Chevy Malibu Dies out But Will Restart

Problem with my 2000 Chevrolet Malibu Engine size 3.4L. Check Engine Light. Question = My Malibu will start and go in reverse but when I put shifter in drive the car dies and will start again.

Answer:
Be sure to check that the battery cables are clean and tight. If it stalls every time you put it in drive, and the car wont move, then it could be a transmission problem. It will usually cause the car to lurch, or surge before dying. Feels like something binding.

If you can get it to go in drive and actually move, then i would suspect a loose connection somewhere. Putting the car in reverse causes the engine to move in one direction, and putting it in drive causes it to move in the other direction. This would explain why only in drive it stalls. The engine may be pulling on a harness causing this condition.

I would suggest having the car idling, and pull on some of the engine harnesses to see if you can cause it to stall. This would indicate a wiring problem. Maybe a sensor wiring, ground, etc. Look closely at the connections on either side of the ignition module. The ignition module is the unit under the ignition coils that the spark plug wires attach to on the top of the engine, along the firewall. 2 connectors on the drivers side, 1 on the passenger side.

Question:
After many failed attempts and costly repairs, my 1998 Malibu fails to crank or turnover. When key is in ACC only seatbelt and theft system light come on. Have repeatedly tried the steps to bypass the passlock, but nothing happens. I have had a key cut from a GM dealership using VIN not sure if the key is coded or not, as I have lost the original. What could be the problem and how to fix? Problem with my 1998 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan 3.1L V6. dash lights = Anti theft light will not go off. Repair work done prior = New starter, battery, wiring harness, intake gasket, ignition switch, tuneup, alternator. Work done to repair this problem = starter, battery, ignition switch, wiring harness, intake gasket, alternator.

Answer:
Sounds like a problem with the ignition cylinder. This is where the theft sensor is. It called the Passlock Sensor. Very common on this and other GM cars. Sometimes the relearn procedure works, sometimes not. If the relearn does not work then replacement will be needed.

Another possibility is the Body Control Module (BCM). This BCM reads the theft sensor in the ignition cylinder and allows the car to start, but this part is not nearly as common as the passlock cylinder.