Engine trouble I have a 2002 chevrolet malibu with a 3400 v6 giving trouble starting it has a new starter and has had a tune up very recently the problem is the car will grunt till it starts and back fire often i am thining it's either a timing issue or the egr valve is stuck and i need someone with more knowledge of the 3400 v6 to give me a better idea of what is wrong before i do the wrong thing and possibly tear it up more

SOURCE: Chevrolet 2500 Not Running, May Be Fuel Filter Sensor

That red wire is only for the fuel heater.will not cause a no start.try pumping the primer pump on top of the fuel flter hsg. but first open the bleed screw,which is black plastic also located on the top.this will eliminate any trapped air that might have entered the fuel intake system.if the pump does not get firmer and harder to push, then you have a leak in the fuel supply lines or the ck valves in the fuel filter hsg or stuck open. Still no start have it scanned to ck fuel pressure while cranking.it should be close to 5000 lbs

SOURCE: 1997 Malibu 3L V6 Suddenly hard to start Suddenly hard to start

Could you give more detail as to what it's doing exactly? Is it having a hard time cranking the engine or does the engine crank but not want to get started?

Bob Adair

• 1 Answer
• Posted on Nov 10, 2008

SOURCE: 02 malibu won't start

If car won;t start, but turns over it may be the anti theft system. Follow the directions in the manual-turn the key on and leave it for ten minutes or until the anti theft light goes out. Turn the ignition OFF and then restart the engine. If you continue to have problems with the anti theft system, disconnect the battery for 4 or 5 minutes and then reconnect. It seems to reset the system. Found this out after a mech. had worked on the system, disconnected the battery and told me it would be 400 to 500 to replace the module. Said no thanks and drove off to never have the problem again (so far!) 10,000 mile since.

SOURCE: Service engine code indicates EGR valve.

You could have a restriction in the egr ports. remove the valve. Plug the holes, start engine. 1 hole will be blowing out exhaust, the other will have large vacuum.

SOURCE: 2002 malibu anti theft problem

With the car RUNNING cut the yellow wire to the ignition switch from the group of three wires.
Make sure the car is RUNNING when the wire is cut.
Tape the ends and thats it.....the car will start first time from now on....as long as you don't mind not having anti theft.