2012 Malibu Fuel/Start Issue - ECM?

310

Asked by Abercrombie716 Mar 08, 2017 at 08:54 PM about the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2012 Chevy Malibu. In June of 2016, the
car would occasionally struggle to idle, but would
always start and run fine otherwise. In August, the
vehicle started having issues cranking. It threw a
code "fuel pump circuit failure". Mechanic friend
told us to change the fuel pump, so we did. Ram
fine for a few weeks, and then wouldn't start again.
Checked the relay and it was HOT. Changed relay
and seemed to solve the problem. 2 months later,
and the vehicle started having problems cranking
again. Discovered that a slight tap on the fuse box
(located in the trunk) would solve the problem and
the car would start fine. A few weeks ago, the
vehicle started dying out while driving, but would
pick back up after a couple of seconds. Last week,
the fuse box trick would not work, and it took
nearly 30 minutes to get it started. Any
suggestions before I sell my left arm to have the
dealer replace the ECM?

120 Answers

38,865

I think you have wires grounding out that shouldn't above the fuel tank , did you do the fuel pump or did the mechanic ? The cars not that old to have corrosion at that fuse box but maybe you should take a close look.

17 people found this helpful.
310

@beatupchevy We changed the fuel pump ourselves. Would it still explain the problems happening before the pump was changed? All connections in the fuse box look clean.

9 people found this helpful.
38,865

I would think a bad ECM would show up some how with a code scan ,scan again even if the light isn't on , anti theft can give similar problems but the way to fix it is to find out what the problem is first , the original fuel pump was probably O.K. the code said fuel pump circuit , you may need a technician ,

3 people found this helpful.
190

I've been experiencing the same problems with 2012 Malibu. Swithched the relay, bang on the fuse box but now it's getting worse. Did you ever figure out the problem?

19 people found this helpful.
70

Any resolution. I too have this issue (2012 Malibu 101700 miles)

7 people found this helpful.
20

And now I have the intermintent dying problem. Codes p0230, p0615, p0645, and b1325. Do these codes have a particular common point?

2 people found this helpful.
1,570

I'm not certain if it's just crappy wiring or when a fuel pump ages, it draws more and more power, thus overloading the relay and the effected connections. My wife's 2012 Malibu wouldn't crank, I replaced the fuel pump and it ran great for three days. Replaced the pump AGAIN and it started cutting out, shuttering, acting crazy in general. When it does, I pop the trunk, twist the relay and it works fine. I'm removing the fuse box this weekend for repair. Saw629 had a similar issue, and the dealer found a burned connector and a defective clip in the fuse panel: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t2017_ds544085 He was even kind enough to post a picture of the old connectors. I would HIGHLY suggest that you replace the fuel pump relay and inspect the fuse box in the trunk for overheated wiring and bad connections at the fuel pump relay. GM should be ASHAMED of themselves for using such small wiring: for years electric pumps in their early fuel injection systems used 14 maybe 16 gauge wiring; on many pumps they came with a new grounding connector. Now, they use cheap,cheap,cheap 18, 20 or even 22 gauge wiring that WORKS GREAT WHEN THE PUMP IS NEW. Unfortunately, when the pump motor gets older and draws more amperage, it begins to overload the system and burns up relays, thin wires begin to overheat and lose their connection at important junctions. I'll never forget the words of a service manager (I don't recall if he was a GM service manager or not) to my dad once, "Yeah, it's not built very durable, but it will make it out of warranty." MAKE IT OUT OF WARRANTY. Let those words sink in. I think that if enough people get a gut full of this mediocre manufacturing that will "make it out of warranty" and bull crap like having to practically remove an entire fender to replace a FREAKING HEADLIGHT and quit buying from car companies with this attitude, they will finally change their ways. To be frank, I was going to buy a slightly used truck or maybe even a new GMC or Chevy truck, but both of my Malibus have fixed that idea. Nissan or Toyota, here I come.

