Car randomly shakes and stalls the code the mechanic cleared was P0299 code?

Tiny
MELISSA ASARO
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 133,000 MILES
4 weeks ago, my car sputtered a few times. I stopped and when I got back in and drove a few blocks it sputtered so hard and stalled got it started when to a gas station put fuel injector cleaner in it. For about 2 miles down the road the car engine light came on and went into limp mode. Mechanic replaced Upflow O2 Sensor. Car worked good for 3 days. Then the car sputtered and stalled. It does it over and over again. I have to keep starting it and eventually it gets like this burst of energy and goes fine. I may stop it 2 or 3 times no issue then the 4th time starting it will sputter and stall over and over until again it gets a burst of energy. Check engine light came back on so I took it to my mechanic again. He didn't have time told me to take it to the Chevrolet dealer. Came to pick up the car, it pulled out of parking lot fine then sputter stalled sputter stalled barely then it got power and I drove it to the dealership. Of course, the mechanic cleared the code so there was no engine light or code on the car. Chevy dealership had it for 3 days they said it never acted up for them. I picked it up pulled out of the parking lot went to stop and a light and it sputter stalled over and over finally got it to go pulled back into the chevy parking lot and the mechanic drove it and it never did the sputtering stalling. Took it home. Called another mechanic and made an appointment. I drove about half a mile then I went around a corner and the car sputtered and stalled about 20 times. Black smoke was coming out of the exhaust. Finally got a burst of energy and drove fine to the mechanics. The mechanic said he test drove it a few miles and nothing. It feels like the engine is getting no gas then I don't even have to have foot on gas pedal and then it just shoots forward fast and drives fine until it the next 1, 2 or 3 times I start it then it does the sputtering stalling etc, all over again.
Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 6:10 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Black smoke indicates a rich fuel mixture. Also, the original code, P0299, is related to a turbo under boost. When this is set, the ECM will disable boost control and limit the system to mechanical boost only, resulting in a substantial decrease in engine power. Also, the black smoke is due to the rich fuel mixture when the boost pressure is low.

Let me know what engine you have. Also, let me know if anyone has mentioned this as the issue.

Also, make sure there are no air restrictions between the air filter and engine and if there are any exhaust leaks, engine vacuum leaks (see link below), or anything other you can think of.

Here is a link that explains how to locate an engine vacuum leak. See if you are able to find one.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ASARO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The engine is a 1.5 L 4-cylinder. The mechanic thought they figured out the problem yesterday and replaced the boost sensor but that didn't fix it.
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 4:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I have a feeling there is a vacuum-related issue within the turbo air induction/charge air tube. You could have a crack in the air induction, and it would cause an underboost condition. The turbo itself may be failing as well.

At this point, we need to complete the diagnostics related to the code. I attached that information below. It does require a scan tool that can command different components on and off. Take a look through the diagnostics and let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
MELISSA ASARO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The code that showed up after my O2 sensor was replaced was p0299. So far now the mechanic has replaced the boost sensor, and said that my air intake valve and combustion chamber was one of the worst carbon build ups he's seen. They got that cleaned up said it was ready to come get. Well, we couldn't even get it out of the parking lot. The car started no sputter but then backed out, pulled forward a few feet and the car violently shook and then stalled 10 times before I was able to back up and repark my car. When the car warms up it runs fine, it's starting it and driving it before the engine warms up is when it has its problems.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
I would think if it was an under-boost condition (P0299) it would run poorly regardless of temperature. I have a question. Has anyone checked the engine coolant temperature sensor's signal when it's cold? If it is failing, that could cause the cold start issues.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 AT 5:23 PM

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