I have a 2003 Malibu, 3.1 V6, 120K miles. Normally when I turn the ignition switch to on, all indicator warning lights and gas gauge work in the ip cluster. After a few seconds only the battery, check engine, theft system and gas are still operating. Also the heater fan and radio are operating since they were on previously. I can turn the switch to start and the car will start. Here's the intermittent problem: Sometimes only the theft light operates (along with fan and radio) when I turn the switch to on. The car won't start when I turn the switch to start. After 10 seconds or sometimes 60 seconds, all of the lights and gas gauge operate. I can then start the car. On two occasions, the lights and gauge operated only momentarily. I waited a little while and then everything operated and I was able to start the car. Do you have any suggestions on what is causing the problem and how to fix it? I don't think the battery and ignition switch are causing the problem.

Shut off the chime ? You want to shut off the chimes or they don't work ??>?? Which chime ?
Audible Warnings Circuit Description
Safety Belt Warning Chime
Voltage is supplied to the body control module (BCM) through the following components when the ignition switch is in the START or RUN position:
• The GAUGES fuse 4
• CKT 39 (PNK)
When you first turn the ignition switch to the START or RUN position, a class 2 signal from the BCM is sent to the instrument cluster logic turning ON the fasten seat belt indicator. The indicator comes on steady for 20 seconds and then flashes for another 55 seconds if the drivers safety belt remains unbuckled, or goes out when the drivers safety is buckled. When the drivers safety belt is buckled, ground is no longer applied to the BCM through CKT 238 (BLK/WHT) from the seat belt switch causing the lamp and chime to go out. The chime will only sound for about the first 5 seconds of the ignition on cycle.
Key-In Warning Chime
Voltage is supplied at all times to the BCM through the following components:
• The Underhood Fuse Block TBC fuse
• CKT 1140 (ORN)
The chime sounds if all of the following conditions exist:
• The key is in the ignition switch.
• The ignition switch is in one of the following positions:
- ACC
- LOCK
- OFF
• The LH front door is open.
When the ignition key is in the ignition switch and the LH front door is open, the ignition key alarm switch closes. The LH door jamb switch also closes. When both of the switches close, the Body Control Module (BCM) senses ground through the following components:
• CKT 126 (TAN)
• The LH Door Jamb Switch
• CKT 1050 (BLK)
• SP203
• C203 cavity F12
• G203
The chime will sound for as long as the door is open and the key is in the ignition switch.
Lamps-On Warning Chime
Voltage is supplied through the ILLUM Fuse 12 to the BCM through CKT 1220 (GRY) when the following conditions exist:
• The headlamp switch is in the PARK or Head position
• The ignition switch is not in the RUN or START position
• The IP dimmer switch is not at the dimmest setting.
With the IP dimmer switch at the dimmest setting, the current to the BCM may be too weak to be sensed by the module. When the ignition switch is turned to the RUN or START position, voltage is supplied from the GAUGES Fuse 4 to the body control module through CKT 39 (PNK). When the ILLUM and GAUGES Fuse voltages are sensed at the same time, the alarm is not sounded. The GAUGES Fuse 4 loses voltage when the ignition switch is in one of the following positions:
• LOCK
• OFF
• ACC
I'am assuming the chime stays on all the time .
Chime Always On
Step
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No
1
Was the BCM Diagnostic System Check performed?
--
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Diagnostic System Check - Body Control System in Body Control System
2
Did you review the audible warnings system operation and perform the necessary inspections?
--
YES - Go to Step 3
NO - Go to Audible Warnings Circuit Description
3
Verify that the chime is always on.
Does the chime operate normally?
--
YES - Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
NO - Go to Step 4
4
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Using the scan tool, enter BCM Data List.
Select Input 1.
Does the KEY IN IGNITION test display NO?
--
YES - Go to Step 5
NO - Go to Step 9
5
Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Remove the key from the ignition.
Move the headlamp switch to the OFF position.
Using the scan tool, enter BCM Data List.
Select Input 2.
Does the PARKLAMPS test display OFF?
Inspect the connections at the BCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
Are the connections in need of repair?
--
YES - Go to Step 7
NO - Go to Step 8
7
Repair the connections as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
YES - Is the repair complete?
--
NO - Go to Step 11
--
8
Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Body Control System.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Step 11
--
9
Locate and repair the short to ground in CKT 80 between the BCM connector C2 terminal B9 and the ignition key alarm switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Is the repair complete?
--
Go to Step 11
--
10
Are the park lamps ON with the switch OFF?
--
Go to Diagnostic Starting Point in Lighting Systems
Go to Step 6
11
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
--
System OK
Go to Step 4
Your best bet ,take it to a qualified repair shop.

