out of pocket along with a transmission flush. The a/c compressor blew out later that summer and the car was garaged until I fixed it myself The clunk never really left, but this past year before I was given the car as a graduation present, my dad really did a number on it. I've already replaced the wheels and tires(2 wheels were bent) Had the coolant flushed(almost empty) With 128k miles, I am still trying to tackle the obvious maintenance items. But I am having trouble figuring out what exactly is causing my front end rumble. The wheels made a lot the roar disappear, but I'm confused as whether it's simply the shocks and struts that have never been replaced causing it or the tie-rods or something more serious. If it's the steering column then I don't care.. I'll deal with that demon again when it starts cutting out. I am planning on replacing shocks, struts soon, but any ideas? Will they replace the bushing as well? It's handles the same I feel, just feels like worn out shocks to me. No ticking or popping, minus the brakes. But I also have this deal where if it sits for a little while running it gets awful hot well in between overheating and the mid-line. With a/c on. I don't think I hear the fans coming on. The a/c also cuts out from time to time when sitting in traffic or stopped in general with a/c on and the engine starts getting hot and shaking tad.. I read about some sort of gasket, but I'm not leaking coolant. I also think my rear-main seal is leaking but I need to address these first. Any ideas before I ramble to dealership that hates to listen?? Please HELP! I WANT MY MALI MAXX TO LAST FOREVER! X(

#128 of 136 Re: FRONT END RUMBLE! RUNNING HOT! [tybrentado] by pao

Aug 08, 2011 (4:57 am)

Replying to: tybrentado (Aug 06, 2011 3:12 am)
the front end is a notorious weak link in the early model malibus....04 and beyond...I have an 04 Maxx LT with 186K on it....my front end had had no major repairs other than two tire rods that became frozen/worn....its basically a design issue that causes your rumble and clunk.....even if you do all the work you outline, I doubt you will quiet the beast so to speak...there was a TSB out about lubing a joint in the steering column a few years back to lessen the clunk...again...I have never done it and just live with the sounds of the car now.....
 
I have followed the OEM maintenance schedule and now basicially flush all fluids every 50K and have been running mobil 1 full synth exclusively since 30K and changes every 6-7K with no problems...
 
the heat temp guage is normal from all I have experienced....it normally hovers just above the mid line mark, but idling or sitting in traffice for a extended period of time and the needle will move just as you describe...again I have experience no ill effects because of it.

#129 of 136 Heat/Air Keeps blowing out vents when turned off.. by suchalady

Aug 31, 2011 (4:38 pm)

I've had my 2005 Malibu Maxx since January and I've noticed that I can't seem to get the ac/heat to stop coming out the vents when it's turned off. No matter if I run the heat or ac, the air wont shut off. Any Suggestions?

#131 of 136 Temp and Fuel Guages by myeary

Apr 28, 2007 (6:23 pm)

I have a 2005 malibu maxx that I have owned for 3 weeks now and I been watching my temp guage go from just below the mid mark to above the mid mark when i am sitting at a light or when the car is in park.....Is this normal?Allso when i fill the tank up and the needle is above the full mark i have noticed the needle drops quit quickly in about 70 miles its allmost down to the 3/4 mark now keep in mind when all is said and done and i refuel my MPG is around 26.

#132 of 136 Re: Temp and Fuel Guages [myeary] by e2helper

Apr 28, 2007 (7:01 pm)

Replying to: myeary (Apr 28, 2007 6:23 pm)
TSB #04-08-49-025 is about fuel gage operation on 2004/5 Maxx but without knowing your build date can't tell you if might be applicable to you.

#133 of 136 Re: Temp and Fuel Guages [myeary] by maxx4me

Apr 29, 2007 (4:33 am)

Replying to: myeary (Apr 28, 2007 6:23 pm)
Yes, it can be frightening to watch the temp guage on the Malibus, as it approaches the redline. Nonetheless, it is normal. At some point in your car's life, the temp guage won't go up at all (for a day). It does not seem to be a fixable issue and will likely only happen once. Take heart: as long as you hear your cooling fan come on when the temperature guage climbs to 3/4 of the way, the car is performing normally.

#134 of 136 speedomoters by jdsparrow1954

Sep 12, 2007 (7:47 am)

I have only had my 2004 Malibu Maxx for 18 months and now the speedomoter is malfunctioning. Does anyone know about the price range to fix it?

#135 of 136 Depends what's broken by pf_flyer HOST

Sep 12, 2007 (9:36 am)

It could be the speedometer sensor is malfunctioning and simply needs to be replaced. Could be that the speedometer itself is bad and you need to get into the dash to replace it, so it's hard to say.
Best bet is to take it to a mechanic you trust and have them take a look at it. A functioning speedometer/odometer is usually a required item to pass inspection (I know it is here in PA) so you're going to have to get this fixed at some point.

Messages Page 14 of 14

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