Check engine light/sluggish acceleration?

JACK GRAY

MEMBER
2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
50,000 MILES

The check engine lights will come on and the car immediately becomes sluggish and accelerates poorly. Eventually the problem will go away but over time will return. This happens roughly twice a month. Further to my question (above), a local garage replaced the accelerator component, which I believe included the accelerator, linkage and perhaps a sensor quite some time ago. I did not correct the problem.

Thank you,
Jack

1 Reply

AL514

MECHANIC
4,793 POSTS

Hello, if the check engine light is coming on there is a diagnostic trouble code stored in the engine computer, Since the shop replace the APP sensor that is part of the gas pedal, there was most likely a code that they did not or were not able to diagnose. You can have the vehicle scanned for trouble codes at a local auto parts store, they will scan it for free. And then try to sell you a part, but just write down the code they get, it will be a P with 4 numbers after it, such as P0442 just as an example. Your vehicle has a drive by wire system, which means the engine computer (ECM) takes the voltage reading from the sensor on the gas pedal and it electronically controls the throttle plates, it's possible there is a corroded connection at the throttle body or the electronic part of the throttle body might be failing, but it's difficult to tell without a code to go by. Once we know what fault the ECM is seeing and setting the check engine light on for, it will be easier to help you figure out what's going on. We can look up the criteria for that code to set.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing