I have a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu with a 3.1L V6. It will start but if you take your foot off the gas, it instantly dies. It also smokes really bad when you start it up.

I would go to Autozone and ask them to check your computer for trouble codes. I would expect a Throttle Position Sensor, or EGR code to be present.

Holding the gas pedal to the floor stops fuel entering the injectors.
You would need to figure out if it is fuel or spark to proceed.

Could be a couple of things. First check the fuel pressure because it could be a clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. Also could be throttle position sensor or mass air flow sensor.

You probably have a large vacuum leak. With the engine running, listen under the hood for a hissing sound. Check all of the rubber lines running from the intake.

i would recommend replacing the belt and the tensioner

sounds like your engine immobiliser fuel cut off is activating.try taking battery teminals off,re-connect and re activate your immobiliser fob the usual way,**** it will re-set itself,& or your fob battery may need changing,it,s anti-theft cut off that is your problem.good luck.

sounds like a bad batch of gas try a new fuel filter and some good cleaner like techron you can get it at advance auto parts its expensive but works very well

you can try to see if the fuel regulator is bad,sometimes there will be gas in the air cleaner\tube,it sounds to me that its getting too much fuel

are the plugs gapped right!!---3.1 v6 is 60---2.2 is 42 and 2.4 is 50 thousands, for 98 through 2000 4 cylinder models, most of the malibus take platinum plugs,

Remove and clean the mass air flow sensor and see if it makes any difference. (can be cleaned with carb cleaner and Q tip)