Malibu Another long running GM name, the Malibu has overcome many changes to be one of the top mid size sedans heading into its eight generation.

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1998 Malibu LS won't start..

Old May 30th, 2012, 8:56 AM
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Default 1998 Malibu LS won't start..

Hello, I was able to get great advice on this forum with a previous electrical issue so thought I would see if I could get some help on a new problem. The same vehicle now won't start. It ran fine last Thursday when I parked it. We went away for the weekend and this morning I go to start it and it tries to start and chugs a couple times then dies. This happened about 7 times before I gave up and took my wife's car to work.

From my limited knowledge about car problems, it is pointing me to a lack of fuel issue like possibly a fuel clog or fuel filter clog. Is there any other obvious places I should check before I have it towed to the mechanic?
Old May 30th, 2012, 9:11 AM
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Post 1998 Malibu LS won't start..

Have you checked the battery? This is the very common symptom that your battery died when your car has been kept idle for more than four to five days.
Old May 30th, 2012, 9:12 AM
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it cranks fine, just won't stay running, will start and run for 1 or 2 seconds then dies.
Old May 30th, 2012, 10:46 AM
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Check the fuel pressure. Fuel pump failure is a common problem.
Old May 30th, 2012, 12:21 PM
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is there an easy way to check the fuel pressure?
Old May 30th, 2012, 6:51 PM
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Originally Posted by bigdumbear
is there an easy way to check the fuel pressure?
Turn key over, not starting, listen for a whine coming from fuel pump,helps to have someone in rear by fuel tank, if you can hear it come on when you turn the key, you can skip the fuel pump,...turn key over couple times, not starting,shut off vehicle, remove intake manifold, smell for gas...you could also remove your fuel rail, and turn the key over, if gas shoots out of injectors, you have fuel pressure...as old chevy has said though, fuel pump failure is common, and can be a hit or miss deal, where it works fine one day, and the next you're back to square one, best bet is to hook some gauges to the fuel rail and check pressures,refer to a mechanic if you are not comfortable with that procedure.

Last edited by Jake van Meter; May 30th, 2012 at 7:00 PM.
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