Why did my car stop accelerating ?

Asked by Tia Nov 15, 2020 at 12:53 PM about the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LT Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

One day while driving down the street my 08 cobalt
decided it didn't want to accelerate anymore. I was
able to get it pulled over on the side of the road of
the road. I had my dad pull it back to my house.
After about 2 weeks I decided to see what it would
do. I started it up with no problem and it drove fine.  
I haven't drove the car for a couple of months now
and the other day ny brother started it up and drove
it with no problem. What could the problem
possibly be? Also I ran a test and was given the
code p0446 but it just doesn't seem like that would
cause the problem but im not sure.

1 Answer
18,665

munron answered 3 years ago

Sound like it was in reduced power mode, or limp mode. That's when the computer detects a significant problem and cuts power to the engine so you won't damage anything while you drive it to a repair shop. They often do reset after shut down, butunless it was just a one time glitch, it will be back. That said, without codes, unless its the code that you've already got, its pretty tough to trouble shoot. For now I would address the trouble code that you have and keep on motoring. Also, do a little research on the code you have, like here: https://chevroletforum.com/forum/cobalt-32/p0446-code-2006-cobalt-36231/ It may be a wiring issue rather than an actual part. As these cars age the wiring breaks down and often sends codes that can be corrected with some simple maintenance.

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