2001 Chevrolet Malibu wont stay running

BROKENMALIBU

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.1L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
206,000 MILES

First it start to have what seemed as a lifter noise. It has full oil in the vehicle. And a recent oil change around 1500 miles ago. The noise has progressively gotten a little louder with each passing day. It has been fine for around three weeks. The other day it was a little louder but, no lose in power or anything. Upon going home one final stop at a grocery store. Car was running with me in it. My girl friend ran in for a couple mins. Then the car shot off for no reason. It would start up but sounded as if their was no oil in the car. And it wouldnt go above 2k rpm then it will die in revese or drive. Ran a code reader found 90 day history code on the egr valve not opening and a current oil pressure switch failing. Still have oil in the car but it wont stay running and still has the loud noise as if theirs no oil. Please help me.

1 Reply

TY ANDERSON

MECHANIC
719 POSTS

It sounds like you have an oil pressure issue. The oil pressure sensor code caught my eye.
You'll need to know if the engine oil pump is building sufficient oil pressure. To do this you might be able to rent a oil pressure gauge from one of the major auto parts stores (most charge you for the cost to buy it and when you return the rental tool you get your money back). Next remove the engine oil pressure sensor, find the appropriate fitting to screw into where the engine oil pressure sensor was and start the engine. You should see the gauge build pressure in the 25-50 psi range. If the pressure is low this could mean the oil pump is wearing out or excessive clearances inside the engine.
What ever is going on it's not going to get better and is a major problem.