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1997 Chevy Malibu Erratic Idle then engine dies

Tiny
MIKOVISION
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,000 MILES
Idle on car slowly began to fluctuate (breathing effect) with AC on but not stall at stop. Soon after began to get worse with AC on, shut AC off and ran better but still 'breathing' at stop. Now would stall with AC on all the time. Been running with AC off but began to get worse once again until completely stalling. Now tries to start will not. When cranking seems to catch but only for a few seconds and dies. When cranking now seem like a low battery but it has been tested and is fine. Your help would be appreciated thanks
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Thursday, August 13th, 2009 AT 10:53 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Also, will it start if you use starting fluid?
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Thursday, August 13th, 2009 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
MIKOVISION
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No check engine light. Fuel pressure around 43 lbs. Engine will start briefly but sounds like running on 3 or four cylinders and real rough. Engine stalls after a couple of seconds or as soon as placed in gear.

- Mike
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Saturday, August 15th, 2009 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
Your fuel pressure is right where it should be, so it has to be electrical. The hard part (and interesting part) is that the check engine light hasn't come on at least to identify a misfire. Without the light, it becomes a guessing game. My first thoughts would be to have the crank sensor and the coils checked. Has the light ever been on?
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Saturday, August 15th, 2009 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
MIKOVISION
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The Check engine light has been on before a few months back but shut itself off after a day or so. Had not been on regarding this latest issue. How do I check the coils and crank sensor? Resistence I assume?
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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
MIKOVISION
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Was able to get it started long enough to see that the Check Engine light was illuminated. Codes were:

P0300 - Ramdom / Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0113 - Air intake temperature Sensor
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 2:44 PM

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