Gas pedal stops working...grrrr

[WildCard]

Ok..I'm pretty much losing my mind at this point. I've had an ongoing problem that a garage and two dealerships are more or less at a loss as to exactly what is the problem.I'm driving down the road minding my own business when the check engine light pops on. As this happens my gas pedal decides it would be fun to stop making the car go...and in the process the car begins to idle weird. I pull over and sit there and the car shakes like it's going to shut off, but it never does. Of course, I can't go again...so I turn the car off and turn it back on and the car goes again. The check engine light stays on though, and it happens at random so sometimes I can make it all the way to work or home again without a problem, or...it happens again...and again. I've been raked by labor charges at this point..and buying parts people "think" are the problem. I was at a dealer today and they aren't sure what it could be..but said it would be a matter of digging around...which to me means paying for labor for another MAYBE. I am no car expert at all...but I have friends that know a bit...but still, we are at a loss.First garage said spark plugs...MAYBE they would work...they didn't so I paid for them and labor...whoo.First dealership said MAYBE battery, because it was throwing an error...nope...lots of labor after that one...grrrrFriends and friend's friends said it might be the throttle body...bought one, switched it out...well, my buddy did...and nothing. It drives better..but maybe because I got a new air filter too, not sure. But, it happened again...Now the dealer I was at today thinks it could be the throttle sensor...or a worn wire...but they wouldn't know for sure unless they dug for it and changed parts. At this point I want to leave the car in a bad neighborhood or something...I can't afford a ton more labor payments and don't want to replace the whole damn engine either..Error code it gives off is P2118Any thoughts?Thanks.

[Kamikaze]

What year Vibe do you have?Just curious if it is DBW or cable.Not sure why this is happening, but if it is DBW (Drive by Wire) it could have to do with a sensor....

[Sublimewind]

Hi and welcome... P2118 - http://www.customtacos.com/tec...0.pdfSounds like the trottle actuator is suspect and/or the wiring...

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Kamikaze »What year Vibe do you have?Just curious if it is DBW or cable.Not sure why this is happening, but if it is DBW (Drive by Wire) it could have to do with a sensor....If it was DBC, it would stop working and wouldn't start again, because the cable borked... lol..

[Tonebalone]

That code = Throttle Actuator Control Motor CurrentThe dealer doesn't have a code reader, I take it.http://www.hallsautoonline.com...s.htm

[Tonebalone]

Here's an artice on Toyota's DBW system, which discusses the cause of your code:http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=939Good luck!

[keithvibe]

you could always drive it in to lancaster and see if the amish will trade you a horse to ride. Bet having a vibe as a carrage would be the talk of the amish county side.some good info has already been posted so I will just say welcome fellow pa member.

[Tonebalone]

I think what I would do is unplug the cables on the BCM body control module) and the throttle, and spray with electrical contact cleaner. Plug back in, then try it. If the problem persists, try to inspect the circuit board in the BCM. I am not familiar with the BCM in the Vibe, so I can't even tell you where it is. But you are going to be looking for cold/loose solder joints. If you see that, you can try to reflow the solder. Finally a new BCM might be needed. O'Reilly and other parts shops carry these for a whole lot less than the dealer.Can't help any more without more info on your year/engine size.Good luck!

[lovemyraffe]

There's nothing wrong with it. Your car just has a mind of it's own and is mad at you for some reason...

[WildCard]

Thanks for ALL of the info! Sorry, I re-read it like 3 times and knew I forgot something. 2005 Vibe, front wheel drive...a beautiful dark red... And I wish it was all in my mind...that would explain things. I'll check some of these out and see where it gets me. The BEST part is I've been losing my mind for nearly 2 months and my inspection is due this month...might be bribing someone at the garage to overlook a certain problem, haha. Thanks all. I'll check back and let you know where I get with this..

[Sublimewind]

It could be the main engine computer as well, lots of failures over the years.. Can't say it's the issue, just an idea.. people where getting intermittent issues from failing ECU's..

[WildCard]

Ok, thanks. I hate problems like this where it could be this or could be that...if labor costs weren't so bad it wouldn't be such an issue but man they rake you...Going to my buddies today to clean some parts and take a look around but if the problem persists I guess I'll have to spend some money on more maybes. Ugh.