2011 Chevy Malibu LS - Bucking Only When Hot Outside


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2011 Chevy Malibu LS - Bucking Only When Hot Outside

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CarissaLynn
New User

Aug 23, 2018, 4:53 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1019 views)

2011 Chevy Malibu LS - Bucking Only When Hot Outside	Sign In

Information:
2011 Chevy Malibu LS 4-Cyl 2.4L
About 72k Miles

Problem:
Car bucks, when accelerating but not every single time - only consistent factor is it only happens when it is hot outside (about 80F degrees or higher).

This is a 'new' car for me and this is my first summer with the car, never did this during fall/winter/spring - has been doing it pretty much all of the summer. It never does it to my ride to work in the morning but it's never that hot out - this week has been rather cool and it hasn't done it at all except for yesterday on my ride home when it was hot again.

Not linked to the AC I don't think because I purposely froze myself on my ride to work this morning and used the AC when not needed to see if it bucks when the air is on and it didn't.

What I've Tried So Far:
The car had an oil change at the dealership so I asked them to do an inspection of the car - nothing came up. There is no check engine light on either.

Dealership recommended hanging the engine filter, which I have done and it absolutely needed it - was crazy dirty, but that didn't fix the problem.

Changed the mass air flow sensor, didn't fix it.

I bought spark plugs and will be changing them this weekend to see if that helps but figured I'd make this post to see if anyone had any other thoughts.

Feel free to ask me anything and thanks in advanced!

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Aug 23, 2018, 5:08 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1014 views)

Re: 2011 Chevy Malibu LS - Bucking Only When Hot Outside	Sign In

The spark plugs would be a smart move but make sure they are AC Delco brand Iridium only. Don't let them try to sell you their house brand saying they are better. They are not.

You must use the OEM plug the car was engineered for.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

CarissaLynn
New User

Aug 23, 2018, 5:13 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1007 views)

Re: 2011 Chevy Malibu LS - Bucking Only When Hot Outside	Sign In

Oh yeah agreed, I got the OEM ones already. For sure will try that out and can post back here once I do if it seems to fix it or not.

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