Poor running, but no current error codes

[W2ZXN]

Hello again everyone. Still having issues with my high-idle, but I just make sure to have a few extra bucks for gas and I could really care less. However, recently my vehicle has been running poorly. After my Vibe (03 base - 101K miles) warms up, it stumbles, sounds and feels like it's missing. I just replaced the spark plugs maybe two or three months ago and although I haven't yet taken them out to re-inspect them, I suspect it's not the plugs this soon after replacing them. I use a bottle of dry gas in a full tank once per month in the winter months and about once every two months during the summer. The last time I had a stumble issue, it at least threw a code for misfiring, but so far, it has not set a code since. I'm absolutely stumped, which isn't hard since I admittedly know very little about engines, especially if it's not really really old and simple. :-)I would appretiate any observations or comments if someone has encountered this problem before.Thanks & 73,Andy W2ZXN

[Raven]

I would suspect fouled fuel injectors. It should trigger the misfire code again soon. Run a tank or two of Techron fuel injector cleaner. It's about $9.00 a bottle at Wallymart or Advance Auto Parts. It truly is miracle juice. It fixed my '06 which had a bad misfire. It worked on my GMC truck and even my snowblower.

[kunkstyle]

Where are you filling up? Could be the gas. Possibly a fuel filter. That might not throw a CEL if there was a problem. Why are you using gasline anti-freeze in the summer? Condensation in the tank shouldn't be an issue then...

[zionzr2]

You ever run a bottle of Techron in those 101K miles? If not, now would be a good time.Maybe even a throttle body cleaning?

[W2ZXN]

Thanks guys for the info, I have not used Techron, so I will pick some up at work (I'm a Wally World receiver - how's that for irony).kunkstyle, in response to your question about why I use dry gas in the summer... It's because I live in central-upstate New York, our summers are usually fairly wet and most of the gas stations get a lot of water in their tanks, on top of that, I'm not too sure that the quality of the gas at some of the convienient places between home and work is very good, so I still try to throw a bottle in there once every couple of months in the summer to help burn off some of that water. If there was a well-known and trusted fuel supplier near me, I would much rather fill up there, but there isn't right now.Anyway, you may all very well be right. The crap-tastic gas that I fill up with might just have clogged up the fuel injectors. I just spoke with my trusted mechanic too and he also suggested like kunkstyle, that I might want to replace my fuel filter, so I guess that will be in the near future as well.Thanks again & 73,-Andy W2ZXN

[rosebuds101]

I have a 2006 Vibe, GT (I believe). Have had it for 2 years in February. Last friday I filled it up (was nearly on empty) at the local grocery store (haven't gotten gas there in something like 8 months) and BAM, Friday on my way to work it goes like a raped ape most of the 40 miles... about 4 miles from work, it starts "CHUG-CHUG-CHUGGING" and acting like she wasn't getting enough gas to keep running.Ok guys, I'm a woman... single mother even... so I don't know much more than HOW to drive the car, check the oil, and fill the tires with air. Seriously, I know very little in the way of taking care of my car. I get regular oil changes and buy tires, but I know nothing about how to make 'Betsy' run when these kinds of things happen.THREE diagnostics later and she's still running like crap, lurching when I come to a stop or slowing down at 40mph or less.I've put a bottle of Techron in the tank and rilled it up tonight; but I was encouraged at AutoZone to put a bottle of the new 'LUCAS' formula in my car to no avail.Someone HELP ME PLEASE!!! I work 40 miles from my home (one way) and really don't know anyone who knows anything about how to fix my car or any car!!! (She has just over 49,400 miles on her)

[ou.grizzly]

Rosebuds101,Is there a Check Engine Light (yellow-orange light in shape of am engine) that is lit up on the dash? And when you had the diagnostics done, was there a code (numbers) that showed up?

[rosebuds101]

There's no CEL on the dash and the engine error code that kept coming up was P2102. Said something about 'throttle actuator low control' (I think).It's craptastic news for me since I was unemployed last year for nearly 6 months and am about to be again at the end of February (no money for expensive fixes!!!)Mechanics give me the 'just throw money at me' look and expect me to be able to cough up anywhere from $400 to $700 for their 'best guesses'Obviously I cannot afford that!!!

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by rosebuds101 »There's no CEL on the dash and the engine error code that kept coming up was P2102. Said something about 'throttle actuator low control' (I think).Fuel and Air Metering and Auxiliary Emission ControlsP2102 Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Low

[kunkstyle]

Rosebuds - The P2102 code relates to the Drive-by-wire system on the car. Basically what causes the throttle to open up (electronically instead of the older system of a series of cables or linkages). "P2102 and P2103 relate to the current draw of the throttle actuator motor. At a duty cycle of greater than 80%, if the motor draws less than .5 amp or greater than 10 amps, the motor is shut down, these codes are set and the MIL illuminates."So the way I understand it is that the actuator motor that controls the throttle position is not drawing enough current to cause the throttle to open. Could possibly be a actuator replacement, or bad wiring.Hope that helps a bit.Your diagnosis of the car not getting enough fuel wasn't too far off

[ou.grizzly]

Anyone with a service manual know what this code may be saying?

[northvibe]

W2zxn - have your cat converters checked, 2003's did have a issue with those (may of been GT's but worth having a look as you have over 100k miles.)rose - you could be looking at a bad throttle body...or that actuator could be separate. You could go to a local auto store and ask the guys at the front counter if they have heard of it. Funny how most of them know a TON but no one asks them and they see tons of imports.

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »W2zxn - have your cat converters checked, 2003's did have a issue with those (may of been GT's but worth having a look as you have over 100k miles.)Cat or O2 sensor is a P0402 code more than likely; if a code is thrown that is, but then you have the case of the AWD Catalytic Converter Eater (a member from Canada?) that was not throwing codes either, but was shifting randomly (was reading through the forums early this morning).