I was having trouble starting my '02 Malibu. I noticed that when I turned the key to "on", I would be getting power to things like the heater fan, but no dash lights would be on. By slowly turning the key towards the start position, I could hear the fuel pump cycle on for a few seconds, then shut off. It would take several tries to finally be able to get dash lights when turning the key to "on", but then the engine would start and run fine. Of course, once I got it running I took it to the dealer who could find nothing wrong with it. He did suggest replacing the ignition switch, which I declined. Over the next month, the problem occurred more frequently and I was getting the starting problem nearly every morning, but after the first start the car started fine for the remainder of the day. I finally ordered a new ignition switch online because I didn't want an OEM switch from Chevy. It was an easy install through the radio hole and took about an hour. PROBLEM SOLVED! No more starting problems.
Now, onto the lower intake gasket leaks.

 

I posted the following response to a totally ignored thread about the ignition switch in a 2001 Malibu:

This may be related..... right?

 

I have been having to same problem. I already replaced the fuel pump once. Experienced another problem where it would not start. Had it towed to the shop and after looking it over, they determined that the gas cap was not on properly and air was in the system. After they tighten it, the car started w/o problem. A frew months ago, same thing happened, crank, but no start. Tried tightening the gas cap w/o luck. Had it towed and later in the day, the car started w/o trouble.

It am now having same problem (crank but no start). The gas cap was loose, bought another cap. So far the car won't start. Does anyone know how to get the "air out of the system".

 

I have never heard of "air in the system" preventing a car from starting. When you turn your key to accessory you will hear your electronic fuel pump in the trunk prime your fuel system. I know the gas caps can throw a check engine light... but not starting?! I think it was a fluke that tightening it helped it start.
Your issue may be the passcode system. Do you hear the wrrrring of the fuel pump priming when you turn your accessory on? If you do, then you need to verify you are getting spark. You can read that I replaced the crank position sensor in mine and havnt had a problem sense.. Good luck!

 

Thank you SamZman,

I got the car to the shop and they are currently looking into it. Their initial thinking is that it is the passcode system. What should I be watching out for as a repair for this. They used a term called "relearn". What does this entail?

 

Morning, RNCharlie. I haven't had any dealings with the passcode system (luckily!) so don't have much help and don't want to share info I'm not positive about. I read some info going back on this thread (including some bad info).. But you may want to search again keying in on passcode issues because I know there are some knowledgeable people on this site.. Maybe they'll chime in here and give you some help.

 

So it appears that the passcode system is "going bad". They were able to get the car "relearned" and it now starts. I also spoke with a Cheve Dealer and they said I can replace the system or bypass it. Bypass it the system will take 3.5 hours of labor to take care of.

Can any one tell what does it mean to "relearn". And, does taking 3.5 hours to bypass the system sound about right.

Thank you.

 

ok little fusterated with my girls car it will turn over and over and over and its puttin out spark(trust me i used my hand to check and the coil is getting propper voltage) but no fule(so i checked the relay and it is not getting trigger power from the pcm so i hotwired it and it primed right away so concluded that the fule pump is not the problem)then this morning i went back out were its broken down and turned it to the on position and none of the indicater lights on the dash are coming on even(oil batt check light) but the radio blower motor lights and windows are getting power??????????????i have checked every fuse and relay with a voltmeter and all good: mad:: mad:
if you have any ideas please let me know

 

If after you try to start it, the anti-theft light is flashing, it's usually the passlock system. I finally disabled mine, and it always starts fine now.

 

See my post #31; very likely a bad ignition switch. All indications the same as yours. You only need the switch, not a new lock cylinder. I eventually had to disable the passlock system anyway, but these are separate problems.