1998 Chevrolet Malibu Logo
Anonymous Posted on Jun 03, 2009

1998 Chevrolet Malibu - Is trembling when I come to a stop light it trembles as if it wants to shut off but does not. i changed the spark plugs, and the tray as I was told that may be the problem. however it is still trembling? Any input?

  • Anonymous Jun 04, 2009

    No the wires were not replaced. this all began the next day after filling my tank with gas, not sure if its associated. it is also releasing an odor. When I'm at a stop light if i put the car in park, or hold down the brake pedal and press the gas it stops trembling. and my check engine light started blinking. could it be my catalytic converter?
    thank you for responding.

  • Anonymous Jun 04, 2009

    Thank you I will try this and let you know the outcome. Thanks for all your help.

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2 Answers

Harvey N Tawatao

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  • Chevrolet Master 3,854 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 03, 2009
Harvey N Tawatao
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Did you also change the spark plug wires??? If not you may want to since there pron to burn out do to the extra heat around the newer engines with tighter engine bays. The other thing to that will cause ruff idle is a dirty EGR valve or a stuck EGR valve. The EGR valve get's dirt with carbon build up and will cause the engine to idle ruff. Remove the EGR valve and clean it with a can of throttle body cleaner and don't forget to buy a new gasket for the EGR. If the EGR is to far gone to clean then just replace it. If there is an Auto Zone close to you, have the car scanned for any DTC codes just to make sure it's not something else that is causing the bad idle. Good luck and keep me posed. Be glad to help

Testimonial: "Great advise! it turned out to be the plug wires as you said!"

  • Harvey N Tawatao
    Harvey N Tawatao Jun 04, 2009

    Double check the spark plug boots to make sure they are in right and have not popped out, or better yet just replace them. As for the check engine light, have that scanned at Auto Zone since it's free to have it scanned there. You can also try adding some fuel injector cleaner in with the gas for the next 3 fill up to clean out the fuel injectors. Also good thing to also replace the fuel filter which may be restricting the fuel flow to the injectors.

    Recap: Check the spark plug boots or replace the spark plug wire.

    Add fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank

    Have the car scanned for the DTC codes at Auto Zone

    And replace the fuel filter.
    Good luck and keep me posted.

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Vincent G

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  • Chevrolet Master 2,363 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 19, 2009
Vincent G
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EGR is not fully shut at idle.

=====

Check for

vacuum leaks on intake manifold,

the air tube between the air filter.

intake manifold vacuum hose.

===
clean throttle plate with Berryman carburator cleaner

SEE sample picture HERE
===

Also remove carbon built up behind the EGR valve and the EGR passage tube.

===

Vacuum leak WILL offset the intended 14.7 to 1 air fuel ratio.

More un-metered air (leaks) will lean out the fuel mixture.

Use small amount of Berryman carb clearer at potential air leak area will help you identify trouble spot.

At idle,just spray and listen for the RPM surge.

The in-rush of carb clearer will increase the RPM on the motor.

Record the problem spot(s) and address it later.

===

EGR carbon built up require 2+ hours to clean from start to finish.

You will need a new EGR base gasket before your start.

Locate and remove the EGR valve after the vehicle is cool down.

Carefully record the connector and vacuum line (for older vehicle) location by drawing an easily to follow diagram.

Remove the EGR valve.

Inspect the location of the carbon built-up inside the valve and the EGR passage tube.

SOAK these areas with WD-40 spary.

You will need a small screwdriver,cloth hanger and lot of newspaper and time to get this cleaning done right.

RE-SOAK the carbon and let it sit for over-night will also help.

One the last round,pass a shop vacuum of the EGR valve and the passage pipe.

Install the new EGR gasket and connectors.

Allow the vehicle to warm up outdoor to burn up any remaining WD-40.


Take it for a test drive.


Please rate my answer if it's useful to you.


Cheers,

Mustgo

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