Well it is an ignition problem or key problem or even REK remote entry key is bad or needs a battery in it needs to be replaced or the key might have a chip that needs programming and you will need a licensed locksmith or dealer to reprogram it for you

Given the complexity of your vehicle , all the control modules , serial data communication network. Having the vehicle scanned for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes , not a code reader or at a auto parts store . A professional type tool is need to pull codes from BCM - body computer , Instrument cluster .

Fuel Gage
The IPC displays the fuel level as determined by the PCM. The body control module (BCM) receives a class 2 message from the PCM indicating the fuel level percent. The BCM converts the fuel level percent into a percent gage deflection. The IPC receives a message from the BCM via the serial peripheral interface (SPI) indicating the requested gage position. The fuel gage defaults to E (empty) if:
• The PCM detects a malfunction in the fuel level sensor circuit.
• The BCM detects a loss of class 2 communications with the PCM.
• The IPC detects a loss of SPI communications with the BCM.
When the fuel level is less than a pre-determined value, the low fuel indicator illuminates.

Could have U- codes , communication network problems .

DTC U1000 and U1255

Modules connected to the class 2 serial data circuit monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the modules. When a module receives a message for a critical operating parameter, the module records the ID number of the module which sent the message for State of Health monitoring, Node Alive messages. A critical operating parameter is one which, when not received, requires that the module use a default value for that parameter. When a module does not associate an ID number with at least one critical parameter within about 5.5 seconds of beginning serial data communication, DTC U1000 or U1255 is set. When more than one critical parameter does not have an ID number associated with it, the DTC will only be reported once.
The table below list the modules on the Class 2 Serial Data Circuit that will set a U1000 or U1255 and should be actively communicating the previously described messages on the Class 2 Serial Data Circuit.

Is the check engine light on when you turn the key switch on ?
The one thing that can affect both the gauges and the ignition circuit is the key switch.

Could have connection issues at the BCM - body control module , lose ground . The BCM controls all the thing's your have problems with .
Turn Signal Lamps
When the turn signal switch is place in either the right or left turn position, the turn/hazard request circuit is pulled low, through a resistor. The body control module (BCM) uses the resistors to determine if the left or right turn signals have been requested. The BCM then supplies an ON-OFF voltage to the turn signal lamps and turn signal indicator on the selected side of the vehicle. The turn signals receive a ground at G101, G401, or G403.

When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the vacuum fluorescent (VF) display (radio) turns on at maximum brightness. When the park lamps are ON all incandescent back lighting turn ON at the dimming level indicated by the IP dimmer switch. At the same time all vacuum fluorescent (VF) displays dim to match the indicated dimming level. When the headlamp switch is placed in the PARK position, the park lamp supply voltage circuit provides an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then supplies voltage to the instrument panel dimmer switch through the instrument panel dimming lamps control circuit. The setting of the instrument panel dimmer switch determines the amount of voltage that the instrument panel dimmer switch supplies to the BCM through the instrument panel dimming lamps low reference circuit. The BCM then sends a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage to all the interior lamps. All the vacuum florescent (VF) and incandescent back lighting lamps are provided a specific voltage and are then grounded. When the headlight switch is turned to the PARK or HEADLAMP position, all incandescent back lighting turn on at the dimming level indicated by the IP dimmer switch. When the IP dimmer switch is moved from MIN to MAX, all vacuum fluorescent (VF) displays, as well as all incandescent back lighting respond from Minimum intensity to maximum brightness in response to the IP dimmer switch.

Engine Coolant Indicator(s)
LOW COOLANT LEVEL
The IPC illuminates the low coolant warning indicator when any of the following occur:
• The BCM detects a low coolant level condition for at least 30 seconds. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the BCM requesting illumination.
• The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds .

The thing to do first would be to hook up a factory or professional type scan tool an check for Instrument cluster or BCM DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes . Then checking connection 's at the BCM , testing power an grounds .


ECM Inputs and Outputs Diagnosis

Open Circuit Detection Wiring Diagram 1

Need to replace the sensor inside the gas tank. I have a 2008 Malibu with the same problem. It was a faulty fuel gauge sensor.

you need to turn ignition switch on and within 3 seconds pump the gas pedal to the floor 3 times leave the key on and the light should blink several times and then go off

It sounds like a ground wire was left unhooked.

Hi Badrick

Firstly, try disconnecting both your battery connections, and with the battery disconnected, turn the ignition switch fully, 3- 4 times ( To just discharge the computers ) Then reconnect the battery cables (pos + ) first.
This usually cures your problem.

Good Luck
John.

Does the dash gauges and digital mileage and idiot lights work when you turn the key on?