There can be several things that will cause your 2003 Chevy Malibu to run rough and not shift into fourth here. The probable cause is a lack of fuel. Due to a bad fuel injector.
where is the shift interlock selenoid located on a 2001 chevy malibu
Shift it to L
Check your transmission.
its behind the transmission side cover
check shift cable to transmission,it is either broke or stretched out !!!!
Hold your brake down while doing so.
It allows you to manually shift the transmission when the selector is in the L position.
Shift linkage broken,or trans bad. OR axle came out, or broken.
It means Manual Mode. That is where the paddle shifters come in, + for upshift - for downshift
mine does too. 99 malibu...seems like when it guts warmed up it seems to go. ONly had problem 2X where I thought it was not gonna go.
Yes, you can change the shifter handle. Remove the hairpin clip at the front side of the handle and lift the handle from the metal pipe.
You sound like you have the same problem I had. The shift lever has a linkage that overtime can stretch. When you put the car in park, wiggle the shift lever until you hear it click. Then you can remove your key.