42 people found this helpful.
1,570

Saw629 was right! Well, actually his mechanic. Pulled the fusebox out of the 2012 in the trunk, and the wire was burned going into the connector! The wire (using a VOM) runs directly to 37a on the fuel pump relay. Call and thank GM for saving a few bucks on wire and costing all of us hundreds! My theory: as the fuel pump gets older, it draws more power (amperage) and heats up and eventually overloads the circuit; but not bad enough to pop the 15 amp fuse! The emaciated wire used by GM overheats at this critical junction and gets a faulty connection. I pulled the connector, installed a new one and SOLDERED the 16 gauge wire I installed (the original was either 18 or 20 gauge.) Car seems to be running fine; I drove it 150 miles last night and it ran fine, no glitches. I would suggest to everyone to check this connector if your fuel pump goes belly-up.

24 people found this helpful.
310

We stumbled upon the fuse box suggestion about 4 months ago. An $80 replacement fuse box seems to have solved our issues that no mechanic could figure out!! Order the entire fuse box (often called the BCM) and swap it out. It takes 4 bolts and is probably the easiest fix ever! 4 months after replacing it, and we haven't had one hiccup!! Car starts and runs like new!

18 people found this helpful.
1,570

Abercrombie716....did you check the tan wire (third slot from the bottom) for burns?

4 people found this helpful.
310

TheBugGuy - we checked every wire and connection for burns and discoloration. Everything looked to be in perfect condition aside from 1 or 2 connections being a little discolored (not black/burnt).

3 people found this helpful.
80

Ambercrombie716 . Where did you get the 80.00 part to fix it at ? can you email me at brianrivieraauto@gmail.com please

8 people found this helpful.
80

This sounds almost exactly like my 2012 Malibu issues!

8 people found this helpful.
130

I've had same problem with mine. Ran fine for 14 months now its doing the same thing again. Go General Motors website and send them an email. I already have a complaint started but need more people with same problem to complain in order for a recall.

13 people found this helpful.
270

I have a 2012 Malibu ltz same issues as u all. I replaced fuel pump twice thinking I got a faulty one no luck...replaced fuse box in my trunk as well as all the fuses and relays no luck...the other day my check engine light came on i took it to get the code and it says power failure to the fuel pump. And now it is getting worse shutting off while idling at a light I'm thinking it's the wires from the fuse box down if I tug on them car starts and usually dont cut off while it's running but that has changed too...really probably will not buy another chevy very irritating

3 people found this helpful.
38,865

all i"ll say is that 40 years ago there were cars that would literally fall apart with age but they still ran , today I'm hearing about cars less then 10 years old with all kinds of problems that can't be figured out , are we going backwards ?

17 people found this helpful.
90

Bought my 2012 Chevy Malibu a year ago 5 months in I've been having the same problem that you're all having. Took it to 4 different machnics and no one could figure out what the problem was. Finally got a chance to take it to a chevy dealership and my connector in my junction box is fried along with the wire.

9 people found this helpful.
270

Is the junction box the fuse box in the trunk? Is so I replaced that already but now I'm on to the wires coming from that box to the fuel pump and wherever else they go it's at the mechanics now hopefully it's not a lot to fix

4 people found this helpful.
280

Yes, the fuse box in the trunk is often called a Body Control Module (BCM) or junction box. Holly, I don't remember exactly where we got the part, but it was an online retailer. It actually came directly from a Chevy dealership service department in Texas - apparently they have a sidea hustle going on as well, just selling parts! They had to order it directly from GM, so it took about 2 weeks to receive, but it was the easiest and cheapest fix we've ever encountered!

4 people found this helpful.
280

I'm also not sure why CG didn't publish the correct username,but this was my original post :) Abercrombie716

1 people found this helpful.
270

I did the box already that didnt solve the problem well it did for a few months then it started again but now I'm doing those wires I'll let u guys know if it works

1,570

Our 2012 started acting stupid again (I had to hot-wire the fuel pump to get it home!) So I COMPLETELY bypassed the fuse-panel in the trunk. I went to O'Reilly's and begged them to print up the wiring schematic for me (they did) and I cut the computer feed wire to the relay, and the fuel pump wire and directly wired them to a relay. Then I soldered in a new ground wire, and tapped into the main power wire going into the junction box and soldered a in-line fuse to the relay. NOT A HICCUP SINCE.

