Car trouble

Asked by Needhelp11 Aug 13, 2016 at 02:28 PM about the 2001 Chevrolet Malibu FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2001 Malibu when you crank the car after a few
secs. Horn beeps then battery light appears drive it
for a little then abs light appears gauges move up
and down then it dies we have changed the battery
twice and also changed the alternator first with a
102A then the 105A all with the same failed results
for some reason it's like the alternator will not
charge the battery please help my daughter n law
needs car for school ASAP what are we missing
trying to not bring to dealer she doesn't really have
the $$ for all that

4 Answers

101,625

Flickering gauges are a sign of bad or weak charging system, and the fact even new batteries are dying in this car indicates a problem with the charging system. Even though you replaced the alternator take it in and have it tested, even new/rebuilt units can be defective, it may be a problem with the regulator. You need at least 13.5v to the battery when charging. Be sure to inspect your battery cables and grounds. There are multiple grounds on a car, but you really want to make sure the alternator and neg. batt. cable are well grounded. Last is wouldn't hurt to inspect the serpentine belt as well, make sure it isn't loose. If the tensioner is fading the belt may be slipping on the alternator pulley.

All that seems fine, as soon as you crank car it reads power at alternator then shows no power from alternator???? Is there something else that would make alternator not work even though it is a good altenator

101,625

I've bought brand new alternators that turned out to be bad. They are remanufactured units, if it tests bad, return it and get another one.

Your Answer:

Malibu

Looking for a Used Malibu in your area?

CarGurus has 1,044 nationwide Malibu listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,590
  • #2
    T_S_T
    Reputation
    4,380
  • #3
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    4,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Impala
6 Great Deals out of 129 listings starting at $3,495
Used Honda Accord
47 Great Deals out of 974 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
50 Great Deals out of 1,096 listings starting at $2,500
Used Nissan Altima
32 Great Deals out of 662 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Civic
186 Great Deals out of 4,048 listings starting at $2,877
Used Chevrolet Camaro
15 Great Deals out of 465 listings starting at $11,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
177 Great Deals out of 7,375 listings starting at $6,995
Used Hyundai Sonata
56 Great Deals out of 840 listings starting at $1,543
Used Nissan Maxima
13 Great Deals out of 197 listings starting at $1,450
Used Toyota Corolla
148 Great Deals out of 2,260 listings starting at $3,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.