Car shifts hard and rpms rev high on there own or car doesn’t shift at all, ABS and traction control lights are on also. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
Two weeks ago I went to pull away from a stop sign and the car hesitated to accelerate. That only lasted a day or two and then it went back to driving fine. Then just this past Sunday I jumped on the interstate and my cars rpms were almost into the red zone, so I backed off the gas and got off at the first exit. I pulled into a gas station shut car off and proceeded to take back roads home. I noticed the car would shift into 2nd hard and not want to shift into 3rd but would occasionally but once it would the car would rev on its own. Well I took the car to a shop and they told me it was a litt
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – first task is to be sure the transmission fluid is at the proper level, and in good condition (more pink than black, and no burned smell). Low fluid, or dirty fluid, can cause lots of unexpected transmission behavior. The second task is to check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is illuminated or not. The possible problem we’re looking for here is a failing throttle position sensor – which interacts with the transmission controller and affects shifting behavior. I recommend a transmission inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The main problem of revving high is the clutch slipping and the clutch needing replacement. As with the problem with the hoses collapsing, if it is a coolant hose, then the radiator cap vent is bad and the cap needs replaced. If the hose is something else, then it should be looked at by a mechanic to diagnose.
Transmission Fluid Low or Poor Condition – Vehicles low on transmission fluid or that are operating with worn out or contaminated fluid are likely to experience hard shift conditions. Lack of adequate lubrication within the transmission can cause several problems, including hard shifting.
This can happen due to a stuck throttle cable, a malfunctioning throttle position sensor (TPS), or a sticky throttle body.
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt transmission problems could include shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car shaking at any speed, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood.
When a cars rpm goes up and the car is not picking up speed, this usually means that there is a problem inside the transmission. The valve body, shift solenoids, and or clutches of the transmission probably had gone bad or are worn out to the point they are causing a transmission shifting issue.
If you notice a large delay between going into gear or between shifting gears where your engine is revving really high before it shifts, it may point to several problems with your transmission: Transmission Solenoid problems. Engine problems. Low or dirty fluid.
If the throttle sensor or TPS is broken, your car can start to accelerate on its own. As you can guess, it results in higher RPM. Other than that, you may also experience misfires or will have trouble turning the engine on.
This can be caused by a variety of things, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch pads, or a problem with the torque converter. Another possible cause of over revving is an issue with the engine itself. This could be something as simple as a dirty air filter or spark plugs that need to be replaced.
The most common cause of this revving is either a stuck throttle or the mass airflow (MAF) sensor. This fault should be addressed as soon as possible for normal operation as this revving can become dangerous if the vehicle is allowed to accelerate unintentionally.
If your car is hesitating around 3,000 RPM you could be dealing with a fuel or air delivery issue that could cause damage in the long run. The best thing you can do is bring your car to a mechanic and let them diagnose the problem and repair it.
Therefore, a failing speed sensor will have a direct impact on automatic transmission operation. One of the most common signs of a bad speed sensor is abnormal automatic transmission operation. If the VSS is faulty, the transmission may exhibit symptoms such as delayed shifts, hard shifts, and limited gear operation.
Some common symptoms of a failing transmission include unusual noises, slipping, grinding, and jerking when engaging and shifting gears. A failing transmission can lead to various issues ranging from your vehicle making loud noises, behaving erratically on the road, or being undrivable.
As you accelerate, your car`s engine is receiving a much higher dose of fuel than when at idle and conversely, when you let off the gas pedal, there is a sudden change in this fuel supply as a result of your foot letting off the pedal.
If the RPMs are too high, try dropping it down a gear. This can solve the problem quickly and easily. Depending on what equipment the engine is hooked up to, you may be able to control the RPMs with gears. If the RPMs are too high, try dropping it down a gear.
Worn Transmission Fluid (Automatic Transmission)
Over time, the transmission fluid gathers dirt and grime. This can cause the engine to run roughly, stall or fail to accelerate when you press down on the gas pedal. You may need to have a transmission fluid change before more damage is done.
Because the TP sensor is an input to the control module for various automatic transmission functions (e.g., shift points and torque converter clutch operation), a problem with the sensor can cause transmission performance issues. For example, you might experience harsh or delayed shifting.
When a MAF sensor malfunctions, it can do so in a very subtle way. It can create an erratic or incorrect signal on initial take-off, which can cause an elongated shift. It can deliver an incorrect signal at higher engine speed, which can create shudder that could be mistaken for torque-converter-clutch (TCC) problems.
Among the potential underlying causes are vacuum leaks, EGR system malfunctions, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, dirty fuel injectors, fuel pump malfunction, faulty spark plugs, a faulty mass airflow sensor, or a faulty throttle position sensor.
The engine`s oxygen sensor will detect the extra oxygen entering the engine via the vacuum leak which will alert the engine`s computer that the exhaust is running lean, which will prompt the computer to pump in additional fuel, resulting in an abnormally high idle.
