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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2002MALIBU LSREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM - BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURESNO-START DIAGNOSISNO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY (3.8L)GENERAL INSPECTION (VIN K & 1 - REGAL)
2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS

General Inspection (VIN K & 1 - Regal)

2002 Chevrolet Malibu LSSECTION General Inspection (VIN K & 1 - Regal)
  1. If diagnostic system check has already been performed, go to next step. If diagnostic system check has not been performed, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.
  2. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, observe the DTC information. Does scan tool display DTCs P0230, P0336, P0601 or P0602? If yes, diagnose affected DTC(s). See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no, go to next step.
  3. Attempt to start engine. Using scan tool, monitor engine RPM parameter while engine is cranking. Does engine RPM parameter display cranking RPM? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to IGNITION SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS (ALL MODELS) .
  4. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using a test light connected to ground, probe both sides of the PCM, fuel pump, fuel injectors and ignition module fuses. Does test light illuminate on both sides of all the fuses? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to IGNITION RELAY DIAGNOSIS (VIN K & 1 - REGAL) .
  5. Using scan tool, command fuel pump on. Does fuel pump turn on? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT (EXCEPT VIN K - GRAND PRIX) .
  6. Turn ignition off. Install Fuel Pressure Gauge (J-34730-1A). Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, command the fuel pump on. Is fuel pressure within 53-59 psi (3.7-4.1 kg/cm2 ) for VIN K or 48-54 psi (3.4-3.8 kg/cm2 ) for VIN 1 while the fuel pump is operating? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS (ALL MODELS) .
  7. Turn ignition off. Disconnect an injector connector. Install Injector Test Light (J-34730-405) or TBI Harness Test Light (J-34730-2C) to injector connector. Attempt to start engine. Does test light blink while engine is cranking? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL INJECTOR CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS (VIN K & 1 - REGAL) .
  8. Turn ignition off. Disconnect a spark plug wire. Install Spark Tester (J-26792) to the spark plug wire. Attempt to start engine. Does spark tester spark? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to IGNITION SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS (ALL MODELS) .
  9. Check for collapsed air intake duct, restricted air filter element, fouled spark plugs, an engine mechanical condition, restricted exhaust system or ECT sensor NOT close to actual engine temperature. Compare Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure (MAP/BARO) parameters to another vehicle. Parameters should be close in value. Check Throttle Position (TP) sensor for being stuck in range. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to next step. If no, problem is intermittent. See appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
  10. Use scan tool in order to clear DTCs. Attempt to start engine. Does engine start and continue to operate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step  2.
  11. Operate engine at idle. Allow engine to reach operating temperature. Use scan tool in order to observe the DTC information. Are any DTCs displayed? If yes, diagnose affected DTC(s). See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no, go to next step.
  12. Using scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info. Does scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? If yes, diagnose affected DTC(s). See appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no, system is okay.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.