11 people found this helpful.
340

Im having the same problems with my 2012 malibu. TheBugGuy how did you solve that problem? Or any body can help please.

1 people found this helpful.
270

All I know is its wiring dont not her with the fuel pump or fuse box that's not the problem it's the wires going to the fuse box from the fuel pump

3 people found this helpful.
340

Did you change the wires? If so did you doit yourself or pay and how much?

2 people found this helpful.
270

I'm doing the wires now not sure how much it's in the shop now my mechanic is checking each wire it's cheaper than buying the harness they only have one harness available apparently that is the small harness that's like $80 is the other harness I'm told is very very pricey so my mechanic is trying to find the correct wire that is burnt out without replacing the whole thing the only issue is my car intermittently does not start it starts when it wants and dont when it wants I do know if you took on the wires that are on the fuse box in the trunk when it won't start it does allow your car to start but that only lasts for a while little while and then that starts not working too used to be when you tap on the fuse box that would work that's stopped to

5 people found this helpful.
1,570

I soldered a in-line fuse (15 amps) between the main power wire and the relay, then I soldered in a new ground wire, and I cut the computer feed wire and hooked it straight to the relay, then the 4th wire to the pump. I completely bypassed the fuse panel for the fuel circuit.

5 people found this helpful.
340

Ok my 2012 malibu ltz is getting worse. I would just pull relay off and put it right back on and it would start. Now it takes a few time switching relays. Also it has stop on complete stops. Is it fuel pump or do i satart with replacing fuel pump? Any info please help

6 people found this helpful.
270

Its not ur fuel pump my car did the same thing try messing with the wires coming off that fuse box I bet it works u can try but I'm telling u it cost me 800 for the fuel pump 350 for a new fuse box and my car still does it it worse now it's been cutting off while idling at a light n I have to get out in traffic and mess with the wires a few time n it will start find someone who can test ur wires from ur fuse box to ur fuel pump my check engine light had came on I took it to get the code it comes up power failure to the fuel pump

1 people found this helpful.
270

As soon as I am able I'm trading it in to many issues to only b 6 yrs old its ridiculous I had to replace fuel pump fuse box radiator wheel bearing and back shocks plus something with my muffler

2 people found this helpful.
340

Maybe a stupid question but what tools needed to remove fuse box?

2 people found this helpful.
270

Not sure I pd a mechanic to do mine I think it's just 1 or 2 bolts holding it in there I still have my old one in my trunk I can look

1 people found this helpful.
280

There are 4 bolts. You'll just need a socket wrench (don't remember the size). The front panel with all of the relays just plugs in - you'll pull it off and plug your new panel in, and replace the bolts. 5 minute fix! I would replace this before I'd start messing with the fuel pump (5 minutes and $80 versus a couple of hours and $200). My replacement panel also came with all brand new fuses.

5 people found this helpful.
340

How do i remove this 4 thing holding junction box or how to remove it? Please help! Thank you for your feed back

5 people found this helpful.
280

Once the 4 bolts are removed, everything unplugs as a whole, just like an oversized relay. The 4 bolts are the only things holding it in.

2 people found this helpful.
280

Sorry, Just checked with my husband - there are plastic releases at the top and bottom holding it to the frame. Lift those and the unit should slide to the left and lift off.

4 people found this helpful.
340

I removed it i dont see anything burnt. Am i suppose to split the box open? Now what am i lookung for?

280

Mine wasn't burnt either. I went ahead and replaced the entire box and haven't had a hiccup since.

3 people found this helpful.
340

Where how much and how long agodid you replace it Cnabercrombie716. And thank you for your help

1 people found this helpful.
280

It's been 8 months since I replaced mine. I ordered it online and it actually came from a Chevy dealership service department out of TX. I can't remember the exact company but I'll try to find it.