Generally speaking, this is usually caused by ignition system problems – mostly voltage related. A worn out spark plug can cause this, as can a weak ignition coil, a bad ignition wire (for cars that have these), low primary voltage are a few causes. Other causes can be low fuel pressure and/or worn injectors.
The idle problem may be a result of a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. The idle air control valve monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle.
This rotational speed allows the engine to generate enough power to operate vital components without turning off. The idle speed should feel consistent without skipping or slipping. In most of today`s cars, an idle speed of 600 to 1000 RPMs is average.
The ECM doesn`t control the transmission on a stick shift, so if you`re having problems with your five-speed, it`s the transmission. If you`ve done numerous repairs on the transmission and replaced your automatic transmission fluid and you`re still having problems, the ECM could be at the root of your problems.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Car shifts hard and rpms rev high on there own or car doesn’t shift at all, ABS and traction control lights are on also. 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
ANSWER : Hi there – first task is to be sure the transmission fluid is at the proper level, and in good condition (more pink than black, and no burned smell). Low fluid, or dirty fluid, can cause lots of unexpected transmission behavior. The second task is to check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is illuminated or not. The possible problem we’re looking for here is a failing throttle position sensor – which interacts with the transmission controller and affects shifting behavior. I recommend a transmission inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
on starting engine light & throttle control and traction control light comes on and car idols hard no codes when scanned
ANSWER : Hello, and thank you for writing in. Unfortunately the first technician is correct in that this can be cause by a wide variety of issues. Considering that it is intermittent, we can assume that there is either an electrical issue (sensor or bad connection), or that there is a particular part which is dirty or failing. There are a couple of ways you can approach this. One being that you attempt to clean, repair, and replace the many number of components that can cause this. A second being that you attempt to replicate the issue by unplugging sensors and trying various tests to try and narrow down what system is being effected. When dealing with a misfiring situation, you need to look into the air intake, ignition (spark), and the fuel systems first. One last consideration is to have the vehicle scanned by another type of code reader. They vary in brand, manufacture compatibility, and software. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment, or to obtain a quote once the issue is diagnosed.
My check engine light and traction control lights are on and the cruise control light is flashing on and off.
ANSWER : Hi There,
What you are describing is common for a vehicle with traction control when it has been activated in a situation as you have described. The cruise control is also controlled in some cases by the traction control system and may be flashing as a need to have it reset due to the traction control being activated under those circumstances. The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors at each of the four wheels that communicate with the Power Train Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding. The anti-lock braking system and the traction control system work together to maintain the stability of the vehicle. The computer uses this information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. In some cases, the traction control system may simply need to be reprogrammed. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.
What you are describing is common for a vehicle with traction control when it has been activated in a situation as you have described. The cruise control is also controlled in some cases by the traction control system and may be flashing as a need to have it reset due to the traction control being activated under those circumstances. The traction control system monitors the steering stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use of electronic sensors at each of the four wheels that communicate with the Power Train Control Module (PCM) regarding steering performance and stability in adverse weather conditions. The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding. The anti-lock braking system and the traction control system work together to maintain the stability of the vehicle. The computer uses this information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. In some cases, the traction control system may simply need to be reprogrammed. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.
This morning Engine Light, Traction Control Light, and Electronic steering light is on.
ANSWER : Hi there. The "good driver" light will not come on if there is a fault detected in the engine controls system; the other lights can accompany the check engine light as well, but there may be an additional cause for the power steering light. When the engine computer detects a fault in any system of the drivetrain, it sets a code and other systems can be affected by this. The others systems usually set codes in their computers that refer to engine computer communication has stopped. Have the codes checked and proceed with proper diagnostic steps from there. The codes are not a diagnosis, but a guide to the system that has the fault. Having a qualified technician perform an inspection will avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.
My car won’t shift into high gear after a series of thumping while accelerating hard check engine light blinks then stops later.
ANSWER : Hi there. The Check Engine Light flashing is an indication the engine is misfiring. Anytime the PCM (powertrain control module) recognizes misfires, the traction control is disabled (light turns on). This would account for the thumping and lack of power. With the mileage your vehicle has, it may be due or past for a tune-up. I would not worry about the transmission not shifting until the misfires are corrected. The check engine light going off, after not using the vehicle, is unusual. The PCM usually won’t clear a code(s) until 50 ignition cycles without a malfunction. I recommend having the misfiring engineinspected and repaired first by a certified technician with YourMechanic.
Car is idling at high rpm’s and when the days are hot the car cranks but doesn’t turn on and also exhaust is smoking when i rev it
ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest worn piston rings or valve stem seals (smoking), and a possible air leak in the intake, or idle air control valve sticking open (high idle). Both are signs of a higher-mileage engine with significant wear. I recommend an engine inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
