Reduced Engine Power message Check Engine Light on Traction Control light on?

2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
230,000 MILES • 2.2L • AUTOMATIC
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ANGELA ORWIG
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I'm hoping someone can help diagnose my sister's 2007 Chevy Cobalt 2.2L Ecotec.
Symptoms:
Reduced Engine Power message
Check Engine Light on
Traction Control light on
While driving, the RPM gauge suddenly drops to 0, but the engine usually keeps running for about 20 seconds before it stalls.
Disconnecting the negative battery cable for about 10 minutes lets it start and run again for a while before the problem returns.
Parts already replaced:
MAF sensor
Throttle body
This has been happening for about a year, and replacing those parts didn't fix it.
What should we check next? Could this be the APP sensor, crankshaft position sensor, wiring, ECM, or something else?
We haven't scanned it yet, but we plan to as soon as possible. Are there any common trouble codes or known issues that fit these symptoms?
Thanks for any advice.
Jul 10, 2026 at 5:18 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

Yes, I have seen the APP cause this exact issue, though it would be best to scan the car for codes first, here is a video to help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBCpCWEFnTg&t

Here is the location and how to change the sensor out which is right above the gas pedal. You can try to get a used one from ebay, we have had good luck for less getting used pats from there. Clear the codes once the repair has ben made. Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.



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Jul 10, 2026 at 11:07 PM
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