There are a lot of posts on here about using AC Delco sensors when replacing them. If yours is not, that alone could be part of the issue with the MAP.
The MAP sensor wasn’t it…
Hey there, just a quick question for anyone who can help. Having issues with our 2015 Malibu. Last September 2022, we thought we had a bad tank of gas after a fill. Our Malibu was sluggish, chugging and running terrible. After burning that tank, a fill at another station fixed it. It was working fine since. Last week, the car was working fine, then like a light switch, it started growling under the hood, ran rough, and basically skipped and sputtered until we got home. It even stalled in an intersection. I made my way to the dealership, and they scanned it (good thing the check engine light was on). Tech said it was something to do with a rich fuel code. He suggested changing the MAP sensor. I tried that and put in a new one. The car ran great after startup for about 10 minutes, and now it’s doing the same thing. I wish the tech gave me the code, but he seemed certain that if I dealt with the MAP sensor, it would be fixed. Now, I can’t even drive it without the problems. It coughs and sputters and Boggs down . Any suggestions where to look next for a rich fuel problem? Or should I try getting it scanned again? Thanks!
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Thanks for your reply! I did go straight to the GM parts desk and get the sensor from there, it’s an AC Delco. I even entertained the idea that it was a faulty part from new! I wasn’t sure if there was some kind of fuel injection sensor that may cause the same problem?
Without the necessary tools and the knowledge to use them, you are just taking shots in the dark. I suggest you take the vehicle to a diagnostic shop. Sometimes what appears to be the most expensive route is the cheapest in the long run.
The way I read the first post it seems the car did go to a dealership. I'm guessing someone there was kind enough to scan and give you the 30 second guess for free. Sometimes when it is free you get what you pay for. You might go back, talk to the same person and tell them it wasn't the map sensor and pay for the actual diagnostic. Perhaps they will cut a little off the price since the last guess wasn't a bullseye. If you did pay for that diagnosis last time they need to do better. Was this a Chevy dealer or some other dealership?
It was the same Chevrolet dealership we bought the car from. The last two scans brought back a rich fuel code both times, but both times I was uneducated enough to not ask what the specific code numbers were. Sure, I could book it in and get an “official “ diagnosis, but as a mechanical hands on guy, I was hoping to fix it myself and learn about the car. This morning I changed both the cabin and under hood air filters, and I believe someone mentioned something about the intake manifold bolts could be loose. Either way, I’ll see what happens today. I just assumed (I know assuming never works out!) that it would be some kind of sensor or something that could fail and I could be a Mister Fix It and do it myself. I appreciate the feedback from everyone!
A big thanks to everyone who sent me a reply! I worked on the car yesterday. I changed both of the filters, cabin and air. I stared at the engine for a few minutes before I thought about starting it. Remembering the other posts on this forum, I decided to disassemble the top of the engine once again to take a closer look at the manifold bolts. Sure enough, all theee bolts were much less than finger tight!! I tightened the bolts, reassembled and unhooked the battery for 12 minutes. Once all back together, the check engine light was off, and the car performs amazing! That fixed it! I can’t thank this forum and everyone who is on it for the valuable information!
thanks for reporting back your fix...it will help people in the future and we're all glad another Malibu is back and running like it should...enjoy your Malibu
Bill
Bill
Thx to Jason S for reporting back. That's great.
I have a question that others may be thinking to themselves. How likely is it that
my intake manifold bolts may loosen: my car, 2014 2.5L, had the oil control valve replaced
in the GM recall at about 40000 with a Dorman part when they could finally get one.
The pieces of the control valve had gone into the intake manifold so it was replaced as well.
Once replaced, are the bolts as likely to loosen as on the original factory installation?
The car currently runs great.
I have a question that others may be thinking to themselves. How likely is it that
my intake manifold bolts may loosen: my car, 2014 2.5L, had the oil control valve replaced
in the GM recall at about 40000 with a Dorman part when they could finally get one.
The pieces of the control valve had gone into the intake manifold so it was replaced as well.
Once replaced, are the bolts as likely to loosen as on the original factory installation?
The car currently runs great.
I would not worry about the manifold coming loose. Why fix something that ain't broke.Thx to Jason S for reporting back. That's great.
I have a question that others may be thinking to themselves. How likely is it that
my intake manifold bolts may loosen: my car, 2014 2.5L, had the oil control valve replaced
in the GM recall at about 40000 with a Dorman part when they could finally get one.
The pieces of the control valve had gone into the intake manifold so it was replaced as well.
Once replaced, are the bolts as likely to loosen as on the original factory installation?
The car currently runs great.
A Dorman part used in warranty work would be more of a concern to me. Keep any documentation that says they installed this "Dorman" control valve in case of trouble in the future.
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
Chevrolet Malibu Forums
Chevy Malibu Forum is the best place for owners of the sedan to connect with the community and discuss MPG, mods, and more. Join now!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
campb292
88 Replies
repairman54
48 Replies
Drunken Elvis
17 Replies
Recommended Communities
