When slowing down sometimes my traction control light comes on and nothing happens when I press the accelerator pedal

Tiny
TRACY MCKENZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 164,100 MILES
Most of the time it will shut off while the lights stay on. Then it could take up to 4 tries to get restarted. This all happens after driving at least an hour or so. No check engine light comes on. Please help. The engine revved up a few times on its own when it was trying to shut down. Then I could start driving again. This morning, driving to work no issues. It is about a 20 minute drive.
Sunday, December 1st, 2019 AT 7:09 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

Have you had the computer scanned to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored? Also, does this only happen when coming to a stop or do you lose power while driving?

Most parts stores will scan the computer to see if there are codes. If you haven't done that, most do it for free. If you can, have that done and let me know the codes that are found. Also, as far as the traction control light turning on, it is most likely associated with a wheel speed sensor, but that shouldn't cause the engine to stall or not respond.

I will tell you that there is a throttle position sensor on the gas pedal. That can be causing issues with the driveability concerns, but not the ABS. Is the traction control light the only one that turns on?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, December 2nd, 2019 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
TRACY MCKENZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I just had it scanned. Was told the only code was the shift solenoid. No other lights come on. Yes car does shut off when stopped. This only happens after driving for an hour. Driving around town I do not any issues.
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 AT 4:54 AM
Tiny
TRACY MCKENZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Only happens when slowing down or stopping. Do not lose power. Again it starts when I have been driving for at least an hour.
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 AT 4:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
What shift solenoid was indicated on the scan? Do you have the code?

Joe
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Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
TRACY MCKENZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
All I was told was it was a shift solenoid which was not allowing the transmission to shift properly.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 3:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi, Tracy. Honestly, there are a few of them, and any one will cause shifting problems. The reason I ask is because it could be related to the traction control issue. Since the car shuts off when you stop, I'm questioning if it has something to do with the torque converter clutch solenoid. If you look at the attached pic, I highlighted the shift solenoids as well as two others that can cause issues. I hope you understand, that's why I needed the code.

Here is a list of the solenoids indicated in the picture.

Electronic Components

13 - TFP Manual Valve Position Switch Assembly
46 - Input Speed Sensor
62 - Output Speed Sensor
305 - 1-2 and 2-3 Shift Solenoid Valves
305 - 1-2 and 2-3 Shift Solenoid Valves
312 - Pressure Control Solenoid
335 - TCC Control PWM Solenoid

Since it stalls when coming to a stop, I suspect the torque converter clutch (TCC) control solenoid is failing. Please understand, that is an educated guess at this point. If it doesn't release, the converter will continue to stay locked and when you stop, it would fill similar to not pushing in the clutch on a manual transmission.

I need the code to confirm. And yes, it the TCC is locked on, I believe you will lose traction control.
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Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
TRACY MCKENZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thank you for the information. When the car shuts off, it just shuts off. It does not act like not pushing in the clutch on a standard transmission. It just shuts down but all the lights stay on. It is the oddest thing. Thanks anyway
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Thursday, December 5th, 2019 AT 2:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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That kind of issue sounds more like a crankshaft position sensor, vacuum leak, or fuel pressure issue. Let me know if you find the codes. I feel confident it will point us in the right direction.

Joe
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Thursday, December 5th, 2019 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
TRACY MCKENZIE
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks.
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Friday, December 6th, 2019 AT 2:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know if I can help.

Joe
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Friday, December 6th, 2019 AT 6:50 PM

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