I need to replace the spark plugs in my 2001 chevy malibu

Replacing spark plugs and ignition wires on 2001 Chevy Malibu 3 1 6

I would check to see if you have spark. If not I would suspect ignition module.

rear of engine from passenger side to driver side is 1,3,5
front of engine pass to drivers 2,4,6 and coil pack it goes from left to right cyl 5,2 middle coil 3,6 and end coil 4,1

Back to the mechanic - sounds like either an IAC motor or TPS sensor is the problem, but also could be the throttle cable (sticking leaving the throttle not fully closed).

I don’t know what these other people are reading, what they think you’re driving, why they’re posting directions for an Equinox, or pictures for anything but the 2001 Malibu does NOT have a cabin air filter!
It did NOT come from the factory with one or a pace to put one.

Source: I own a 2001 Malibu LS and have turned almost every nut and bolt on that car.

Did you replace the ignition wire? If you have replaced the wire litsen for a vacuum leak if your not sure take a can of wd40 and spray it at the intake manifold gasket if starts to run at a higher rpm your problem is here replace the gasket. Missfire codes are not always spark plugs , coils or wirers.

call or go to your local chevy dealer and get along side a mechanic .they know the common probs and recalls on late models.malibu and impala have alot of factory recalls on them.go on line and
search engine malibu recalls (your year)and about 500 results will pertain to your car,not year necessarily,but same car.pay attn to model year changes.i.e. like 2001-2006. same body. Gino R

its possible that your intake manifold is leaking down onto the spark plugs causing the problem to check pull a spark plug out and see if the tip is covered in oil

YOU CAN PULL THE STRUTS OFF OF CAR YOURSELF but will need a spring compressor to remove strut mounts. might wanna buy parts pull struts out and pay a shop to swap over for you this will save some labor

Search for the engine model ECOTec 2.2 rather then Malibu. It is very easy to replace the plugs, they are DEEP inside the engine so you will need a 6" socket extension for the spark plug socket. Needle nose pliers were required to retrieve the socket on the first plug. Don't push down hard on the plug, just enough to engage the nut. Full screen photo sequence is available at:
http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99068