4 people found this helpful.
340

How much was it? I would appreciate if i can get that webite. Thank you

1 people found this helpful.
280

This is what I found when I went back through my inbox. May want to double check to be 100% sure it's correct, but it states that it's the entire junction box (links change over time so I'm not positive it's the same part - I haven't looked at the description). It was $120 with taxes and shipping. https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-block- 20997645.html

270

My fuse box was replaced in July of last yr mu car started messing up again last month...good luck I hope that solve ur problem but my experience it just masks the problem for a little bit then it starts again....btw mine was a dealership part bought from diane sauer Chevrolet with new fuses n relays ...I have it professionally fixed because I'm not mechanically inclined my dad is a mechanic for 40 yrs n neither one can figure it out I would appreciate if u update n tell what u did if u do something other than the use box I'm at wit's end

50

Sorry I posted everything but I don’t see it now. So yes I changed the fuel pump. The only reason I did so was because they have to drop the tank to change this wire from the fuel pump relay to the fuel pump. I figured with all the problems and this wire being burnt I did Norbert want to take a chance that it could have messed up the fuel pump. I have to say my car has never ran better. I feel like I got all my power back in the pedal. What a great feeling to know that this crazy problem is over.

1 people found this helpful.
340

Austin good morning. How long has it been that you replaced everything and been running good with out a problem?

1 people found this helpful.
270

Yes did the fuel too did the tsb repair on it too checked all the wires can't find nothing wrong I have another guy this weeked who deals with electrical problems hes going to give it a go I'll let u know what happens

1 people found this helpful.
50

Just had it fixed yesterday. I’ll post once a week just so everyone can keep up. When I had the fuse box changed my car still didn’t run this good. But it did fix my starting problem for about 4 months. I posted a link in one of my post above to a ton of people with this issue. Two of them did the wire and it has also worked for them. I still think this is GM problem and they should be fixing this issue with the wire. I think it he gauge is wrong.

2 people found this helpful.
270

I agree that this is a GM problem and I'm saving all receipts because when they put a recall on this I want all my money back

1 people found this helpful.
1,570

I disagree with replacing the fuse box. There is no indication (that I'm aware of) that the new box has been upgraded (beefed up) to handle the load any better than the old one. I completely bypassed the fuse box, installed a inline 15 amp fuse, re-used the old relay (it works fine) and soldered all the connections. While it looks a bit weird, I KNOW THESE CONNECTIONS WILL HOLD UP. I even taped a diagram inside the fuse box panel in the event someone else needs to work on it.

8 people found this helpful.
340

TheBugGuyAny chance i can get a illustration or a pic of your diagram? I would really appreciate if you could help me out im so tired of it

2 people found this helpful.
60

Krevon2 they are not going to do a recall. I've talked GM and they need more people to call and complain. Please call GM

3 people found this helpful.
270

I did file a complaint online with highway safety something I cant remember exactly what it was called I tried to look for a place on gm site to file a complaint that's how I ended up where I was at

2 people found this helpful.
60

Krevon2 I went to chevrolet.com find email us and that hiw I got some one to call e back within 24 hours. She stated that they need more complaints and we need to take these cars to dealerships before they can do a recall. Not everyone can pay dealership prices. The only problem with this is if they don't fix it right the first time they will want to charge you every time.

270

Yes I know I'm already 1500 in and my problem still exists it annoying I have a guy this weekend supposed to be good with electrical hopefully he can find the problem I called a few dealerships here just to see if they had any ideas or issues like mine and they all said it's the fuse block in the trunk I told them that I already replaced the fuse box in the trunk and the fuel pump and all the fuses and relays in my problem still exists and their answer was I have a different issue then then what their customers had that I would have to bring it in and let them look at it in the car would have to not start for them to diagnose the issue is that my car does not start intermittently so we could go a couple days and it'll start and then we'll go a couple days where you have to mess with the fuse box in the trunk to get it to start and recently started stalling at the red lights when my car is stopped and idling which is a big problem for me I was becoming accustomed to juggle in the wires in the fuse box to get it to start can't deal with the stalling

1 people found this helpful.
270

I'm also not paying the dealership $100 + an hour to look at my car and when we have no idea when it will and won't start

1 people found this helpful.
270

I will go to chevy.com today and file a complaint and hopefully we'll be able to get somewhere soon with this issue it's ridiculous

2 people found this helpful.
60

This is getting very annoying that more and more people are having this problem and GM doesn't want to fix the problems. Everyone PLEASE email or call GM.

