2016 Chevy Malibu
I have 2 codes popping up on my car P1101 (Air intake) and P0171 (fuel system lean) I have had the PCM and the mass airflow sensor changed. The car when driving struggles to speed up but when I get up to speed I have no problems. When I stop the car jerks forward a few times and then stops and idles fine. When I start the car the idle is high for a few seconds and then drops to normal. I’m just wondering what could be the problem. I’ve taken it to the shop and they do not know why it does that I haven’t gone to the dealership yet I’d like to get an idea of what problems I could be looking at and if I could maybe fix in my own.

 

Not sure why you jumped straight to replacing the most expensive parts.
Basic troubleshooting for lean mixture: measure fuel pressure. Check for vacuum leaks.
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0171

 

Please provide as much information as possible if you want accurate help. At minimum we need vehicle details to help you ... model, year, miles, engine etc.

Also make sure you you're reading the entire trouble code definition. It matters. For example, DTC P1101 is "MAF Sensor Out of Self Test Range" (by the way did you put a GM one back in?)

 

I didn’t replace them just because but I cleaned the MAF sensor originally when it was only P1101 and had no problems then like a year later it was coming in and going off. But I took it to the shop cause I checked my hoses and cleaned all of my stuff. They then told me that the best option to fix it is replace the PCM and the mechanic basically drove around for almost 30 minutes and it was off and the car drove normal and then right as I got in and started the car and was about to leave it popped the 2 codes popped back up.

 

"replace the PCM" is what "mechanics" say when they have no clue what they're doing. A lot of mechanics are scared of electronics.

 

I understand that they at least refunded me my money for not fixing it. I’m not sure what kind of electrical problem it could be if you have any ideas that would be greatly appreciated. (It’s 2016 Chevy Malibu LT 1.5L with around 90k to 91k miles)

 

I thought I gave a bunch of ideas in my first reply, and even a video. Have you done any troubleshooting?

 

I’ve seen that exact video and tried all of them prior to posting on here I don’t know what else to trouble shoot but there’s one thing I have been able to do because I can’t get at it but I can’t remember but it’s a part of the vacuum system to see if when I disconnect the power if it’s still open cause that could be it but I physically cannot get at it to check

 

So again, please list your troubleshooting results..
were there any leaks in the vacuum system when you tried the smoke machine?
What were your fuel trims and fuel pressure?