My 2008 Malibu service manual states that the check engine light should briefly come on when I start my engine. When the engine is cold this does not happen. Also, it happens infrequently when the engine is warm. My Chevrolet dealer says this is normal as the light checks out when tested. Chevro…

It certainly could. First blush guess would be a bad bulb/led or a loose wire that’s making intermittent contact, or a bad solder join somewhere that needs to be warm in order to make contact.

Thank you. I am waiting for the next level of technical management at Chevrolet to reply and I will inform them of your suggested reasons. What specifically should be be checked and replaced if necessary?

ECU, check engine light (bulb/led), and all wiring in between. Note that if this is not under warranty, they’re likely to charge you a lot of money for it. When (not if, but when) they resist checking it under warranty, explain to them that you have made them aware of a potential problem in which t…

Perhaps your engine is starting too quickly. Turn your key to the run position and pause for a second before starting the engine. You should see the light then.

I have tried this a few times when the engine is cold and the check engine light did not go on. I appreciate your comment; however, doesn’t this create an extra step in starting the engine? Also, if this step is necessary, shouldn’t the manual state that this is the way to start the engine? I sho…

Its not a necessary step, just troubleshooting.

Thanks for the clarification. However, as I said earlier, when I tried going to the run position when the engine is cold the light did not go on.

You might consider having a chain type auto parts store (AutoZone, Checkers, Advance, etc) scan the car to see if any codes are present. They will do this for you free. The car is 4 years old and there may, or may not, be an applicable warranty issue even if a code(s) pops up showing a problem. It …

Thank you for your suggestion. I am not familiar with the chain auto parts stores you list, but I will search one out where I live (Union county in northern NJ). What are the codes that you mention?

Check engine light

Maintenance/Repairs

adhoccom April 27, 2011, 8:38pm 5

Thanks again. My auto is still under warranty till May 12th. The dealer service manager claims everything was checked and he found nothing wrong. When I receive my survey from the dealer and Chevrolet I will put your comments in writing. Meanwhile, I’m still waiting to hear from Chevrolet’s technical management team.

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Check engine light

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