3 people found this helpful.
1,570

I'll get the wiring diagrams...can't post them (copyrights), but I can tell you which wires need to be connected to the relay; the relay's terminals are numbered. Give me a little time to get everything together and I'll post it.

6 people found this helpful.
340

I spliced the burnt wire with a bit thicker gauge wire put it back on fuse box havent had a problem in 2 months

340

No i. Used a wire butt. Put a new clip on it and put it back on the fusenoc

2 people found this helpful.
340

No i. Used a wire butt. Put a new clip on it and put it back on the fusebox

20

EPGuy, What was the color of the wire that you had to beef up and replace?

2 people found this helpful.
340

It was behind the fuelpump relay. It was grayish to brown it was burnt on the ent on to thr clip to the fusebox

1 people found this helpful.
340

I didnt notice it at first. I replace fusebox work for a week then it started doing it again.till i took a closer look and found the burnt end

1 people found this helpful.
80

I am having the same problems. The grey wire is burnt causing it to not start. It is becoming more frequent of a problem. I have not died at a red light yet but starting to worry more and more. So EPGuy did you just cut it past the burnt area? Is there a trick to getting those clips out? I am afraid I am going to pull the wire out of the clip.

340

I cut about a foot off that wire and the clip is a little tricky. I used a small flathead screwdriver for eyes glasses. And replace clip

3 people found this helpful.
80

Ok I will give that a try. Did that fix your problem? Only about a inch is toasted but I will cut as much as possible off. It’s silly that this would be a issue. I have replaced the fuel pump twice now and have had it towed many times. I think I am finally onto what is really going on. Thanks for the help!

8 people found this helpful.
340

Remember to use a little thicker wire. After i replaced it i haven't had a problem. Good luck. l.a.salazar1981@gmail.com let me know how it went hope my advise helped

1 people found this helpful.
30

hi Epguy13, did you drop the tank and remove the pump in order to replace the wire coming from the fuse panel or did you splice the wire right above the tank without removing the pump?

1 people found this helpful.
340

I did not do anything with the gas tank. All i did was remobe fuse box from trunk. I found the burnt wire going to fuel relay. I cut about a foot of the wire replace clip and spliced a thicker wire to the existing wire

1 people found this helpful.
40

i had a similar thing happen with my 2012 impala , after replacing fuel pump relay, and still having issues i had fuel pump replaced as well. Because i figured something is drawing to much current and that is why the fuel pump relay kept conking out. long story short it ended up being a Bad Fuse panel in the Trunk ! I replaced it and solved the problem.

1 people found this helpful.
30

hi Epguy13, unbelievably it turned out to be sugar in my tank. some malicious person loaded me up with a bunch of it.

1 people found this helpful.
340

wow!!! im sorry Guruxdf2g some dbag did that to you. maybe an ex. how much did you spend? hope its all fixed atleast

30

i really don't have any idea who did it. It cost me $500 for the pump and filter assembly. I did the replacement so i didn't have to spend on labor. i had to flush the main hose to the fuel tank because it was clogged also, found out after i did the replacement and went to fuel up but it was rushing back out instead of going down into the tank. This caused me to drop the tank twice. I do have a bad idle, i'm not sure if its something to do with the injectors now due to the sugar? or plugs?

1 people found this helpful.
10

I own a 2012 Malibu ltz. Glad I stumbled upon this! Thanks everyone

1 people found this helpful.
340

Happy Holidays to all Malibu owners! Hope you spending your money on loved ones and not car parts

2 people found this helpful.

Same issue with my 2012 Malibu. The car would completely turn off without warning (very dangerous) - I will never purchase another GM made vehicle. poor design, poor quality, poor customer service. Now I understand why so many people are losing their jobs. These corporate thieves are weaseling their way through us the consumers. Never again!

