2002 Malibu problem

you might need to repace the catalytic converter or possibly a spark plug tune up or hopefully not u could have a blown gasket

Sounds like a bad or plugged catalytic converter.

...
i have a 2002 malibu with 53,000 miles on it, recently it has been
losing power, couldnt get it over 70 miles an hour and it took a
couple miles to get to that speed. i changed the air filter cause it
was pretty dirty and it ran good for about 2 days then it started
acting up again. now i have changed the coils, wires and put some ac
delco plugs in it and there was no change. the check engine light came
on and i pulled a code for a multiple cylinder misfire. now i cant get
the car over 45. its getting worse and worse. any ideas or thought
would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.

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Its called a fuel filter removal tool! It should be available at any
parts or auto store. I have seen it advertised but I never used one - I
am sure it comes with instructions. If you do get one let us know how to
use it.

yeah i was thinking thats what i will try next, dont you need a
special tool for that tab thingy? if so where can i get one and what
is it called.

The car more than likely has a plugged catylitic converter. replace converter.

No you do not need a special tool to get the green tab off. Take a pair of needle nose pliers and pinch the rear side of it. and then take a small flat head screwdriver and push it through the black hose... it slides in and out throught the hose. the tool will not work on this filter. I am having the same problem right now with my car as well. I have done everything mentioned above except the catalytic converter. I am changing my transmission fluid and filter right now. I will let ya know if that fixes it...

IWe bought a 2001 Malibu with the "Bowtie package" interior, and every option available,including the sunroof, and spoiler, new. It is a nice car .It now has 111,000 miles,it has been very dependable, and we baby it. Back last Thanksgiving we started having problems. We had a new computer installed, a major tunep,including, plugs, wires, ignition coil pack,transmission flush, radiator flush, fuel filter,and the car still acted like it was skipping.After all that, I took one last try. I had a different mechanic do another engine diagnostic, a fuel pressure test, and, as a last resort, he suggested a catalytic back-pressure test. The only thing that came up was the back-pressure on the converter was twice as high as normal. He suggested to take it to a muffler shop and check the catalytic converter. I did. The car runs like new now, and we were about ready to junk it. Don't make the same mistake we did. It had nothing to do with the engine, but back pressure on the exhaust can make it seem that way. The converter that came off of it sounded like shaking ice in an empty glass, it was full of pieces that was blocking the free-flow of the exhaust to the muffler

have the catilytic converter changed.. i had same problem and took my car into chevy.. it is covered under a 8yr 80,000 mile warranty.. free for me to have it changed and car runs like new.

just push the tap up and that will let you get it off the line of course you have to open it first good luck

Fuel filter sounds to blame. It???s cheap to replace before replacing
the fuel pump if that is the case but I doubt it. And no..don???t ask me
how to change it. I am having a hard time as it is getting mine off.
Stupid green tab is getting in the way.