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2010 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L Eng LS

INTERMITTENT ILLUMINATION OF MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

(MIL)/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, DTC P0172 SET (VERIFY ALCOHOL CONTENT
INFORMATION IN PCM)

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 10-06-04-004B, Date of Issue: April 30, 2012
Affected 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 2010 Pontiac G6 Equipped with 2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine
Model(s): (VINs B, 0 - RPOs LE5, LE9) Please refer to GWM/IVH
This bulletin is being revised to update the models to include the 2010 Pontiac G6.
Supercedes: Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-06-04-004A (Section 06 -
Engine/Propulsion System).
Superceded Bulletin(s): 10-06-04-004A, Date of Issue: January 13, 2011

CONDITION

Some customers may comment on an intermittent illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)/check engine light.

Technicians may find a DTC P0172 set.

CORRECTION

Use the procedure below to determine if the PCM has the incorrect alcohol content information.

1. Verify the actual measured percentage of alcohol content using the J-44175-A tester.
Refer to Alcohol in Fuel Diagnosis in SI.

If the actual alcohol is less than 15%, determine the "Fuel Alcohol Content" using the
Tech 2.

2. Install the Tech 2 and build the vehicle as a 2010 and select Powertrain.

3. Build the vehicle with an LE9 engine (even if it has the LE5 engine).

1. Select Special Functions.

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2. Select Fuel System (F2).

3. Select Fuel Composition Reset (F1).

4. The first parameter is "Fuel Alcohol Content" displayed as a percentage. If

the Fuel Alcohol Content percentage is above 25%, this is the probable
cause of DTC P0172.

5. From this screen the "Fuel Alcohol Content" can be reset to zero by pressing
the lower right Tech 2 button. It will then display 0% when it's reset. Finally,
reprogram the PCM with the latest calibration. This will correct for the PCM
alcohol calculations.

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NOTE:

The PCM must be reset from this

screen. It does not reset to zero when
the PCM is reprogrammed.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation Description Labor Time

J7825* Alcohol Content Reset and Reprogram 0.8 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor
Time Guide.

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