80

My son's 2011 Chevy Malibu has the same issue's for over 2 years. After changing 2 or 3 fuel relays he would have to wiggle the fuse box in the trunk to get it stated, sometimes it would die while driving. I finally pulled the fuse box in the trunk, away from the support arm. Slide the box to the rear and it comes off and you'll see the 4 connection blocks. The black fuse block has a brown or purple wire near the fuel pump relay, his was burnt from over heating i guess. Long story cut short, i went to a pick and pull junk yard here in St. Louis, found a Malibu with the same fuse box, cut it off the car and replaced shis fuse box with the used box. Still would not start, so i cut off the burnt wire, soldered wire from the junk yard and hooked everything up. Its been 2 weeks and the car starts every time. It took probably less than a hour to fix and the used fuse box cost $20. I'll try to upload a few photos.

4 people found this helpful.
80

Above photo shows wiring block. Slide the blue retainer out and use a small screwdriver to remove the wire clip. Second photo shows blue clip removed and the burnt wire. I opened his original fuse box, had to drill out 4 nuts, to expose the printed circuit board. It was burnt at the fuel pump relay. Hopefully this helps other people with the same problem.

3 people found this helpful.
80

does anyone happen to know what is the bolt to remove the trunk junction box? can't see what it is. hex? star? phillips?

1 people found this helpful.
80

My sons 2011 Malibu fuse box in the trunk slide towards the rear of car and it came out. No bolts.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Sounds good, appreciate it a lot. Going to try this weekend!

1 people found this helpful.
5

same issue with my 2005 malibu, after reading all of you guys post i checked my wire and sure enough it looked burnt, i have not changed it yet, but i pushed it in further and car has been acting normal, now i need further instructions on how to simply get the wire out and add a newer thicker wire, will do it myself if its not too hard.

10

I have a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu as well, same issue went on for several months - not starting, I go back to the rear fuse compartment block, bang on it a few times, unplug fuse. This was a constant issue and it was extremely embarassing when with friends and family. After reading through everyone's experience with this, I decided to dish out the $80 for a new rear fuse compartment block than have the dealership "diagnose" the issue for $2,000. I ordered the fuse box from TascaParts, unscrewed the box from the wiring panels (4 Bolts) and put in the new box. Voila! Started right up! I haven't had any issues since. I realize that the wiring/fuses may be getting burnt out, but for now this has been a huge success. I will keep you updated as to how it goes in the future, but so far for the past few days, no issues :) Thank you all of your responses - I could not have figured this out without you

1 people found this helpful.
30

I am so glad I stumbled upon this post. My 2012 Malibu just started having this issue. I at first thought it was the relay so I replaced it. Still having the issue. I was pulling out the relay and putting it back in and it would start. I now know it was just the pressure of me pushing on the box. I went to move the car tonight 8/6/19 and it did the same thing. So this time instead of pulling the relay I just pushed on the box in the trunk with the cover closed and it started right up. I am now looking for the best replacement for the BCM in the trunk. Could someone provide an updated link?

1 people found this helpful.
5

i have a 2011 malibu doing the same thing we r in aroun if not more than $500 bucks. took it already to 3 mechanics and nothing it doe come out not charge to the fuel pump and ignition it starts and runs but we turn it off and it wont start at all and it wont crank we leave it alone and after 3 hrs or so come back to pick it up wherever it left us stranded and turns back on. any feedback or sugeestions on it will greatly appreciate it. fulepump has been replaced but thats it. please help me out it is very stressful and getting tired of using it like that. never had a problem with tt till about 2 or mths ago. mlamas1974@gmail.com please help

30

I replaced the fuse box in the trunk and that fixed the issue for now. But just like everyone else, the fuel pump wire was burt on the end going into the fuse box. This should be a recall and I am disgusted the Chevy ignores this issue. I picked up a used fuse box on eBay for $35 and replaced it. That has fixed the issue for now, but I’m sure at some point that wire will need to be replaced.

2 people found this helpful.
20

TheBugGuy or anyone else that may know. You talked about bypassing the fuel relay and installing a stand alone relay, I'm ready to try it but need to know the wire color or terminal number for the command wire from the computer. I know the tan/brown wire is the power to the fuel pump, just need the command wire. I guess I could ohm it out from the relay socket if there's no response.Thanks.

