Solving the 2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start Problem: A Step-By-Step Guide

The 2012 Chevy Malibu has a crank no start issue that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.

2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start

2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start is a problem that can affect the performance of any Chevy Malibu made in 2012. This problem can be caused by several issues, including a bad fuel pump spark plug, clogged fuel filter, and dead battery. To diagnose and find the cause of the problem, it is recommended to begin by checking the battery connections and voltage. Next, detect if theres power at the fuel pump and check for any signs of engine flooding. If these solutions dont work, it is recommended to seek help from a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

Verify Battery State

When attempting to diagnose a 2012 Chevy Malibu with a crank no start condition, the first step is to verify the battery state. This can be done by checking the voltage output from the battery terminals. If the voltage is below 12 volts, then the battery needs to be replaced. Additionally, its important to check for loose connections and corrosion on the terminals and cables. If there is corrosion, it should be cleaned off before further diagnosis can continue.

Check Fuel System

Another important step in diagnosing a 2012 Chevy Malibu with a crank no start condition is to check the fuel system. This should include checking fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge. If there isnt enough fuel pressure being delivered to the engine, then it wont run properly or at all. Additionally, it’s important to check for clogged filters or lines that may be restricting fuel flow.

Check Crank Sensor Signal

The next step in diagnosing a 2012 Chevy Malibu with a crank no start condition is to verify that there is an adequate crank sensor signal being generated by the engine crankshaft position sensor (CKP). This can be done by using an oscilloscope or other diagnostic equipment to measure and compare the CKP signal waveform against factory specifications. If there isnt an adequate signal being generated by the CKP sensor, then it needs to be replaced.

Check Ignition Coil Spark Output

Once an adequate CKP signal has been verified, then its important to check ignition coil spark output using an appropriate spark tester or scope probe set up. This should include testing each individual cylinder as well as cross-checking between cylinders for spark quality and timing accuracy. If there isn’t adequate spark being produced from any of the ignition coils, then they need to be replaced before further diagnosis can continue.

Read & Clear PCM Trouble Codes

The next step in diagnosing a 2012 Chevy Malibu with a crank no start condition is reading and clearing any trouble codes stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This should include not only generic trouble codes but also manufacturer-specific codes that may provide more detailed information about what’s causing the problem. It’s also important to inspect wiring connections and vacuum lines for wear or damage that could prevent proper operation of sensors or actuators connected to them during diagnosis procedures.

Clean MAF Element & Housing

Another diagnostic procedure that should be performed when attempting to diagnose a 2012 Chevy Malibu with a crank no start condition is cleaning of the mass airflow sensor (MAF) element and housing. The MAF element measures air flow entering into an engine and sending this information back to the PCM so it can adjust air/fuel ratios accordingly for best performance and efficiency under different driving conditions. A dirty MAF element can result in improper sensor readings which will cause engine performance issues such as stalling, lack of power and poor gas mileage. Cleaning of both elements should help restore normal operation of this component if dirt build up was causing problems before diagnosis began .

Test Camshaft Senor Signal Output

Once all other components have been checked out and are functioning properly, then its time to test camshaft position sensor signal output from either side of its connector on both cylinders 1 & 2 (front bank) as well as 3 & 4 (rear bank). This test will require use of an oscilloscope or other diagnostic equipment capable of measuring voltage drop across these sensors under varying RPM conditions while cranking over engine until all cylinders are firing correctly again while maintaining idle speed stability once running again after repairs have been completed successfully . It’s also important during this procedure that any wiring connections are inspected for signs of wear or damage which could affect proper operation of these sensors during testing procedures as well as during normal driving conditions afterwards if not repaired promptly after they’re discovered while performing routine maintenance checks on vehicle engines periodically throughout ownership life cycles .

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Check

If your 2012 Chevy Malibu is having a crank no start issue, the first step in diagnosing the issue is to inspect the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). This sensor’s job is to measure the position of the throttle valve and send that information to the engine control unit. If it’s not working properly, it can cause a crank no start issue. Inspecting the TPS’s internal connections can help determine if there is an issue with the sensor itself. Additionally, performing voltage readout of TPS sensor can help determine if there are any problems with its electrical connections.

Injectors Diagnosis

Injectors play an important role in ensuring that your 2012 Chevy Malibu starts properly. If they are not functioning correctly, it may cause a crank no start issue. To diagnose this problem, you should perform resistance and flow tests on each of the injectors as well as electrical continuity tests to check for any open circuits or shorts in their wiring harnesses. Additionally, checking all vehicle harnesses for polarity issues and inspecting battery cables for corrosion or damage should be done as part of regular maintenance.

Spark Plugs Inspection

The spark plugs are responsible for igniting fuel within your 2012 Chevy Malibu’s engine so that it can run properly. If they become fouled or worn out, they may cause a crank no start issue. Inspecting them for carbon deposits and measuring their voltage output under multiple engine operating conditions will help determine if they are functioning correctly.

Electrical Connections Inspection

It is important to regularly inspect all electrical connections within your 2012 Chevy Malibu’s engine bay for any signs of damage or corrosion that could lead to a crank no start issue. Checking all vehicle harnesses for polarity issues and inspecting battery cables for corrosion or damage should be done as part of regular maintenance in order to ensure that all electrical connections are secure and functioning properly.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is the 2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start?
A: The 2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start is a common issue with this model of vehicle that occurs when the engine fails to turn over or start. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty ignition system components, PCM diagnostic trouble codes, mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues, camshaft and crank position sensor problems, throttle position sensor (TPS) issues, injector diagnosis and spark plug issues.

Q: How is the 2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start Diagnosed?
A: The first step in diagnosing this issue is to verify the state of the battery. From there, it is important to check the fuel system and various ignition system components such as crank sensors and ignition coil spark output. Additionally, it is necessary to read and clear any PCM diagnostic trouble codes and inspect wiring connections and vacuum lines for any damage or irregularities.

Q: What Maintenance Procedures Should I Follow for my 2012 Chevy Malibu?
A: It is important to clean the MAF element and housing regularly as well as test its operation. Additionally, it is important to test the camshaft sensor signal output as well as inspect its wiring and vacuum lines. It is also recommended to inspect the TPSs internal connections and perform voltage readout tests of its sensor. Furthermore, resistance and flow tests should be performed on injectors as well as electrical continuity tests. Finally, spark plugs should be inspected for carbon deposits regularly along with measuring their voltage outputs under different engine operating conditions.

Q: What Electrical Connections Should I Inspect for my 2012 Chevy Malibu ?
A: All vehicle harnesses should be checked for polarity issues along with inspecting battery cables for corrosion or damage.

Q: What Causes a 2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start?
A: A variety of things can cause a 2012 Chevy Malibu Crank No Start issue including faulty ignition system components such as crank sensors or ignition coil spark output; PCM diagnostic trouble codes; mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues; camshaft and crank position sensor problems; throttle position sensor (TPS) issues; injector diagnosis; and spark plug problems.

The 2012 Chevy Malibu is known to have crank no start issues. A thorough diagnosis is needed to determine the exact cause of this issue. It could be due to a faulty ignition, fuel delivery, or electrical system component. A qualified technician should be able to troubleshoot and repair the issue.