Slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

Hesitation and service engine light, HELP!

My 2008 Malibu has a huge hesitation when accelerating and almost seems to slip a little. Once it is up to speed it does ok but now this morning the service engine light came on. No clue what is causing this!

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

Take her into the shop and have the error code read. I've given up trying to guess what the source of the problem is with my car.

Good luck and let us know what the issue it.

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

megan34 said:

my 2008 malibu has about 40K miles on it and a few weeks ago it started getting very slow when accelerating. It just doesn't seem to get up and go. I tried injector fluid to see if it would help and nothing. Now this morning the service engine light came on. Any suggestions?

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Sounds like it may be the fail safe for the engine, what is the temperature that your car was running at when this happend?

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

Screechymon said:

Sounds like it may be the fail safe for the engine, what is the temperature that your car was running at when this happend?

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It seems to be running at a very normal temp. I do notice it hesitating more and almost slipping when it is cold before it really gets warmed up.

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

Megan34,

I agree with Hellgate; you will want to get it in so that you can have the codes read. This will allow the mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue that you are experiencing.

I look forward to an update of your situation. If you would like assistance with finding a dealership and/or setting an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

Hellgate said:

Take her into the shop and have the error code read. I've given up trying to guess what the source of the problem is with my car.

Good luck and let us know what the issue it.

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I'd try this ^ that way you can find out where to start. As overheating is not your issue.

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

If you have a mass air flow sensor code , it could be a faulty or dirty mass air flow sensor. Are you using a K&N air filter? I have seen the oils from those getting on the mass air flow sensors & causing drivability problems like that. Also a clogging or cracked converter would give you acceleration concerns too & set a code p0420. Like the other posts knowing the code would be the place to start.

Re: slow acceleration and now service engine light is on

Mine is doing this as well.....what a pos.....going to try some injector cleaner, but I'm sure its a $500 bill for a mechanic.....

It sounds almost identical to what my 09 did. It ended up needing the cats replaced. Yours should be covered under warranty.