Rough idle and very hard to start

JOEYY DUZITT

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
182,000 MILES

Theft system light stays on always. Engine cranks but won't turn over. The only way I can get it to start is if I spray starter fluid in the air filter/intake thingy. Changed the crankshaft position sensor but it still just starts whenever it wants to. Please help?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If the theft light is remaining on, then we need to start with this. Basically, the theft system will cut the fuel off in order to prevent the vehicle from being stolen.

So, we need to start with this guide to see if we can disable it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

If not, then we are going to have to check for codes.

Basically, if there is an issue in the system then these codes are going to tell us what is wrong:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

However, we also need to suspect we have a key issue as well.

These keys have a chip in them so if the key has failed then that will cause this issue.

So, let's start with this info and the wiring diagram is below of this system but we need to figure out why the theft light is remaining on.

Thanks

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