I have a 2009 Chevy Malibu. It's only got 32,000 miles on it. While driving the car it shut down. We lost all power to the car and had to push it off to the side of the road. We have tried new batteries and every time the car won't start. We get a message that says "service esc". I don't know what that means.
Service Traction and ESC
Once in a while, I get the message to service traction and ESC. Now the wrinkle to all of this is that, if I turn the car off and restart, it goes away. Anyone have this issue? It has happened a few times now and is never there when I restart the next time.
Thanks.
Thanks.
141 - 149 of 149 Posts
Without knowing the codes stored in the computer nobody has a clue where to start diagnosing.I have a 2009 Chevy Malibu. It's only got 32,000 miles on it. While driving the car it shut down. We lost all power to the car and had to push it off to the side of the road. We have tried new batteries and every time the car won't start. We get a message that says "service esc". I don't know what that means.
My 2008 Malibu with 130K miles has been having similar issues....
Service ESC and Traction Control Messages
Engine Reduced Power
SOMEtimes....all the way to Engine Disabled.
Intermittant for two months.
Now coming on more often and suddenly a new issue. Engine at startup sometimes "sputtering", and smelling like too rich a fuel mixture. I had this about a year ago and they cleaned the throttle body and it's been fine since then until now.
Take to dealer last week. They come up with a list of codes 2/3 of a page long at check-in. I give detailed description of all the above, explain that i've researched this a bit, know it is common and often misdiagnosed. I mention that I had a passenger side headlight go out and in one of the "engine power down. Stop and Park. Sit for 1-3 mins with key out of ignition. Restart" sequences, the headlight that I had assumed was just a bad bulb suddenly lit up! So now I began to lean more toward an electrical issue.
Dealer comes back a few days later - said I need a new Throttle Body Assembly and both Cam Actuator Solanoids. Says the Cam Actuators are supposed to ohm in range of 8-12 and they are measuring about 14.5
SO......after all my reading, I don't feel at all confident those are the fix alone. If needed at all. But I believe there is an electrical disturbance still out there....but no idea what to suggest and they seem reluctant to dig further.
Your thoughts/advice would be appreciated!!
Service ESC and Traction Control Messages
Engine Reduced Power
SOMEtimes....all the way to Engine Disabled.
Intermittant for two months.
Now coming on more often and suddenly a new issue. Engine at startup sometimes "sputtering", and smelling like too rich a fuel mixture. I had this about a year ago and they cleaned the throttle body and it's been fine since then until now.
Take to dealer last week. They come up with a list of codes 2/3 of a page long at check-in. I give detailed description of all the above, explain that i've researched this a bit, know it is common and often misdiagnosed. I mention that I had a passenger side headlight go out and in one of the "engine power down. Stop and Park. Sit for 1-3 mins with key out of ignition. Restart" sequences, the headlight that I had assumed was just a bad bulb suddenly lit up! So now I began to lean more toward an electrical issue.
Dealer comes back a few days later - said I need a new Throttle Body Assembly and both Cam Actuator Solanoids. Says the Cam Actuators are supposed to ohm in range of 8-12 and they are measuring about 14.5
SO......after all my reading, I don't feel at all confident those are the fix alone. If needed at all. But I believe there is an electrical disturbance still out there....but no idea what to suggest and they seem reluctant to dig further.
Your thoughts/advice would be appreciated!!
^^^ Re the above, the Service codes at sign in were as follows:
P0010
P0011
P0013
P0014
P0121
P1516
P2101
P2119
P2135
C0550
C0242
B2705
B0083
B0084
P0010
P0013
Camshaft Postion Actuator Solenoid Valve, Throttle Position Sensor, TAC Mod, ....
Only one that shows as "current" was the P0013 - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1.
Again - the "fix" diagnosed is to replace my throttle body and both cam actuator solenoids. .....
P0010
P0011
P0013
P0014
P0121
P1516
P2101
P2119
P2135
C0550
C0242
B2705
B0083
B0084
P0010
P0013
Camshaft Postion Actuator Solenoid Valve, Throttle Position Sensor, TAC Mod, ....
Only one that shows as "current" was the P0013 - Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve Control Circuit Bank 1.
Again - the "fix" diagnosed is to replace my throttle body and both cam actuator solenoids. .....
Maybe you could ask them to guarantee that their recommended fix will actually cure the problem, and if it doesn't, that they'll continue to work on it until it is and not charge you any more, since their certified technician was the one who told you what it needed.
Current actuator code tells me it's bad. Actuator can affect the reference voltage the PCM puts out for controls and sensors. Throttle bodies are another common part failure that can affect the PCM systems.
Once they work on your car they are committed to it. Keep all your paper work because at least at the dealer you have GM to help resolve any other issues.
Once they work on your car they are committed to it. Keep all your paper work because at least at the dealer you have GM to help resolve any other issues.
Check the Brake Fluid. Make sure it is topped up.. Sometimes this will cause it
I had this happen with my '09 chevy malibu 3 months after getting a wheel bearing replaced. I was told it's the wheel speed sensor. Everytime I made left turns (Front driver side wheel bearing was replaced) the service traction, service esc and ABS light would pop on. He fixed it and now a week later its doing it again. It doesn't affect the way the car drives, the only thing is that I lose traction in that tire every time I make a sharp left turn. Wondering if it's more than that?
it could be a bad speed sensor in a front wheel bearing. when the computes sees different wheel speeds it thinks the vehicle is on ice & losing traction on 1 or more wheels. it wants to correct this issue by reducing engine power.
turning traction control off will usually fix the problem
turning traction control off will usually fix the problem
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