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Engine shuts off going uphill

Tiny
MELISSA JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 60,000 MILES
I have replaced air filter, battery, fuel filter and had oil changed and I put Lucas fuel system cleaner. It has stalled out every morning going to work going up a mountain, in same area of mountain every time. As I accelerating I can feel the car slowing down or struggling, it feels like a sputter then it bogs down on interstate. I let it sit for a few minutes then it has started, so far. Normal lights come on when it shuts off, no check engine light. I have talked to several mechanics and they all say, they need a check engine light to check computer for errors. I pray that you can help me.
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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 4:50 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
You don't need a check engine light to diagnose. It just makes it easier. Based on your description, it sounds like a weak fuel pump. If you are climbing an extended hill, the engine demands more fuel for an extended time. If the pump is weak, it will slowly run low on fuel.

So, that is where I would start. Here is a link that explains how to test a fuel pump. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend or rent one to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

_______________________________________

In addition, if I had the vehicle, I would check what are called fuel trims. This is done with a live data scanner, It indicates how the car's computer is trying to compensate for the air fuel mixture. If it is trying to add fuel, then it is likely a fuel pressure issue or engine vacuum leak.

Here are the manufacturer's specs for pressure requirements:

2000 Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.1L VIN J
Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Specifications Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature
PRESSURE, VACUUM AND TEMPERATURE
Key On Engine Off .................... 358-405 kPa (52-59 psi)

______________________________________

I can help you through the test if you want to try it. I have to be honest. Based on your description, there are a few different things that could be checked. I wish I could help you, but the best I could do is help you from here.

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
MELISSA JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The dealership said they did a pressure test on fuel system and exhaust, they said pressure was good on pump but exhaust had 6lbs of pressure, so they diagnosed catalytic converter. So I paid to have it replaced, the muffler shop said it had been stopped up for years. So that tells me that this is an old issue, not the new issue that has just started a couple of weeks ago. I took it to a full service shop and had them check sensors, plugs, and coil. They said all good except idle sensor but it doesn't shut down the car. I have been driving "Granny-style" on back road just to get to work. It struggles up the hills but it hasn't shut down yet. I can feel the car lose momentum on hills even at slower speed but always as I am accelerating. I noticed today when I was coming to a hill that it seems to struggle to change into next gear as I accelerate. It felt like it wanted to act up but I got over the hill before it could, then picked up speed and seemed to change gears fine. And one more thing I noticed, this morning the temperature gauge only went to 1/4 way, it usually runs halfway, and I went 30 miles to work. It felt like it was dragging. Then I got to gas station and got back in the car and when I cranked it up, temperature gauge went all the way up to 1/2 (normal) and drove fine, seemed to have more power than whole way into work. I bought some GumOut and got 93% gas but it didn't seem to make any difference. This is 3rd brand I have tried in last 2 weeks.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Melissa,

One thing that got my attention was the temperature gauge. After it went to 1/2 way, is that when it started to run normal?

Also, do you have access to a live data scanner? I ask because the coolant temperature sensor is used by the car's computer to determine the fuel mixture needed. If it is off far enough, it can cause the vehicle to run poorly, stall, cause black smoke from the exhaust, and so on.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
MELISSA JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello Mr Joe, I don't have access to that. I haven't noticed any black smoke but I did see a black mark on fat part of muffler. I thought it looked like a backfire but could possibly be. Can I add pictures or video of the car? That would be helpful in seeing what I see. When the temp was rising I was pulling into work and had to rush in. It seems to crank fine, and go into all gears fine, and pull into traffic accelerating with a sputter. This morning I noticed that it seems to struggle when I would accelerate and decelerate around curves and traffic allowance. Traveling in lower speed. It's like it's holding it's breathe ( if that makes sense) it tries to get enough rpm but struggle. I have not noticed any black smoke but I did see a black mark, I thought was maybe a backfire but could be from smoke. Would that sensor give a code? There is no codes showing. The dealership said if it was a bad sensor, it would show a code. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and to respond so quickly with alot of information. I am desperately looking for answers. I pray you can help me narrow it down and walk me through. I am very concerned about the temp being low though. I have had this car 7yrs and it has never been low after being warm. Please let me know your thoughts.
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Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 AT 11:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Melissa,

The sensor I mentioned may not set a code simply because as long as it sends a signal, the computer doesn't know if it's right or wrong.

However, your description today is making me question if the catalytic convert is plugging. It still could be fuel pressure related. Honestly, at this point we simply need to start checking things. Are you able to check fuel pressure from the link I attached earlier?

Also, I want you to take a look through these two links. The first explains symptoms of a catalytic converter issue. The second shows in general how to check one. Although the best way is to disconnect the converter, you can test it by removing an o2 sensor before the converter. Even though that won't make things perfect if it is a plugged converter, you would notice a difference.

Take a look through these and let me know:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

I suspect what you see on the muffler is simply where condensation drains. That will often times make a mark. However, if you can, upload a picture so I can see it.

One last thing. If there is anyway you can get your hands on a live data scanner, let me know.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, April 30th, 2020 AT 8:55 PM
Tiny
MELISSA JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hello Mr Joe, I noticed a couple of things today that may not be related but I wanted to run it by you and see what you think. It was warm today so I didn't have defrost or air on, and the car seemed not so heavy. So I tried to go up a steep hill, I can feel the car slowing down (it didn't bog down but it wanted to) I noticed that speedometer was registering 45 mph and RPM between 1 and 2 steady but I can feel it slowing down and feeling heavy. But the speedometer wasn't lowering as fast as I was slowing. Then it felt heavy the rest of the way home. It registered 10 mph pulling in to the driveway. When I came to complete stop it went to 0. Could this be related to my issue or is this something else? I still can't find anyone to help with the car. The mechanics depends on computer codes, and there is still no check engine light. I truly appreciate you taking time to talk to me about this matter.
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Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi Melissa,

First, I'm glad I have the chance to talk with you on this. You are very welcome. However, if I can't help, it's going to make me feel really bad.

Honestly, when you don't use the defroster or A/C, there is a heavy load put on the engine by the A/C compressor. With it off, it may not feel as bad. I suspect that is what you noticed today.

I don't mean to sound crazy, but do you ever smell a strange odor after driving? I'm starting to wonder if one of the brakes is hanging up. Do me a favor. After you drive it, walk around the car and place your hand near each wheel. See if it seems excessive heat is coming off any of them. Also, pay attention for odors that could indicate a brake overheating.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, May 1st, 2020 AT 9:41 PM

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