Trouble starting then shutting off?

KIMBERLY MARIEE

MEMBER
2012 GMC ACADIA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

My car has been having issues starting for a few months. Yesterday I tried about 30 times to crank it, and it finally started. Then, about 2 miles down the road, it slowly stopped accelerating, and the steering wheel locked up, and it shut off. It wouldn't restart, and sometimes the key would get stuck while attempting to crank, and it would keep on and make a clicking sound constantly. I got someone to jump my battery, and I barely made it home with the same problems (which was maybe 2 miles). Also, if I slam the accelerator, I could go a little bit, but if I push it normally, I wouldn't go anywhere.

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,397 POSTS

It sounds like the engine is in limp mode, this can be because the throttle body needs to be replaced but we need to run the codes to see what comes up and then go from there. Also, you can try servicing the throttle body as well.

This guide will help:

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

and this guide can explain more of what is wrong:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.

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