Problem with my 2003 Chevy Malibu
V-6
No Trouble codes known
Repair done prior = I removed the factory stereo. Plugged in an interface
adapter, and after market stereo.
I decided against the swap right away, and
replaced the factory stereo!
tip/donation yes
tech = JK
question = I removed the factory stereo, replaced it right away, and
now the red blinking light on the stereo doesn't blink. The fuel gauge
doesn't work, neither does the temp gauge, auto headlights, and I think the
ac quit cooling. The stereo quits when engine is running but comes on
when engine turns off. Whats the deal?


JK:
Thank you for the tip/donation.
OK. I will need some more info, and need you to check a couple things first.
First, why did you switch the factory radio right away. Did the aftermarket radio work at all, or did
you even turn the key on to try it. If you did turn key on, did you notice if any of the problems you
described where there with the after market radio in and turned on? I assume the after market
adapter is no longer attached.
There are a lot of wires behind the radio that go to ignition switch, and the gauges cluster. Be sure
to check all of the fuses. Rt. side of dash fuse block, lf. side fuse block, underhood fuse block.
Check all fuses with a test light with the key on and make sure none are blown.
If the factory radio is bolted back in the dash, pull it out, keep all wiring attached. Disconnect battery
for a minute or so, then re-connect battery and start car and see if any symptoms change.
This may sound like allot to do, but there are some very odd things happening, and i need to get
this info to help.
I will wait for your reply, then i can get more in depth with schematics to find out what happened.
Once again, thank you for your tip/donation. I will do my best to get this straightened out.
VISITOR:
THANK YOU! I will go over these things tomorrow. I work nights and my time is cramped, but I will
manage. When I put in after market stereo and turned on the key, It just lit up and I couldn't get it to
work right. After paying money for the adapter and the stereo, I was frustrated, so I changed it back.
When I first hooked it up I didn't disconnect the battery, and it blew the fuse for the stereo.
Everything is back like it should be except for a missing fuse in the cruise control slot. I used it to
replace the stereo fuse. 10 amp. I will check the other fuses tomorrow. The small red light that
usually blinks on the stereo is no longer blinking.
2000 Chevy Malibu V6
Check Engine Light and Service Vehicle Soon Light.
Question = Car runs fine, but my gas and temperature gauge stays dead most of the time, and works once in
a while... Any ideas?
Answer: Seems like you have an instrument cluster problem. They have
been known to act funny and have trouble on the Malibu's. You may have
other concerns if the check engine light and service vehicle soon light are
on. I would get that looked into first, since it's possible that you could have
set codes for the fuel level sensor and engine coolant temperature sensor
and that could be why they gauges don't work too. I'm betting it's a cluster,
but better to be safe than sorry. If you do need a new cluster, you'll have to
get one through a GM dealership and it may need to be programmed as well.
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