98 malibu hesitation

[xjcamaro89]

Hi, my girlfreinds malibu has been running like crap for the past year or so, her dad keeps changing some plastic part under the 2.4L cover above the spark plugs, and it will run right for a day or so then run like crap again, it mostly happens when trying to go up a hill, it will spit and sputter then kick in and take off, the check engine light it on, but there hasnt been a decrese in performance like MPG and stuff like that, didnt know if this was a problem with these cars or something like that, thanks for looking!

[red933]

All I know about engines hesitating is that its either a timing issue or the air/fuel mixture is off. These are the most common problems. It could also be that the spark plugs are bad.

[bcopeland]

This is similar to the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am. Check the ignition coils. I think they are connected to the spark plug oots. My son had his go out twice in about 3 years with symptoms similar to yours.

[maxwedge]

Get it scanned for th cel and post back the codes for more accurate advice.

[jonate35]

Originally Posted by xjcamaro89

Hi, my girlfreinds malibu has been running like crap for the past year or so, her dad keeps changing some plastic part under the 2.4L cover above the spark plugs, and it will run right for a day or so then run like crap again, it mostly happens when trying to go up a hill, it will spit and sputter then kick in and take off, the check engine light it on, but there hasnt been a decrese in performance like MPG and stuff like that, didnt know if this was a problem with these cars or something like that, thanks for looking!

Try new spark plugs. You may also need to change the wires as well.