1999 Chevy Cavalier Puzzling - throttle not responsive, car

Tiny
SCOTT14450
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
My Cavalier usually runs fine. However, at times it gets in a mode where the following occurs:
-Tranny shifts extremely hard, rattling the car.
-Tranny won't shift during normal acceleration unless I let off the throttle a bit
-The throttle has a delay of about 1-2 seconds in responsiveness
-Usually, this mode is accompanied by the "ETS off" light illuminating on the dash

The vehicle will go back to normal operation (shifting and throttling fine) after turning off the engine or letting it sit a while.

My first thought would be to replace the shift solenoid, but would that explain the sluggish responsiveness of the throttle? Without a check engine light on, how am I able to further diagnose?

Thanks,
Scott
Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 8:07 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
PCM may still have an error code in it. Most low end scanners will only scan "P" powertrain codes. ABS and traction control set a "C" chassis code.

If you have acces to ABS scanner, try scanning it to check for chassis codes.

Sounds like the PCM is putting transmission into "limp" mode.

I would certainly try scanning before replacing shift solenoids.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
SCOTT14450
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the quick post. Can I use the ABS scanner when the vehicle is operating normally, or do I need to wait until it is in 'limp' mode?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 3:02 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
ABS code are stored in memory like powertrain codes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 14th, 2010 AT 8:13 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links