Engine runs, but car doesn’t accelerate?

ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you may have an issue with your throttle position sensor. This sensor sends a reference voltage to your power-train control module, which uses that to determine ignition timing and fuel trims. If the power-train control module is not detecting the proper signal from the throttle position sensor, the engine may not accelerate properly. It’s probably a good idea for you to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is slow to accelerate inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is causing this issue to occur and they will recommend the right repairs be completed.

ANSWER : Knowing the results of the computer diagnosis as well as the part that was replaced can be helpful in assisting you with your Pontiac G3. It is possible the part that was replaced is defective and may need to be replaced. Based on what you described with your vehicle, it appears that you may be experiencing transmission issues.

The engine should never be revved up to six to seven thousand RPMs when the vehicle is not moving, as this can cause damage to the vehicle’s components. Because the information provided is a little unclear, it is hard to determine if you are having concerns with your transmission or if the problem lies with the engine itself.

If you don’t trust going back to the same mechanic that worked on your car originally, get yourself a second opinion and enlist the help of one of our certified mechanics who can diagnose why the Check Engine Light is on as well as determine why your Pontiac is not accelerating. They will also be able to assist you with the repairs needed to get your G3 up and running again.

ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor. The problem this can cause may also be compounded when the engine is cold due to the change in air density in cooler weather. The mass air flow sensor monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays information about fuel and air temperature, air speed entering the motor and many other things to the ECM which uses this to make adjustments to fuel supply to the motor. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

ANSWER : It is very possible that the engine has been damaged beyond repair. Usually when the oil light goes on and the vehicle is low on oil, especially when a loud noise is heard right before the vehicle died, it is very likely that the engine is blown and would require replacement in order to continue driving the vehicle. I would recommend having the vehicle checked with a no start inspection. Consider YourMechanic as this service can be completed at your home or office.

ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.

ANSWER : Try checking the coolant temperature sensor. When the engine is cold, the enrichment function relies heavily on the coolant temperature sensor to determine how much fuel to supply at lower temperatures. If this is not working properly, it may struggle to settle into a well running pattern. For example, if it is 30 degrees outside and the temperature sensor reads 100 degrees, this may send false information to the ECU causing it to send false information to the fuel injection system. A qualified professional from YourMechanic can inspect the rough running problem and verify the needed repairs.

ANSWER : Hi there. A Reduced Power light usually indicates a fairly serious problem with the throttle system. When this light illuminates the vehicle will often go into a “safe mode”, which will severely limit the speed of the car and in some cases will render the vehicle non-driveable. Since the Reduced Power light can trigger for a number of different reasons, tracking down the exact cause is extremely important, if the vehicle is not properly diagnosed and repaired, the Reduced Power light will trigger again, putting the vehicle in safe mode. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a reduced power light inspection.

ANSWER : Hi there. From what you are saying it sounds like there is a failure in the throttle body. When the motor in the throttle body fails, the throttle plate will open and close causing the noise you are hearing. I usually monitor the movement of the throttle to see if this is what is occurring. I then scan the computer for codes to see what comes up. If there are not any codes then the sensors in the throttle body should be monitored to see what is going wrong. If you want to have this lack of throttle response checked, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your throttle body issue.