Car randomly stopping

KESHON GRIFFIN

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
124,000 MILES

My car just recently started randomly stopping to the point where I couldn’t accelerate anymore unless I restart the car. The gas pedal will be loose and sometimes when I start up the car the engine would fail and eventually start back up again. Now, the car doesn’t really do it as often anymore but every few days it will stop at like a stop light or something like that and I’ll need to restart the car to which it starts up immediately and I can drive it again. I’m not sure if this is related or not but when I brake sometimes I can feel my car shaking a little bit at the bottom. Does anybody know what could be the cause(s) of this so I can get it looked at?

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

The interesting thing you mentioned was the engine shaking when you press the brakes. The brake (power assist) system is actuated by engine vacuum. If there is a leak, it will cause the engine to be affected and could cause the stalling.

With that, the first thing I would suggest is to check to see if there are engine vacuum leaks. Here is a link that will help. It explains how to check.

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

In addition, let me know if the check engine light is staying on while the engine is running. If it is, you need to have the computer scanned for codes. Here is a quick video that shows how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will do it free of charge or lend/rent a scanner to you. If the light stays on, this needs done. It will point us in the right direction. So, let me know what codes are found.

I will watch for your reply. Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Saturday, March 21st, 2020 AT 10:08 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

This could be a problem with your Accelerator Pedal Position sensor[APP] or its electrical connector. I would start by disconnecting the electrical connector and inspect it for corrosion or misaligned or bent/broken pins. If the electrical connector is okay, then I would recommend replacing the sensor. In the diagrams down below I have included the instructions for the removal and installation of the APP sensor, as well as it's locations, and the electrical connector pinout diagram for you. Please go through these guides and get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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