Welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re going to tackle a 2014 Chevy Malibu with the check engine light on. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of checking check engine codes on a 2014 Chevy Malibu using a code reader. We’ll also discuss a common issue related to the auxiliary battery and how to diagnose and fix it.
Step 1: Gathering the Tools To check the check engine codes on your 2014 Chevy Malibu, you will need a code reader. In this case, we’ll be using the Ektron code reader. This code reader is an essential tool for reading and interpreting the codes stored in your vehicle’s computer.
Step 2: Connecting the Code Reader Once you have the code reader ready, connect it to the OBD-II port in your vehicle. The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Connect the code reader to the port, and it will start communicating with your vehicle’s computer.
Step 3: Reading the Codes After connecting the code reader, turn on the ignition and follow the instructions on the code reader’s display to retrieve the codes. In this case, the code we retrieved is P305F. This code is related to the fuel air metering auxiliary mission control.
Step 4: Researching the Code To better understand the code and the possible issues it may indicate, we recommend conducting research. In this case, we found a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) related to the P305F code. According to the TSB, this code is often linked to the auxiliary battery in the vehicle.
Step 5: Checking the Grounds and Batteries Based on the TSB, the first step is to check the grounds and batteries. Ensure that there are no loose or corroded connections and that everything is clean and tight. Start by checking the main battery under the hood. If everything looks good, proceed to check the auxiliary battery in the trunk.
Step 6: Testing the Auxiliary Battery To test the auxiliary battery, use a multimeter to measure its cold cranking amps (CCA). In this case, the battery should have 155 CCA, but it only had 43 CCA. This indicates that the battery is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 7: Replacing the Auxiliary Battery Once you have determined that the auxiliary battery is faulty, it’s time to replace it. Remove the old battery and install the new one. Ensure that all connections are secure and tight. After replacing the battery, clear the codes using the code reader.
Step 8: Testing the Vehicle With the new battery installed and the codes cleared, start the vehicle and monitor the check engine light. If the issue was indeed the faulty auxiliary battery, the check engine light should not come back on.
Conclusion In this article, we’ve walked you through the process of checking check engine codes on a 2014 Chevy Malibu. We discussed the common issue with the auxiliary battery and how to diagnose and fix it. By following these steps, you can address check engine light issues and keep your 2014 Chevy Malibu in top shape.
Remember to regularly check and maintain your vehicle’s batteries and grounds to prevent any future issues. If you encounter any other check engine codes or issues, consult your vehicle’s manual or seek professional assistance. Happy driving!
