The ignition switch in your Chevy Malibu ultimately controls the electrical power to many of the systems and accessories in your car. The heavy duty contacts in the ignition switch can wear out over time, causing many types of malfunctions like inoperative dash lights or radios. It can even lead to the car failing to start. Unlike in many other Chevy vehicles, the Malibu has an ignition switch located under the steering column trim panels just behind the steering wheel.
Disconnect the negative battery cable using an 8 mm wrench to unscrew the terminal bolt. Remove the 10-amp air bag fuse located in the fuse block on the end of the driver side of the dash. Remove the locking clip and unplug the yellow air bag connector located above the driver-side fuse block. Do the same for the connector located above the passenger-side fuse block. This will disable the air bags and prevent their accidental deployment.
Remove the plastic bezel around the lock cylinder on the steering column, using a screwdriver to gently pry it out. Grasp the instrument cluster trim panel and pull to unsnap it from the dash. Lay the trim panel aside.
Separate the upper steering column trim by gently prying it away from the lower trim with a small screwdriver. Remove the three T-15 Torx screws that attach the lower trim to the steering column and pull both steering column trim panels away from the column.
Remove the electrical connector from the back of the old ignition switch, located on the right side of the column. Unscrew the two bolts that attach the old switch to the column and remove the switch. Bolt the new switch to the column and plug the electrical connector into it.
Slip the lower steering column trim into place and reinstall the three screws. Snap the upper column trim to the lower trim. Snap the bezel into place around the lock cylinder. Snap the dash trim into place around the instrument cluster.
Reconnect the two yellow air bag connectors in the fuse blocks and insert the locking clips into the connectors. Plug the air bag fuse back into the driver-side fuse block. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine. Test the accessories and verify the repair is complete.
