Chevy Malibu won’t Start but the Lights come on (Quick Fixed)

Chevy Malibu is one of the popular choices for mid-sized vans. It is a reliable road companion for just about any road condition and terrain. Still, like any other machine, it comes with a number of interconnected parts that have to work together for efficient running. However, these are prone to fail and may affect the overall performance of the vehicle. 

One common problem that many Chevrolet Malibu owners have reported is the car failing to start, but the lights still working. This can be caused by different issues, including corrosion on battery terminals, a weak key fob battery, a faulty starter motor, faulty alternator, defective spark plugs, and failing fuel pump. Each of these issues has a suitable solution. 

This article summarizes the common reasons why your Chevy Malibu may not be starting but the lights can come on. 

Why won’t my Chevy Malibu start, but the lights come on? 

There are several causes that may hinder the normal starting procedure of the Chevy Malibu. Below are some of the said causes. 

Corrosion on battery 

The presence of any corrosion on the battery terminals results in loss of contact. This, in turn, leads to reduced current flow which translates to reduced power to the engine. You will not be able to start the engine properly, and the power supplied may only be enough to allow the lights to come on. 

Fix 

This issue can easily be investigated. If there are any silvery-green or white deposits on the battery terminals, cleaning it will do the trick. Reconnect the terminals once you are done cleaning. 

Weak key fob battery 

If you own the Malibu models with a push start/stop button, it is possible that the no-start condition is a result of a weak key fob battery. But you need not worry, if that is the case, you can still manage to start your vehicle. 

Fix

If there is no place to insert a key in your Chevy Malibu, you can try placing the key fob as close as possible to the start/stop button and start the vehicle. If this fails, then you can consult your car’s operational manual for the right key fob placement. 

Faulty starter motor

The starter motor is the main component responsible for starting your vehicle. It has an average lifespan of 100,000 to 150,0000 miles. Unfortunately, this lifespan tends to be shortened with increased frequency of starting the engine. Either way, given that it has a limited lifespan, it is likely to wear out at some point. And when this component fails, you will not be able to start the car. 

Fix 

In case of starter motor failure, replacement with a new one is the best solution. 

Defective alternator 

The alternator is the component that produces electricity. In case of failure, no electricity will be produced, meaning the battery will not be charged. It is very rare for alternators to break down. In the recent models, they have an improved lifespan of 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Its durability will depend on its use. 

Fix 

A broken down alternator should be replaced with a new one. 

Fuel pump failure 

If the fuel pump in your Chevy Malibu fails, your engine will not start. It is the pump that is tasked with supplying the required amount of fuel from the tank to the engine’s injection system at the right pressure.

Fix 

You can have your failing fuel pump replaced by a professional. 

Defective spark plugs 

If the spark plugs are not properly working, the engine will not be able to start. Most times, it may not be that the spark plugs are defective, but that the plug connections have come loose. 

Fix 

In case of loose connections, you can fix the problem yourself. But if the spark plug has failed, you need to have it replaced at a workshop. 

FAQs

Conclusion 

Clearly, there are many reasons why your Chevy Malibu may be acting up and failing to start. The good news is that all causes have a solution. The bad news is that not all the solutions are affordable. Either way, you will get your Malibu in good shape in no time.