Hi Y'all, I have a 2009 Pontiac vibe with about 177K miles that I've been trying to get back into working order for over a month now and I'm stumped.
Here's the breakdown: about a year ago I first noticed some issues, rough idle, and poor acceleration uphill when I had a heavy load, even had what felt like the transmission slipping once. But the rough idle would sometimes go away, and the poor acceleration would go in and out. A month and a half ago the alternator died, so I replaced it, and then the rough idle issue got worse. I did a long drive soon after replacing the alternator (~500 miles) and during it there was some issues starting where if I didn't give it gas the engine would die. Once I made it back, the damn thing wouldn't start. I could hear the starter cranking, but the engine wouldn't catch.
I've tried a whole bunch of things and I still have some significant issues. First I replaced the fuel pump, then the spark plugs, and then the starter. After replacing the starter I could get it going if I gave it some gas when turning, but the engine will rumble and die if I shift it into drive or reverse without giving it some gas. The car isn't throwing any codes, and I have no idea what's going on, I'm just hoping I don't need to replace the transmission or anything else expensive.
Anyone have any idea what's going on?