2015 Chevrolet Malibu Timing Chain Marks
It is critical to do the chain in the correct order. This can help keep everything in place as even with a little variation you will end up with a misaligned chain.
I have attached the timing chain replacement guide below.
Look through this and go over these steps. It might even be helpful to start over.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Are those yellow marks permanent or did you paint those marks?
Roy
Set the marks on all 3 gears and set the tensioner.
Roy
Move the crank back to where it should be.
If the links do not line up, make sure the chain is on correctly. The links can be off and if they are, move the chain around until the links line up.
Roy
Roy
Any bolt that requires an additional turn of degrees is called a TTY or torque to yield bolt. They are one-time use only and cannot be reused without the possibility of the bolt either breaking or coming loose.
Replace those bolts.
Roy
Always glad to help.
Feel free to ask follow-up questions.
Roy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuDceNgue1k
Remove the other 3 plugs and see if it turns free.
Roy
Roy
Roy
The marks on the chain are for initial setup only.
Once you turn the engine, the marks will never line up again.
Roy
Roy
Always glad to help.
Roy
Thanks
If I was there, I could do it for you but unfortunately, I am not.
Roy
What extra parts do you have at this time?
Roy
Suggested Repair
Set the crank and both cam sprockets to their marks, then install the timing chain so the colored links sit on those marks and install the tensioner. Those chain marks are only for the initial setup and will not line up again after the engine is rotated. If the links do not match, reposition the chain rather than forcing a sprocket. Replace torque-to-yield bolts, use the GM torque specs, and with the spark plugs removed confirm the engine turns freely without contact. The balance-shaft chain drives the oil pump and does not require timing marks.
Conversation Summary
After a P0016 code on a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5, the owner removed the timing chain without marking positions and then could not get the crank and cam marks and chain links to stay aligned. The cams had also been rotated individually, and the exhaust cam resisted positioning and pulled the chain off the crank mark. Experts explained that colored chain marks are used only for the initial installation and will not realign after rotation. They advised setting all three sprockets, fitting the colored links to those marks, installing the tensioner, and moving the chain if the links are off. They also said torque-to-yield bolts must be replaced, attached torque information, and recommended rotating the engine with the spark plugs removed to check for valve contact. The owner reported free rotation without hitting. The balance chain was identified as an oil-pump drive that does not need timed marks. Cover-bolt locations could not be identified remotely.




























