I have an 05 cobalt four door 2.2L. sometimes when I go to start it, it will act as if I have the choke on or something, (which i myself cannot and do not know how to phyisically do with today's modern cars, I'm used to lawn mowers lol). I went to start it this morning and the starter tried to start it like it always does, but the engine wouldn't take hold. Then the driver information said Engine power reduced, engine disabled. Got really ticked, then tried again, started fine. ???? I know, GO GET IT SCANNED.. It's in right now, but can someone try to explain to me what this might be? I think maybe it's a failing computer chip or some sensor because it only happens on occasion. Like once a day, normally in the morning, but not always. HELP!!

 

dealer is looking at it today and said he can't find any stored codes on it.....? And of course it doesn't do it for him.

 

5speed or auto???
auto i dont know what the problem is
5speed are you sure the clutch is in ALL the way?

The cobalt has this niffty feature that if you turn the key to ignition and let go itll start itself

 

I understand that the cobalt is a great car in which it should start when I turn the key. lol. It's an automatic.

 

Sent you a pm with some info

 

It's eleven thirty at night so I haven't looked at the whole wiring harness deal yet, but I thought I would add some info on what I got to happen after I got it home. At the dealership, started fine. Got home, turned it off, and I thought, I should try it. Sure enough, it does it for me. Here's what happened. It took a long time for the engine to roll over and then it idled really low, at about 500 rpm insted of about 750 rpm. The car shook and shook. I didn't want to cause any damage to my car, but I just had to see what would happen if I let it go. I did, then I stepped on the gas, came out of the idle and the shaking stopped, and it sounded normal. let it idle, and it started shaking again. Then the check engine light started blinking. Any thoughts? The dealer said he couldn't find any codes, would this have added a code to my car?


By the way, here's the private message sent to me (in this message it specifically states 06-07 cobalts, mine is an 05, does that make a difference?):




Subject: Long Crank, Engine Will Not Start - keywords DTC extended hard harness key no stall wiring #PIC4110 - (06/22/2006)



Models: 2006-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
A customer might encounter a NO start/extended crank condition intermittently when attempting to start the vehicle. This condition can be caused by a lack of fuel pressure.

Recommendation/Instructions:
First thing before deep diving into the diagnostic, please check for a possible loose terminal at the Underhood Bussed Electrical Center (UBEC) for the fuel pump power supply. There have been reports that this terminal for circuit 120 (Gry) has been loose at the UBEC.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

 

okay, I'm not sure how to get at this terminal... any ideas? My car won't start at all now. I unplugged these big connectors that are on these two different panels that are placed in front of the fusebox. Was just trying things out. Now the car doesn't start. Is my no starting related to me unplugging whatever those connectors were? I really don't know how to get at this terminal my previous post talks about. Any ideas?

 

Take it to the dealer and do not tell them what you just stated in the previous post.
As far as their concerned it just will not start.
Sound like you unplugged the the computer with power on !
From now on if your going to disconnect electrical connectors that you are not sure what they are diconnect the battery neg.
Disconnecting under power is not recommended on new cars with all the electronics in them, you could possibly spike the componet and fry it.

So remeber do not admit to anything to the dealer,it just doesnt start !

 

??? yeah, but I did undo the battery ground. Then I hooked it all back up and plugged the battery back in. I won't tell them anything. lol

 

Pass key probably erased and the computer doesnt recognize your key now.
You could try the other key.
This I read happens sometimes when the battery is disconnected !

 

Yeah, there is a security feature that will refuse to recognize a key and you have to take it to the dealer and have it programmed in or something. I think it could possibly be a fuel injector/s maybe? You might want to try premium gas with a fuel system cleaning additive. I don't think it could be electrical since the motor did start, unless it is the sensor in the intake, you might want to try to clean that with a special spray. So if its not electrical it is either fuel, air, or oil?

 

my car is the lowest model 4 door cobalt you can buy. lol There's no information held by the key. When my car isn't starting, the fuel pump isn't priming. At least that's what I think it's called. I can hear it pump fuel and then shut off before I even try to start it. ?? That just doesn't sound like an air intake sensor. I can definately look at it thought. I'm willing to try anything to get this to stop doing this. The repair shop I towed it to said they think they found a loose connection. So, I guess they tightened it..? They didn't say much. Last night when it wouldn't start, I was trying anything. I unplugged the fuel pump fuse. Evidently I didn't put it back correctly. The repair shop found this, fixed it. Said it started everytime after that. It started for me the two or three times I tried it. So I don't know what's going on. I just want it to work.

 

Yeah, it may be unlikely that it is an air sensor, but I like to think of the working car in terms of systems, so you can narrow down your problems. After you have narrowed down your problem system, start by checking the simplest, and cheapest things first, and gradually move up. That is ofcourse unlesss you think or know what the problem. And usually it is good to check small things like an air sensor and cleaning it anyway, so you don't lose anything by doing it.

The reason I said it may be the intake sensor was because if it is a getting a totaly off reading, than the computer may be stopping you from turning it on.

And if you have an LS, don't use premium, but use Chevron and one of their additives. All their octanes are Top Tier.

I am sorry this happened to you, and I sincerely hope it all works out.