GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

The other day Im heading home and notice that the check engine light is on...Now today the light is still on but the car is acting really weird...When I start to accelerate it feels like the car has no power...after a few seconds of this then the power comes back...this all happens around 3-4k RPMs...anybody know whats going on here

Did you check the gas cap? Make sure it's on properly and clicks when you try to tighten it (a sign it's installed right)?As for power loss, I've heard that can be a result of a malfunctioning O2 sensor, or possibly a clogged fuel filter/line...

Call your dealer if you're still having problems. They will ask if you checked the gas cap, as most often this is the problem. Luckily, you are getting a CEL, which should be able to point the dealer in the right direction.I had a similar loss of power problem, but without the CEL ... turned out to be a blocked catalytic converter/exhaust manifold. The only way to check this is to do a pressure test on the exhaust system.Hope you get this fixed right away!!

Yeah, I'm curious to find out what the dileo is too...

Yeah, you got my groove S! You down wit it!

What could cause a blocked manifold and/or CC? Technically, the air is filtered, yes/no? Could that only be caused if something got in the system during the CAI install? Or am I totally off base on this one...

quote:If there is a vacuum line missing or clogged the car will shake like a 1947 Ford that needs a tune up.. LOL! How descriptive!

ROFLMAO!Even better!

quote:Well, it happens. Also can be a clogged cat. Think of it when you have to take a crap and you are constipated. Or, think of it as trying to run a marathon without breathing. That's what my car was doing ... but apparantly my face wasn't turning sufficiently bright enough colours to warrant concern (aka no CEL = no problem).My clogged cat was caused by crappy gasoline (plugged 'er up like yer eatin' too much cheese ). However, that's the only kind of gas available in these parts, so my DSM is expecting a lot more Vibes with the same problem as mine.Keep us posted!!

quote:Let me know what you come up with... Take it to AutoZone and have them run the scanner on it. It is free of charge....Why do that when it's under warrany?

Cause if it's the CAI throwing CELs, Pontiac will look the other way...If Autozone says it's not the CAI, then go to the next step. Plus, if your dealer then says it is, say someone else already told you it isn't. (some dealers will place blame to avoid having to make repairs when someone has tweaked with their engine)

quote:"You Sir are an Idiot".Ahh...I love that line....

My wife complained of reduced performance after her C.E.L. came on due to a poorly replaced gas cap. The Nissan tech told us the car computer puts in into this reduced performance mode to prevent excessive polution or additional damage to the engine until whatver cause the CEL is fixed.So take it to Pontiac and have them determine what initiated the CEL. They'll fix it, then reset the CEL, and you'll be on your way as good as new.KSNeptune

well took it to the dealer today to figure out whats happening...no feedback yet though...they said it would only be a couple hours but its been a lot more than that...hope nothing serious is wrong...also im almost certain its not the CAI since I have had it for 3 months now which no CELs going off...I checked the MAFS and it was still tight on...then i disconnected the battery to flash the CPU...then light went off for a while, then came back on...the car still wasnt normal when the CEL was off...ill keep you all updated

called the dealer back and found that the car is misfireing on the 1st cylinder and randomly misfireing on the other 3...holy s**t huh...they said the CAI could have pinched some wires but other than that they dont know...since ive had the CAI for 3 months or so now with no problems I dont really thing thats the cause...any other ideas as to causes...thanks

misfiring cylinders is beyond me ... it would be interesting to see if you still have the problem after replacing the wires and/or removing the CAI.

actually the one about the k&n can be true its happened to plenty of people who put a bit to much oil on the filters and the oil gets on the sensors