2002 Chevrolet Malibu from North America - Comments

The car keeps reprogramming the door locks. There is no point in resetting them because they continually change.

Now the key reprograms itself and I cannot start the car.

I don't mind the door lock problem, but I cannot stand not being able to start my car in the mornings. I had it towed the first time and the mechanic told me what the problem was and how to fix it. However, I have been following his instructions this morning and still cannot start the car to get it to the dealer.

The key cannot "reprogram itself", all it has in it is a resistor.

Your problem is with the car and your incompetent mechanic.

Actually, if it is a remote entry system, it can reprogram itself. There is a procedure where the car learns to recognize the unique signal from an individual door lock remote. This is how you are able to buy a random new replacement remote and have it work. Same thing with your garage door opener, etc.

When you buy a replacement remote, you have to reprogram the system in the car to recognize the signal from the new remote. It doesn't happen by itself.

And anyway, the review writer was referring to the key itself, not the remote transmitter.

Car will not start. suspect security system, what is this.

I had this happen one time with my Malibu and it ended up being the anti theft system turned itself on when the battery died all of the sudden (I live in AZ the heat has a way of doing that!)

But you may end up needing to replace your ignition switch.. who knows with Malibu.

I have a 2002 Chevy Malibu and I have the same problem with the door locks. It suppose to lock when you put the car in drive and unlock when you put the car in park. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't work. Also my car will not crank sometimes, but a mechanic told me if I turn the ignition to ON position for 15 minutes turn the car off, turn the ignition as if I was going to crank it, but don't crank the car. Turn the car to OFF, and then crank. Every time I've tried this it works. My turning signals work sometimes and sometimes they don't work. I had the rear light panels replaced July 2006. It worked fine for about a year and the same thing happen again.

I have had all the same problems with my 2002 Malibu... The turn signals stop working sometimes (Take it to a local Chevy dealer and they will replace your hazard switch for free)... As for the "Theft System" Problem... I was having this issue for over a year and I finally had to take it in and have the ignition replaced (since I realized that it was broken (the key would come out while driving!!!) ) But despite these issues I still think that the car is a good value for the price... As long as you take car of the car it will be fine and shouldn't cause too much trouble.. Many people like to drive their vehicles into the ground and then wonder why the car is having so many issues.. If you want a car that you want to destroy then I would go for a Honda or Toyota... but if you are short on cash and need a reliable spacious car with a lot of power then this is a good car.

If you read the owners manual you will see that you can reset the security system by simply leaving the key in the on position with the engine off for 10 minutes. Make sure you turn off the blower, air and other accessories so you don't run down the battery. Reading my owner's manual could of saved me the cost of 2 separate tows and a fuel pump.