05 Vibe 200K miles sputtering at 40mph and higher when not actively accelerating

[Sarava]

Hello!

Our 05 vibe threw a code, no idea which one because mechanic just said it was a lean condition. I searched on here and have replaced the intake manifold gasket, throttle body gasket and cleaned throttle body, cleaned the MAF sensor, and for good measure replaced the PCV valve.

The car idles better and seems to have more power when I put the pedal to the floor.

The problem still exists where the car gets up to around 40mph and if you're not actively accelerating, just maintaining speed, it begins to sputter and kick. If you press the gas pedal down it pushes through and accelerates. I have also noticed this at 50mph and 60mph.

So originally when this all started, we put a bottle of fuel system cleaner in and the problem went away completely until the next tank of gas.

My thought is that I need to replace the fuel injectors or fuel pump at this point?

Please offer your 2 cents and help me figure this out. Thanks!

[MacGyver]

Ideally, knowing the exact code would be a big help.

[Sarava]

Sorry, I'm not a car person.

I will post it as soon as it throws another code. Something I didn't do because I thought the intake manifold gasket and cleaning the MAF sensor would fix it.

How long does it take for the computer to recognize a problem?

[circuitsmith]

Try Chevron fuel system cleaner with Techron.
Automatic transmission? Change the trans fluid if it's older than 30k miles.
Could be the torque converter lockup sticking.

[star_deceiver]

When was the last time the spark plugs were replaced? At 200K you should be starting your 3rd set.

[jolt]

Oxygen sensors and coil packs too. Without a code - take a guess.

[Sarava]

Thanks for all the ideas.
We did have the spark plugs done about a year ago.
Wow, ok I will wait until it puts out a code so I can have a better idea where to look.
This is the first time I've had the confidence to try and fix my own car.
Is Techron that much better than other products? Aren't they all the same active ingredient?

[ehoff121]

Welcome to genvibe!

Is Techron that much better than other products? Aren't they all the same active ingredient?

Chevron Techron is one of the few products that does what it says it does. I use it during first fill-up after every oil change.

Just be sure to purchase the "Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner" in the 12oz. black bottle.

[AnnoyedJots]

Any updates on a solution ? I have an 05 with around 120k doing the same. Also have an 07 with 270k running fine on regular maintenance, but did clean the MAF sensor at 260. Got a P0171 lean error, but no cruising gear issues. i love my vibes, but looking for a cost efficient fix for my 05.

[jolt]

Any updates on a solution ? I have an 05 with around 120k doing the same. Also have an 07 with 270k running fine on regular maintenance, but did clean the MAF sensor at 260. Got a P0171 lean error, but no cruising gear issues. i love my vibes, but looking for a cost efficient fix for my 05.

I will throw out a guess - leaking intake manifold gasket. Have you changed it to the new updated gasket? Spray some carburetor cleaner around the intake manifold by the cylinder head with the engine idling and if the engine RPM goes up when you give it a shot, you have a vacuum leak. Just check for vacuum leaks on any of the hoses too - replace as needed.