Stalling when accelerating?

JREMPEL91

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I have the car listed above LS model, that I'm trying to sell but it keeps stalling when I accelerate (it's an automatic transmission). Strangely, when it starts to sputter out, if I hammer on the brakes hard, it will kick back into gear and keep driving for a few minutes until it starts to stall again and I have to repeat the process. Anyone have an idea why it keeps wanting to stall but will go back into gear if I slam the brakes? Or any idea how I can get it to stop stalling in the first place? I have replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the mass air flow sensor, there were two codes, p0010 and p0013 that I cleared up by replacing the camshaft position actuators. I've run seafoam through the tank, fuel injector cleaner, cleaned the air filter, cleaned the throttle body, and ran high octane gas through it. There are no error codes and other than the stalling issue it runs great. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

I'm not sure what hitting the brakes is doing, but if it happens when accelerating, it could be the result of low fuel pressure. Have you checked to see if the pressure is within the manufacturer's fuel pressure specifications? If not, check that first.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you. I attached the manufacturer's pressure specifications below.

Let me know if you have done this already or the results you get.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Image (Click to make bigger)