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2013 Chevy Malibu - P2097

9.4K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  JonnyAbs  
#1 ·
Hello All,
I have a 2013 Chevy Malibu LT (4 cylinder) with about 148,000 miles. My "Check Engine" light turned on about 2 weeks ago. I checked it with my Bluetooth Scan Tool and have a P2097 (Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Rich) code. I cleared the code hoping it was just a fluke, but it turned on again with the same code a few days later. It then went away on it's own but came back a third time. I did some digging online and found it could be cause by a few things - 1. Exhaust Leak 2. Bad O2 Sensor or 3. Faulty Catalytic Converter. I've seen 1 other post on here but did not provide a definite solutions. Anyone know what the likely culprit is?
 
#2 ·
At your mileage I would change the front O2 sensor, the one closest to the engine in the exhaust manifold first. That is the O2 sensor that controls fuel mixtures.
 
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#3 ·
Thank you for your response. I will do that. Funny you should mention the fuel mixture, because while monitoring my MPG (screen between the Speedometer and RPMs) it says I'm getting a much better MPG compared to before this issue.

I will replace the O2 sensor and report back. Thanks again for your help.
 
#10 ·
Mine was a precursor to an inefficient catalytic converter. I was surprised because I was expecting p0420. Sure enough, this year the intermittent p2097 stopped and i started getting p0420.

For a little history, I installed a walker cat about 5 years ago and sold my stock cat for $300. I was looking for some increased performance and the walker cat helped. Also turned out that my stock cat didnt look great either once I got it out (see video below).

I think your stock cats are on the way out. I fixed my code with a rear o2 spacer. You can use a spark plus anti fouler to move it out of the exhaust stream. Not legal but I am fairly certain my cat is intact and not clogged. Its just a cheap aftermarket part and the precious metal payload is lower and maybe soot is blocking the catalyst process. My oem rear cat is still in place too.