TECH TIP
Chevy Malibu Hard Start and Lack of Power
Mar. 01 2023
Mar. 01 2023

Vehicle: 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, L4-1.5L Turbo, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 98,001

Problem: This vehicle came to the shop because the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was on, the engine lacked power and there was a clacking sound from the high-pressure fuel pump area.

Case Details: When the technician connected the scan tool, he found the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs):

  • P0089 - Fuel Pump Pressure Regulator Performance
  • P00c6 - Fuel Pressure Low During Crank
  • P0340 - Intake Cam Sensor Circuit

He also saw a “Reduced Power” message on the dash and noticed that the engine would eventually start after a long crank time.

The technician replaced the high pressure fuel pump and cleared the DTCs. After starting the engine, the same DTCs returned. He went through the factory DTC test procedure for DTC P0340. The test results pointed to replacing the intake cam sensor. He replaced the cam sensor but that didn’t fix the problem.

The technician decided to use a bore scope to see the trigger wheel while hand-cranking the engine over. The trigger wheel did not move. After removing the valve cover, the technician found a broken camshaft between cylinder number four cam lobes and the trigger wheel.

Confirmed Repair: A new camshaft was installed, the DTCs cleared, and the car taken on a lengthy test drive. The engine started normally, ran well and the DTCs did not return. Problem solved!

The ALLDATA Tech-Assist team fields cases like this every day. See how Tech-Assist can help your shop save time and money with on-call diagnostic support from ASE-certified Master Technicians. More Tech Tips 

Not an ALLDATA customer? For access to this valuable experience-based repair data and reliable OEM information, start a free trial today.

If you would like to read more articles like this one please subscribe to ALLDATA News.

Sign up for ALLDATA News