Malibu 2011 engine trouble

1489 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Motorcityrich, 2 mo ago

blackbelt1st

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

I was heading out one night and I came to a stoplight, made a right on red, and when I went to step on the gas, the engine just died. I was able to pull off the road, but when I tried to start the car, it would start but shut off within a second. Over and over it would do this. I had it towed to my mechanic, and he checked it out discovering, when he took the solenoids out, that there was little metallic flakes on the solenoids and in the oil. He mentioned something about the timing belt, slipping and causing this problem.
When he cleaned the solenoids off and replaced them, the engine stayed on for about 5 seconds before shutting off again.
So is this problem fixable, or should I look for another car. My mechanic said he could clean the engine oil, flush it or whatever he would need to do, but he isn’t sure how long it would continue to run. I’ve never heard of this problem before.

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campb292

· #2 · 3 mo ago

blackbelt1st said:
I was heading out one night and I came to a stoplight, made a right on red, and when I went to step on the gas, the engine just died. I was able to pull off the road, but when I tried to start the car, it would start but shut off within a second. Over and over it would do this. I had it towed to my mechanic, and he checked it out discovering, when he took the solenoids out, that there was little metallic flakes on the solenoids and in the oil. He mentioned something about the timing belt, slipping and causing this problem.
When he cleaned the solenoids off and replaced them, the engine stayed on for about 5 seconds before shutting off again.
So is this problem fixable, or should I look for another car. My mechanic said he could clean the engine oil, flush it or whatever he would need to do, but he isn’t sure how long it would continue to run. I’ve never heard of this problem before.

I'm not sure this is the mechanic you want to be at. Suggesting an engine flush isn't good. Those solenoids (assuming you mean the intake and exhaust VVT solenoid actuators) need to be replaced with ACDelco OE replacements, not just cleaned and replaced. Is this a 2.4L? What codes was this mechanic pulling? Replacing those is usually a response to the somewhat common P0011 and P0014 codes. You replace then change oil (no flush needed).

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DrivenDaily

· #3 · 3 mo ago

Also, a timing belt slipping could happen, but you have a timing chain. If that slips a cog, you have a bigger problem.

Chain, not belt:

Chain or belt ?

I have a 2010 2.4 engine. Does it have a timing chain or a timing belt. If it has a timing belt how often should it be replaced.

www.chevymalibuforum.com

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blackbelt1st

Discussion Starter · #4 · 3 mo ago

campb292 said:
I'm not sure this is the mechanic you want to be at. Suggesting an engine flush isn't good. Those solenoids (assuming you mean the intake and exhaust VVT solenoid actuators) need to be replaced with ACDelco OE replacements, not just cleaned and replaced. Is this a 2.4L? What codes was this mechanic pulling? Replacing those is usually a response to the somewhat common P0011 and P0014 codes. You replace then change oil (no flush needed).

Yes, you were correct with the codes. P0011and P0014. So, I should be able to drain the oil, put new oil in, replace the solenoids and it’s good to go? That would be great! Just for my knowledge, where did all the metal pieces come from and will it happen again? Did something get damaged? Thanks.

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blackbelt1st

Discussion Starter · #5 · 3 mo ago

DrivenDaily said:
Also, a timing belt slipping could happen, but you have a timing chain. If that slips a cog, you have a bigger problem.

Chain, not belt:

Chain or belt ?

I have a 2010 2.4 engine. Does it have a timing chain or a timing belt. If it has a timing belt how often should it be replaced.

www.chevymalibuforum.com

Yes, my mechanic did say it was a chain, and he thinks that the guides or tensioners are possibly failing. He also mentioned that the chain might be 1 or 2 teeth off. If that is the case, probably best to move on from the car?

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campb292

· #6 · 3 mo ago

The chain slipping would be a big deal and could be a concern. If it were mine, I'd change that oil and put the new ACDelco VVT solenoids in there and clear the codes. It's a reasonably cheap repair targeted at those codes. If the chain has slipped, that's another animal and moving on might be wise.

If the solenoids fix the issue, move to a shorter oil change interval and make sure you get dexos1 oil.

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blackbelt1st

Discussion Starter · #7 · 3 mo ago

campb292 said:
The chain slipping would be a big deal and could be a concern. If it were mine, I'd change that oil and put the new ACDelco VVT solenoids in there and clear the codes. It's a reasonably cheap repair targeted at those codes. If the chain has slipped, that's another animal and moving on might be wise.

If the solenoids fix the issue, move to a shorter oil change interval and make sure you get dexos1 oil.

Ok, thanks. I will give it a try and respond back. Keeping my fingers crossed.

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Motorcityrich

· #8 · 2 mo ago

I have a 2010 Malibu LTZ 4 cylinder with around 84,000 miles. I bought it used. I have experienced both issues and I don't believe they are related.
Initially my car stalled while driving. The cluster lights flashed as I tried to restart the car. Then later although the cluster lights were no longer flashing, the car would only run for about one or two seconds. I had to have the car towed home. The next day in my garage the same thing, the car would only run for one or two seconds. Before I had a chance to rent an ECM code reader, I decided to disconnect the battery, and the car started right up. Everything was good for a while, and then the car stalled one block from home. Once again I disconnected the battery and the car restarted. I did some research on this forum, and found a suggestion to disconnect the ECM harness connector at the ECM and apply di-electric grease to the pins. Also around this time I found out that the battery was failing. After replacing the battery, I did not have that problem anymore.

Regarding the VVT solenoids, a few months later, after a code for VVT solenoid failure showed up, I also found metal shavings on them.
I cleaned them and the engine ran fine, the codes never returned. I checked them again 6 months later and they were still clean. However, through research here, I found that the metal shavings are likely the result of the timing chain upper guide wearing out, and the chain cutting into the bolt - leaving metal shavings on the VVT solenoids.
I'm retired so I don't drive the car much, or far from home, but I'm waiting for the weather to warm up to access the timing chain area and check the damage.
However, in a few days I think I will recheck those solenoids. If the metal shavings have returned, I think I will be parking the Malibu and bring out my '82 Firebird earlier than expected!

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