After starting the car with a battery Charger connected and running in maintain mode, the car starts then shuts off?

GEORGE KERNS

MEMBER
2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU
1.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
11,200 MILES

I accidentally started the car with a battery charger connected and running in maintain mode. The car started but shut off in a few seconds and would not restart. A few hours later I tried again with the same result; started for a couple seconds and shut off. I checked the battery fuse block, and it seems okay. I disconnected the battery for about a minute and reconnected, same result. All the electronics seem to work, lights, radio, etc. The battery voltage measures 12.5 volts.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

How long will it continue to run before stalling or does it stall as soon as you release the key from the start position?

Also, if you haven't already, we need to scan the can-bus. CAN stands for controller area network.

Basically, the different modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Also, let me know if the security light is staying on.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 AT 10:16 PM

GEORGE KERNS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the response. I had the battery negative off for about 1 hour and reconnected it. The engine started and shut off immediately. Tried again and the starter just ran on until I pushed the start button again. Now all the lights came on and would not shut off (had to disconnect the negative battery terminal). Even the dash lights stay on. I got alerts on the DIC about "low fuel level in tank" and "low battery- start car" but I know there is fuel in tank and the battery measures 12.5 volts and starter turns over good. Did not see the security light on. Sorry, I do not have a CAN scanner. Seems like something weird happened electronically.

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 8:38 AM

GEORGE KERNS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I forgot to mention that after I had to disconnect the negative terminal to get the lights off, when I reconnected it, I heard a "click" and the lights came back on again and won't shut off again. Disconnected the negative terminal again.

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 8:42 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

This sounds like it could be the actual ignition mode switch. Where did you hear the click? Was it under the hood? Also, when you say all lights, you don't mean headlamps or exterior lighting, correct? You are referring to the instrument cluster?

At this point, it becomes a guessing game without doing the scan I mentioned. With nothing to go on other than symptoms, I suspect the ignition mode switch would be where I would start.

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 7:28 PM

GEORGE KERNS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for the suggestions. All the lights came on again. I know it's a guessing game without some scanning. I have an appointment with the dealer in a week and a half. Will let you know what they find. The car's been running good until now. Thanks again, George