1997 Chevy Malibu Erratic Idle then engine dies

1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
126,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MIKOVISION
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Idle on car slowly began to fluctuate (breathing effect) with AC on but not stall at stop. Soon after began to get worse with AC on, shut AC off and ran better but still 'breathing' at stop. Now would stall with AC on all the time. Been running with AC off but began to get worse once again until completely stalling. Now tries to start will not. When cranking seems to catch but only for a few seconds and dies. When cranking now seem like a low battery but it has been tested and is fine. Your help would be appreciated thanks
Aug 13, 2009 at 10:53 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Also, will it start if you use starting fluid?
Aug 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM
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MIKOVISION
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No check engine light. Fuel pressure around 43 lbs. Engine will start briefly but sounds like running on 3 or four cylinders and real rough. Engine stalls after a couple of seconds or as soon as placed in gear.

- Mike
Aug 15, 2009 at 4:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Your fuel pressure is right where it should be, so it has to be electrical. The hard part (and interesting part) is that the check engine light hasn't come on at least to identify a misfire. Without the light, it becomes a guessing game. My first thoughts would be to have the crank sensor and the coils checked. Has the light ever been on?
Aug 15, 2009 at 8:50 PM
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MIKOVISION
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The Check engine light has been on before a few months back but shut itself off after a day or so. Had not been on regarding this latest issue. How do I check the coils and crank sensor? Resistence i assume?
Aug 17, 2009 at 11:06 AM
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MIKOVISION
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Was able to get it started long enough to see that the Check Engine light was illuminated. Codes were:

P0300 - Ramdom / Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0113 - Air intake temperature Sensor
Aug 18, 2009 at 2:44 PM