My Vibe wouldn't accelerate and it would stop

[Mynewvibe]

It started yesterday coming home from work, it wouldn't accelerate and the engine light came on. I stopped for about five minutes, tried to start it again and it worked fine but the engine light remained on.This morning was going to work and the car started but engine light is on and its stalling and it stopped as if the throttle wasn't receiving air.Went to purchase a code reader (Canadian Tire) which is a waste of money because its not reading!!! Towed it to the mechanic and they can't figure out the problem either, their advice is to take it to the dealer for diagnostic. I will take it the dealer in the morning, will update my post after. Has someone out there had a similiar experience? Thank you.

[lovemyraffe]

Doesn't seem to be much of a mechanic if he can't diagnose the problem. They should have the same tools a dealer would. I have most of the tools a mechanic or dealer have.

[Mynewvibe]

I have only had this car for a year and would appreciate your input on the tools/software that might be beneficial for this type of vehicle. This is the first major problem I have encountered since purchasing.

[star_deceiver]

What year Vibe?

[joshuaeb09]

It sounds like the Vehicle is going into Limp mode. The same thing happened to me when my tune was too lean and before I starting siming the rear o2. Even tho its not throwing codes I would check both 02 sensors, the MAF, and check all your ECU connections as well as fuses. Have you done a complete ECU reset yet?

[djkeev]

Disconnect the - battery cable for about a half hour. (actually could be less but this is a time period to ensure a reset).Hook it back up and start up the car. Doing this wipes out the "memory" in the ECU and "reboots" the computer to default new settings.See how it does.As mentioned already, what year is it for some years have an ECU recall in process right now.Dave

[Mynewvibe]

Found out what the problem is; apparently it's the gas, there is all kinds of bits and pieces/debris floating around and that messed up my fuel pump. My mechanic is calling around for the part, right now we are looks at different estimates - from $400 and the dealer is quoting $700 its the long weekend so chances are I won't have my car back until Tuesday. The first and last time I purchase gas from an unknown gas station. Strange why was not reading the code reader , it should give a code about fuel pump. Ps; my vibe is 2007 1.8 L

[meidou]

where in the GTA did you buy gas from? It would be nice to know since i dont want to make the same mistake

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by Mynewvibe »Found out what the problem is; apparently it's the gas, there is all kinds of bits and pieces/debris floating around and that messed up my fuel pump. My mechanic is calling around for the part, right now we are looks at different estimates - from $400 and the dealer is quoting $700 its the long weekend so chances are I won't have my car back until Tuesday. The first and last time I purchase gas from an unknown gas station. Strange why was not reading the code reader , it should give a code about fuel pump. Ps; my vibe is 2007 1.8 LIsn't that what the fuel filter is supposed to catch? Any chance of getting the gas station's insurance to cover the cost?

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by Mynewvibe »Found out what the problem is; apparently it's the gas, there is all kinds of bits and pieces/debris floating around and that messed up my fuel pump. My mechanic is calling around for the part, right now we are looks at different estimates - from $400 and the dealer is quoting $700 its the long weekend so chances are I won't have my car back until Tuesday. The first and last time I purchase gas from an unknown gas station. Strange why was not reading the code reader , it should give a code about fuel pump. Ps; my vibe is 2007 1.8 LHmmmmm not sure your fuel pump is shot. WATER being pumped up to the injectors will cause these symptoms.I'd think twice before putting in a new pump. Pull the old, pull the tank and flush it well, disconnect the lines, flush them and then pray you don't need to pull the injectors but they are probably fine. Once the water is out, it should run just fine.I'd really double check IF you need a new pump.Dave

[Mynewvibe]

Hello so this how was my experience till I had my car fixed . My car wouldn’t start and would stop after 15 sec, I purchased a Code Reader but was not giving me any codes so I though is a bad reader, returned it. I tow my cat to mechanic. He was not able to ready any codes. He suggested towing it to Gm dealer. Now I have to pay for this tow, I was not cover under the membership. I have used to bring it in. That was Friday. So the next day I was going to Gm dealer. The mechanic tries basic Troubleshooting and spray some gas in the Air intake look like is start as long it had gas. He opened the Tank and pull Fuel Pump , gas was dirty and lots of bit and prices, pump it would not start. Great easy fix, was long weekend so had to wait till Tuesday for new pump. Wednesday morning I call mechanic, he said it start but it stop after 30 sec. So I went I have pay him $500 .I took the car to Gm and they found problem with (ECM) change it works great now. I have to pay them $250 for testing and some other small thinks they did to it. I ask if my car has the ECM recal ,they said it is and that is why they charge me only $250.

[djkeev]

Glad you got it fixed, sorry you purchased a pump that you did NOT need!Incompetent mechanics just make me angry!! I know the industry all too well, was in it for a mighty long time.Dealerships are not the rip off that people so often paint them as being. I've found that the small independent shops are often the rip off for they do NOT know what they are doing with your particular car so they start guessing at things with YOU footing the bill.Dave

[jkm311]

Wasn't GM reimbursing folks for certain costs associates with trying to fix this? I know I remember seeing members posting about it...

[Mynewvibe]

Thank you guys for all the reply’s. I want to know, how to get a good code reader. I like to know what it wrong with my car before I will go to the mechanic. After this experience I would love to have some Diagnostic Tools to help me. Without guessing or be at the mechanics mercy. Oh I was going to forget, today my car have Engine Light ON again. But at least it drives, so I do not know what should do next. Because no matter where you will take it they have the upper hand to give me all the B/S.

[joshuaeb09]

I have a cheapo 50 dollar code puller. Its nothing fancy just has the ability to pull codes and wipe them. Its really all I need for diagnostics. Been thinkin about getting a flux2 tho. Its like the Scangauge but integrates with the unichip.