20

A possible preventative solution is to never run the tank too low. The low tank will cause the fuel pump to run harder, pull more current, and run hotter to suck up fuel. Seems like sound science to me. My wire to fuel relay was burnt as well. Wife tends to run car to empty weekly. Will keep tank filled as much as possible and hopefully that works!

2 people found this helpful.

M9ne did the same thing I took spray on board cleaner and stayed and cleaned the board and I haven't had no problems since I did that and that's been about 6 months ago

30

I got my 2012 Chevy Malibu several months ago from a private party. I am have same cranking issues all of you are having. I took it to dealership the previous owner bought it from. They did not find issue with cranking cause it was cranking. Had other issues fixed too. My mechanic replaced the fuel relay and cranked for a while then stopped again. There are no burned or discolored wires. He just went to junkyard and got used fuse box for $35.00 and replaced the trunks fuse box. It is cranking now. When car gas gets to half a tank mark, I will fill it up. I have filed a complaint with GM and just filed another one with NHTSA. www- odi.nhtsa.dot.gov. Now to see how long this fuse box lasts. Everyone please go to NHTSA and GM and complain too! Thanks for all the help. I have learned a lot.

30

This is sweety19721. I have an update to my post. My p.o.s.malibu just cut off on me in my yard while I was driving up the path. Then wouldn't crank or stay running. I had to crawl thru the back sit to pop the trunk-yeah trunk door button AND trunk fob button won't work!-to get to the fuse box. I also kept door open and put car in the on position for 15 minutes or so , then cut it off and took key out for 2 minutes, then put it back in- supposedly to reset the alarm system-and car cranked and I was able to park it. I am so frustrated with this p.o.s.! 1 month and scewing up again! I never ran gas any lower than 1 and a half quarters. GuruP4L36, not running gas to low did not help me like I thought it would.

1 people found this helpful.
30

Drove P.O.S.M. TO WORK YESTERDAY. Almost 3/4 tank of gas and would not start last night. 1st time since last week. I wish TheBugGuy or anyone else could tell me if their fixes really fixed issue. I am desperate to feel safe in my P.O.S.M. I really want it fixed and don't want the guilt of selling this to someone else to be their problem. Thanks.

20

I ended up finding the tan /brown power wire to fuel pump was obviously overheating in the junction box. I replaced the burnt connector and a few inches of the wiring And I haven’t had a problem starting it in almost a year.

2 people found this helpful.
30

Mike, thank you for responding. My 2012 Malibu has a lot of things going on. Door power lock modulators on driver side won't lock, was told by chevy place mechanic all 4 door modulators need replacing, cruise control not wanting to disengage when brakes are pressed periodically, esc and traction warning scrolls saying issues and tract light comes on sometimes, mostly after cruise messes up, cutting off when I stop at light, not cranking. Front speakers not working, driver side door trunk button and the remote trunk button had quit working, but when the ignition switch was replaced, they both started working. There are no discolored or burned wires, fuel relay was replaced, truck fuse box was replaced, new ignition key made, new keyfob-now doors lock remotely,auto starts, trunk pops(right now), and panic button, and new ignition switch. When car runs it is a smooth ride. We don't think it is the fuel pump. Due to so many things happening we will look for a rusting or loose ground wire and go from there. Sooo sad and frustrated! Glad you got yours fixed. Thanks again!

50

Thanks Everyone, same prob on 2012 with 175,000. Replaced box but happened again a few months later. Will check for wire.

50

sweety19721 - there is a Chevy bulletin addressing the wiring harness under the back seat rubbing. GM bulletin # 15-08-45-001 "Various Electrical Concerns July 8, 2015" Wire Harness under back passenger seat carpet.

