Maintaining your 2017 Malibu for peak performance involves understanding and caring for all its components, including the Precision Wedge (PW2) system. Proper calibration of the wedge sensor is crucial for ensuring your Malibu operates as intended, especially concerning wake enhancement. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure to calibrate your PW2 wedge sensor, addressing a common issue that can often be resolved with a simple adjustment.
Step-by-Step PW2 Wedge Calibration Procedure for Your 2017 Malibu
If you’re experiencing issues with your 2017 Malibu’s wedge system, such as inconsistent wake shaping or error messages, recalibrating the wedge sensor might be the solution. This process focuses on adjusting the sensor to ensure it correctly reads the wedge position. Here’s how to do it:
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Access Debug Assist and Lower the Wedge: Begin by navigating to the settings menu on your 7-inch screen display in your 2017 Malibu. Locate and select “debug assist.” Once in the debug assist menu, use the controls on your 12-inch screen, the joystick pad, or the minus icon within the debug assist screen to lower the wedge to its full down or lift position. At this point, observe the wedge voltage reading on the debug screen. It should ideally read between 0.51 and 0.53 volts when the wedge is completely down. This voltage reading serves as your reference point for the calibration. Remember, having a second person assist can simplify this process, allowing one to monitor the screen while the other adjusts the sensor.
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Locate and Loosen the Wedge Sensor: Identify the wedge sensor located on the starboard wedge arm of your 2017 Malibu. You’ll see two screws securing the sensor in place. Carefully loosen these two screws. This will allow you to rotate the sensor and adjust the voltage reading.
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Adjust the Sensor for Correct Voltage: With the screws loosened, gently rotate the sensor. As you rotate it, keep a close watch on the voltage reading on the debug screen. The goal is to adjust the sensor until the voltage falls within the correct range of 0.51 to 0.53 volts with the wedge in the down position. Fine adjustments are key here. Once the voltage is within the specified range, carefully tighten the two screws to secure the sensor in its calibrated position. It’s also important to check if the bolt under the sensor is properly tightened. If this bolt is loose, it can cause the sensor adjustment to become inconsistent, leading to future calibration issues.
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Test Wedge Stow Position and Voltage: After calibrating the wedge down position, test the wedge stow position. Use the plus icon in the debug screen to lift the wedge to its fully stowed position. Monitor the voltage reading as the wedge moves. It’s crucial not to exceed 3.5V when fully stowed. Going beyond this voltage threshold might trigger a calibration error message the next time you use the wedge system.
Important Notes and Troubleshooting for Your 2017 Malibu Wedge System
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Fuse Box Considerations: Your 2017 Malibu’s fuse boxes, typically located under the dash, contain fuses specifically for the wedge up and wedge down functions. Each of these fuse positions has a bypass option located next to the fuse. For diagnostic purposes, you can insert a known good fuse into the bypass position for wedge down. With the power button on and the fuse box LED blinking, this should manually activate the wedge down movement. The fuse cover itself is labeled with fuse and bypass position numbers, corresponding to the correct locations on the fuse board. If the wedge does not move when using the bypass, it could indicate a wiring problem, a connection issue, or a problem with the power or fuse box itself. If the wedge does move using the bypass, but not through the standard controls, the issue might lie with the 7-inch Viper 2 display or its related system.
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Viper 2 Display Date Tag: For 2017 Malibu owners, it’s worth checking the date tag on the back of your 7-inch Viper 2 display. If the date falls between February 6, 2015, and July 31, 2015, there might be known issues with these units. Contact your Malibu dealer to inquire about potential recalls or service actions related to these displays.
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Red Ram Assembly Bypass Screw: On top of the ram assembly of your wedge system, you’ll find a red screw that serves as a manual hydraulic bypass. Using a short flat-head screwdriver, you can loosen this screw completely. This allows you to manually pull the wedge back to the stow position. Hold it in place and then tighten the screw back down to secure it. This can be useful in certain troubleshooting scenarios or for manually adjusting the wedge.
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Hydraulic Bypass Valve on Actuator: The wedge actuator itself has a red hydraulic bypass valve, accessible through a hole in the top of the wedge bracket. By turning this valve counter-clockwise approximately three turns, you can manually lift or lower the wedge. This is helpful if you need to manually reposition the wedge for maintenance or troubleshooting. Remember to turn the valve clockwise and lock it back into place once you’re done with manual operation to restore hydraulic function.
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Surf Gate Actuator Bypass: It’s also useful to know that the surf gate actuators on your 2017 Malibu have a similar red bypass valve that operates in the same manner. These can typically be manipulated using a 10mm wrench.
By following these calibration steps and understanding these troubleshooting notes, you can effectively maintain the PW2 wedge system on your 2017 Malibu, ensuring optimal wake performance and enjoyment on the water. Regular checks and timely calibration will contribute to the longevity and reliable operation of your Malibu’s wake enhancement features.
