Engine misfires only on cylinders 1, 3 & 5 ( 2002 Malibu 3.1, V6 engine)

2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU
185,000 MILES
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SCOTT_IN_MESA
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Recently I have not been able to start my car OCCASSIONALLY. Have an ODBC code B2965 - ignition circuit open. This week it is starting OK but I started getting an engine light. "P0300 - Multiple engine misfire".

So a friend of mine with a fancy tester hooked it up and in the last 24 hours I have around 1500 misfires only on Cylinder 1, 3 and 5. (vs. only 40-50 misfires on cyl 2, 4 and 6. He checked the fuel injectors for those cylinders - all fine.
Plugs and wires are only a couple months old. I'm ready to give up but you have a pretty impressive web site... so.

Scott
(ps - I think I have some money in my Paypal acct for you - need to check the details and how to do it though.)
Sep 14, 2011 at 9:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Okay, I checked out the B2965 (Ignition 0 voltage is active -- high signal. What this code is deals with the security system. When the ignition key alarm system closes (signal circuit is low)when the key is in the ignition, and opens (signal circuit is high)when the key is not in the ignition. For this code to set, the current must be high for at least 3 seconds. Once set, the body control module will store the info until there are 100 consecutive starts without the problem. I have attached step by step instructions for you to follow and check it. Let me know what you find. And yes, the security system can have an affect on engine performance.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Sep 15, 2011 at 12:06 AM
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SCOTT_IN_MESA
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Wow, this is an amazing chart / tool and I will work on it this weekend. (or sooner if it's not too hot). Do let me know how I can paypal you (or just send a check - I'm a bit old fashioned).
Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this and this sounds like a great idea Jacob.
Scott
Sep 15, 2011 at 2:58 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Scott:

I hope it helps. As far as paypal, I have to say I don't know how it is done. Figure this as a free service. If you need help in the future and can afford it, then you can make a donation.

Let me know how things go for you, and tell your friends about the site.

Joe
Sep 16, 2011 at 12:21 AM
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SCOTT_IN_MESA
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Hi Joe, Absolutely appreciate the chart. I am needing to get ahold of a friend of mine with the instruments in order to help me and he's been busy. In the meantime it "stopped" 3 times yesterday... but I really wanted to let you know I appreciate the chart.
Scott
Sep 18, 2011 at 3:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Scott:

I'm glad to help. Let me know if you need anything else. I have access to a lot of info, and we're here to help people. It can be hard whene I'm not there, but I can try my best from here. Let me know how things go for you.

Joe
Sep 19, 2011 at 12:47 AM
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SCOTT_IN_MESA
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Well Saturday was no fun - the car seemed to not start at every single stop. Sunday, I replaced the two Camshaft Sensor Wires. It just seemed worthwhile, only 2 ft. each, to redo them and to wrap them in the protective plastic tubing material. Then, since it started reliably a few times, I took it to the local Chevy Dealer and left it for evaluation.
After "looking at it" all day, they said the could not get it to a no-start position. They said the codes in the system were historical (not active) codes. Therefore they could not use Jacobs step-by-step chart dated 9/14 ? I have no idea if that's an accurate claim. Any thoughts on that? Gosh Jacob, if this thing goes into a "no-start" state again I might just drive it to your shop ! Were do you live by the way? I live in Arizona myself.
Scott
Sep 20, 2011 at 1:08 AM
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SCOTT_IN_MESA
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Hello everyone...
Well barring any reply, I am using a suggestion made by Chevrolet today. They gave it a 90% chance of working. The "solution" is to replace the "CamShaft Position Sensor".
As that's all I can do... given the equipment I own or don't own... I will replace the sensor part and let you know how it goes.
Scott
Sep 22, 2011 at 3:49 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Scott:

I'm at the other end of the country, PA. It could be the sensor. Let me know what you find.
Sep 22, 2011 at 4:02 AM
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SCOTT_IN_MESA
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Hi Jacob / everyone,
Well the Cam Position Sensor was replaced and the car has been starting regularly for three days in a row now. Today I did get the engine light again. Codes PO300 (cyl misfire) and PO341 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit).
The light came on around noon when I left for lunch but subsequently went off a half hour (and two stops) later.
I do appreciate all your replies... a bit anxious though.
Scott
Sep 26, 2011 at 8:07 PM
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