1 people found this helpful.
50

So I took the BCM off the mount. Clip on top and slide it to the left. I looked and found the burnt wire and dirty connector. I think it is 18 or 20 gauge wire. I did not replace the connector with a duplicate - could not quickly find one but found a gold-plated one at ORiellys. Problem is diameter is bugger so I carefully drilled hole thru the holder for the connector and wire to easily slide through. I added 10 inched of 16 gauge wire after cutting original wire back some six inches. Used crush connector and shrink tube along with electrical tape to protect the joint. I then connected the fuel pump connection and slide the mounting box back onto the back of the BCM and tightened the hex bolt. I now know the connection is solid and larger to handle any feedback heat from the older Fuel pump.

1 people found this helpful.
10

Replaced fuse box and soldered ever wire to the box in and it started right up. I had burnt brown wire to fuel pump I r er places as well .

1 people found this helpful.

Update, thank you for your comments. My P. O. S. M. has been sitting in the yard for the most part since my last post. It also cut off going 60mph down the highway on my mechanic. He didn't notice any rust or loose wires so he got a $430 fuel pump and put it in 5/1/21. I drove it to work and back today. It did well. We shall see how long this lasts. If this doesn't fix it, then I will talk to my mechanic about the wire harness under the back passenger seat carpet mentioned by DWmM.

30

This is sweety19721, update: after work this evening P. O. S. M. Was not cranking. I beat on fuse box, pushed on fuses and it cranked. So fuel pump replacement did not fix issue. Same old thing.

30

This sweety19721, DWmM told me about a GM bulletin. On this bulletin it has a lot of issues listed. P. O. S. M. Has these issues that I am aware of...among others: Engine cranks but does not start, reduced engine power, trunk inoperative, traction control indicator malfunction illuminated, ABS indicator malfunction illuminated, and inaccurate fuel levels. We will follow the instructions on this bulletin and see if we find anything and fix that. I have attached a pic of the bulletin. All these issues are intermittent. Hope anyone who needs this can read it. I will keep you updated.

1 people found this helpful.
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Update from sweety19721. My mechanic did another more thorough inspection of P. O. S. M.'s trunk fuse box wiring and found a small wire going to the fuel relay was burned. He fixed this wire this weekend and I will drive it to work tomorrow. If this does not fix it, he will check the back passenger seat. Let's hope this did it!

1 people found this helpful.
10

Thanks for everyone for posting updates. I am having the same issue with my 2012 Malibu and I wasn't sure where to start. It will crank and crank but not start unless I put the peddle to the floor. Then It will start for a whole second or two then just stall again. I'm thinking I will start out looking in the truck at that fuse box/junction box. I most definitely will replace the fuel pump relay, cut back the wires, and reconnect them to the box with a heavier wire. Should I completely run a new wire for the fuel pump or will the splice do the trick?

1 people found this helpful.
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Guru9XJKCV, from what I read and think my mechanic did, was replace a portion of the wire with heavier gage wire (8 to 12 inches of it?) to which ever wire that was burned or discolored going into the fuse box. So spliced should do the trick. The burned wire may be hard to find. It was for us. It took 8 months and was finally found and fixed this weekend. I may still see if my mechanic will check under back passenger seat for that grounding wire from bulletin, because something made the wire burn and my car was having atleast 5 of the issues listed on it. I hope and pray this works. I will keep updating as time goes by as to how long this fix lasts.

30

This is sweety19721or Angela(which ever). In November 2021 P.O.S.M started acting up again. Eventually it didn't crank. I let it sit and my mechanic eventually took a look and replaced the whole wire from fuse box by splicing heavier gage wire there running it thru and under car close to gas tank and splicing it there. That was a month ago. I decided today to drive it. It drove well with no problems. I am praying that this will fix that problem. I still have the other issues stated previously.

30

This is sweety19721or Angela(which ever). In September 2023, my 2012 Malibu did not crank again. I tried multiple times and it just turned over.The next day it cranked right up.. It cranked a few times. Went to work in it the following day and it wouldn't crank when I was leaving. I beat the usual spot in trunk and it cranked. Needless to say, I am not driving it again. The whole larger gage wire thing did not work but for 2 years! I didn't drive it every day either! My mechanic has worked on it some more and it seems to be doing okay with him. I am seriously considering just selling it. I don't know what else to do!

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