Need help with an 05 Chevy Malibu overheating!?

Question

I haven't taken great care of it and it's overheating. I know I have a leak somewhere as my coolant was empty. I added Peak antifreeze/coolant for all types of vehicles just to see if that would stop it. It's still going higher in temp and my heater heats and then goes cold. Might it be the heating coil? Or just a leak? And can you please find what servicing I need for it at 60000 miles. I'm getting it fixed tomorrow but please tell me what I should be getting done or just so I as a girl don't get suckered.

Answer 1

Coolant system developed leak somewhere.You need go to the shop and pressure test coolant system.
About 60K maintenance :
60000 MI or 96000 KM

Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Notes
Inspect brake system. Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc.

Coolant Notes
Check engine coolant fluid level, and add fluid as needed.

Cooling System Notes
Inspect engine cooling system. Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is recommended at least once a year.

Exhaust System Notes
Inspect exhaust system for loose or damaged components.

Fluid - A/T Notes
Inspect the transmission/transaxle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Fuel Supply Line Notes
Inspect the fuel system for damage or leaks.

Restraint Systems Notes
Inspect restraint system components. Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system does not need regular maintenance.)

Steering and Suspension Notes
Inspect steering and suspension components. Visually inspect front and rear suspension and steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Visually check constant velocity joints, rubber boots and axle seals for leaks.

Throttle Cable/Linkage Notes
Inspect the throttle system for interference or binding and for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as needed. Replace any components that have high effort or excessive wear. Do NOT lubricate the accelerator or the cruise control cables.

Vehicle Notes
Visually check for any leaks or damage. A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.

Washer Fluid Notes
Check windshield washer fluid level, and add fluid as needed.

Wiper Blade Notes
Inspect wiper blades. Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.


Lubricate
Doors Notes
Lubricate body components. Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear compartment hinges, outer liftgate handle pivot points, rear door detent link, roller mechanism, liftgate handle pivot points, latch bolt, fuel door hinge, cargo door hinge, locks and folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on weather-strips with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.


Replace
Air Filter Element (E) Notes

Engine Oil (E) Notes
Change engine oil and filter, or every 12 months, whichever occurs first. Reset indicator.

Oil Filter, Engine (E) Notes


Rotate
Tires Notes
Rotate tires and check inflation pressures and wear.


(S) = Service Warranty Requirement
(E) = Emission Warranty Requirement
(B) = Both Service and Emission Warranty Requirement

You can print all that and show in the shop.Good luck.

Answer 2

The leak is why you have heat and then not. Same for the temp. reading. Its the heater core, sometimes getting hot antifreeze and sometimes getting air(from leak).Get it fixed and flushed. If you don't have the book for mileage service, just get an inspection or general check over. That should tell what it needs. If it's under warranty, take it to a dealer, if not, take it to a good local shop for a lot less.

Answer 3

Dear Malibu-

Sorry to hear about your troubles. Those Malibu's are actually pretty good cars, but lets have a little chat Chevy tech to Chevy owner shall we?

First things first.

The car sounds like it is definately due to have some services performed and don't be suprised when you are handed a fairly large bill.

This vehicle really needs to head back to the Chevrolet Dealership in your area. Regardless of what the other respondants are going to tell you, GM cars need to be serviced at GM Dealerships.

In the years that I have been working for Chevrolet my experience has been, when GM vehicles start having trouble, is normally after they have been repaired, (attempted), by private shops.

What you need to understand about the private shops is this. They are required to work on what ever vehicle passes through their doors. Consequently their mechanics are exposed to every make and model of vehicle on the road. While this may sound like a positive aspect, its not. These mechanics are not prevue to the constantly updated service information and bulletins directly from the manufacturer.

They also do not receive specialized factory training on the product(s). Technicians at the dealerships receive this additional support and training directly from GM. Likewise for those technicians at any other dealership, like Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Saturn or so on.

As for what you should have done to the vehicle, its time to have a look at your owners manual, and that will tell you at what service interval you are at. 60K is a fairly expensive one because this is where belts and hoses, air and fuel filters are getting replaced on most cars.

In your case, I would strongly recommend that you have the cooling system pressure tested, and repair any faults in the system. Have the cooling system completely flushed and refilled.

At this point, insist your service writer perfrom a complete diagnostic and safety inspection on your vehicle. This will give you a very accurate list of the necessary repairs for your vehicle to be returned to a reliable state of operation.

You may not have to have all of the repairs done at once, but I would highly recommend that any items such as brakes or any other safety items be repaired immediately. Have them check the air pressure in your tires and rotate them.

Oil and filter change, transmission fluid change and any other service items that need attention.

I know this is not what you wanted to hear at this point. But keep in mind that at a dealership you are paying a little more for the better service and a cleaner customer environment. Plus the added benefit that the technicians in the shop are better trained, and are always working on the product you own. So yes they do understand what the issues are.

I hope this helps you out, and again I am sorry to hear about the bad news. Good Luck!

Answer 4

suggest that whatever you do........do not run it with low coolant,as overheating will usually result in big problems. find out where the coolant is going,and go from there. The heater heats and then goes cold could be due to low coolant levels

Answer 5

Don't worry!! My dad's been an ASE Certified Master Technician for over 40 years!! You probably need to tell them to add some anifreeze, that may be the problem. Just make sure it's a good mechanic and has a good rating. Be careful...and-remember!! Take care of your Malibu!! Good luck!! My dad could probably fix it for you if he had the car personally. Good luck!!

Answer 6

on some of the gm v6 engines, you will find a cooling system air bleed port, a little screw or bolt that you can loosen to let the air out. honda has also had the same idea. if you dont bleed the air out, the thermostat will not open, so you over heat. this will also effect the efficiency of your heater.

Answer 7

they would have to perform a cooling system pressure test.

it could be multiple things that cause an overheating condition in a vehicle.

first step is to check to see if there is any leak. if you are adding coolant then its going somewhere.

Answer 8

Stay away from dealers. Your problem can't be fixed by a dealer or an auto repair shop. All they will do is charge you a lot of $$$
Take your car to a RADIATOR SHOP and get it fixed.