Question1998 Chevy Malibu
4 cylinder engine, auto transmission
Problem: have had hard starts since Nov 2011.
Began asking auto shops, “What is my problem?”
I can turn on key and “cycle” 3x and it will start without sputtering and stalling.
Of course, said several diff mechanics, “You need a fuel pump!”
2 fuel pumps later (2nd fuel pump a new Delco), plus a fuel pressure regulator (new), , new spark plugs, 3 new fuel filters, 1 new coil pack (other side they said was still fine “it’s working” they said.) Throttle body has been cleaned, too.
Battery load tested low but OK - 12.6 or something.
So, I’m still having all the same hard starts and stalling. On occasion, the car will stall driving down my street on a real easy throttle. Not just after an overnight’s sitting, but sometimes after a short stop home and out again.
It is definitely worse after sitting from Sat eve until Mon am.
Can you please tell me what could be causing this?
Any input would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
AnswerHI PATRICK,,THIS IS A GOOD ONE !!! THIS IS THE 2.4 LIT CORRECT. I HAVE HAD SOME BAD CRANK AND CAM SENSORS CAUSE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM..LONG CRANK TIME AND STALLING ISSUES. ALSO HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE MAP SENSORS [MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE] THIS IS JUST A GUESS HOWEVER..HAVE YOU HAD ANY SHOP DO A LIVE DATA TEST ON THIS WITH A SCAN TOOL TO CK FOR COORECT DATA ??? IF YOU HAVE NOT I WOULD HAVE SOMEONE DO THIS...THIS WAY WE CAN TELL WHAT IS HAPPENING WHEN CAR IS RUNNING..SOMETIMES THESE SENSORS AS ABOVE WILL NOT SET A CODE IN THE SYSTEM.. LET ME KNOW HOW YOU MAKE OUT WITH THIS AFTER YOU GET THE CAR SCANNED. PS. YOU MAY WANT TO TAKE THIS TO A CHEVY SHOP WHERE THEY CAN SCAN THIS WITH THERE GM TECH 2 SCAN TOOL..MORE ADVANCED THEN ANY SCAN TOOL AT OTHER SHOPS..WE USE THIS TYPE OF SCAN TOOL AND IT IS VERY GOOD AT LIVE DATA..GOOD LUCK,,,TOM
