Sudden car problems

Tiny
TYSHANDRA
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 139,397 MILES
I would like to get a diagnosis of what could be wrong with my car as well as a probable estimate of repair costs. All of a sudden, when started my car begins to vibrate badly. It is running much louder than normal and it has an awful exhaust smell. It will not accelerate properly, either. It was running smooth and fine the day before, now this. What could it be?
Monday, December 20th, 2010 AT 1:35 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Does it sound like the exhaust is leaking? Also, has the check engine light come on? Finally, do you know if any exhaust leaks?

Let me know so I can get a better idea of what could be the issue.
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Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
TYSHANDRA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The check engine light did come on, and as a matter of fact, after "repairs" its still on. I can't hear if it sounds like the exhaust is leaking because the engine sound is so loud. I also have no idea if the exhaust leaks.
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Have you scanned the computer to see why the light is on?
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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
TYSHANDRA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The technician says its an oxygen sensor.
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Saturday, December 25th, 2010 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
An O2 sensor shouldn't cause the engine to be loud. It could be bad or have come loose. Have you checked that?
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Sunday, December 26th, 2010 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
TYSHANDRA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry, in an earlier reply, where I said after repairs, I meant that the loud engine, the car vibrating, and the exhaust smell have all been fixed for a whopping 700 dollars! The diagnosis was bad spark plugs and ignition coil and module needed to be replaced. Well after driving a few miles I noticed the check engine light was on and still is. So I was asking why it would still be on and I took it right back to the repair shop where I was informed that it was an O2 sensor which can be repaired for an additional 250 dollars! I don't think so!
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 1:33 AM

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