Engine won't crank over?

Hello,

It sounds like you have a starter relay that is not working here are two guides to help us get started and the relay location and starter wiring diagrams so you can see how the4 system works below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

When trying to start, check for voltage at starter solenoid ignition wire.

The starter Bendix/solenoid is most likely bad and preventing the starter from engaging with the engine flywheel. Is suspect you should replace the starter.

Here is a link that explains how a starter works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

Here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. The attached pics correlate with the directions. Make sure before you begin working the battery is disconnected.

_______________________________________

2004 Chevrolet Malibu L4-2.2L VIN F
Procedures
Vehicle Starting and Charging Starting System Starter Motor Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: Record all pre-set radio stations.

pic 1

1. Turn the ignition OFF.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the B+ battery cable nut at the starter.
4. Remove the S-terminal nut.

pic 2

5. Remove the lower starter assembly to engine block bolt.
6. Remove the upper starter assembly to engine block bolt.
7. Move the starter right, clearing the engine block, then left and out of the engine block (flywheel housing).

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

pic 3

1. Guide the starter into the engine block (flywheel housing).

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the starter mounting bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the starter to engine bolts to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).

3. Install the B+ cable and nut.

Tighten
Tighten the B+ cable to starter nut to 10 N.m (7 lb ft).

4. Install the S-terminal wire and nut.

Tighten
Tighten the S-terminal nut to 5 N.m (4 lb ft).

5. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery.

__________________________________________________________

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Try a security system reset it may have engaged. See picture and link. attached one of these should work to start it. If not then have an assistant try to start and hit the body of starter with a hammer if it starts the starter is bad.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Sounds more like your starter overrunning clutch is slipping the fix is starter motor replacement

Check battry voltage should be 12.6VDC also try a jump start

Get to starter need a test light see small wire on solenoid? Put test light on terminal turn key to start. If it lights then starter at fault if no light possible ignition switch or neutral safty switch.

It will not remote start with the check engine light on, these are the conditions:The RVS system will not operate if any of the following conditions are present:

"Â A current vehicle DTC that illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

"Â More than 2 remote starts have been attempted.

"Â The hazard switch is in the ON position.

"Â A current hazard switch DTC is set.

"Â The vehicle hood is ajar.

"Â A current hood ajar DTC is set.

"Â The CTD system detects an alarm trigger.

"Â Excessive engine RPM

"Â Excessive coolant temperature

"Â Accelerator pedal position greater than 0 percent

"Â Vehicle not in park

"Â Vehicle theft deterrent malfunction

"Â A current automatic transmission shift lock control system DRC is set.

"Â A vehicle speed sensor signal is detected by the ECM.

"Â The vehicle is in valet mode.

Fix the SES light first and then remote start it.

It takes a lot more power to operate the starter than any of those other things so you still should have the battery checked. Try shifting it into neutral to see if that helps. Otherwise the circuit is going to have to be tested to determine where it is being lost.

Check this guide out

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down these guides and report back.