So lately my LS has been having throttle issues...I mean nomally the LS has a small amount of play in the pedal before it starts revving,

but lately it's taken me almost half throttle to get the car going, and it either results in slow-engine bogging launches or tire screeching catapult launches.

My car's had no other problems, runs fine under full A/C, regular maintenance is kept up with, and it's driven moderately.

Any other LS drivers experiencing this?

Input is greatly appreciated.

<B0omer>

 

sounds like your not launching properly and its all in the clutch and how your using it. not the throttle. check the how to sections, theres a thread on how to properly launch

 

that may just be how the 2.2 is. i had one for 2 years, and had the same thing. you have to really push the gas down to get going, and passing someone on the highway was almost full throttle.

 

I'm a little over 2 years and I am feeling the same thing. It's starting to make me mad and think it is the clutch going or something. I find myself launching much different than I first did.

Mine may also be due to the 2.4 TB, but I just don't know.

Maybe there is a little play in the pedal over time.

Any way to adjust the pedals or stiffen them?

 

No I know how to launch, I used to autocross so I'm good with footwork, I can even easily hold my car on an uphill grade without rolling back.

Like I said it didn't do it right when I got the car but the amount of hesitation now is just becoming a chore. Using almost full throttle to accelerate in 3rd gear is also a weird glitch I'm having.

Maybe it's just the way the 2.2L throttle was designed, but it shouldn't be this bad.

 

Are you putting your foot on the gas when you start the car.
If so the pcm will remeber this setting when it zeros the throttle and you will not get any gas until
you reach that position.(read this somewhere I will see if I can find it )
If thats not the problem then the position sensor could be wearing out (throttle position sensor and the one for the gas pedal ).

Here it is

Normal Mode
During the operation of the throttle actuator control (TAC) system, several modes or functions are considered normal. The following modes may be entered during normal operation:

• Minimum pedal value--At key-up the powertrain control module (PCM) updates the learned minimum pedal value.

• Minimum throttle position (TP) values--At key-up the PCM updates the learned minimum TP value. In order to learn the minimum TP value, the throttle blade is moved to the closed position.

• Ice break mode--If the throttle is not able to reach a predetermined minimum TP, the ice break mode is entered. During the ice break mode, the PCM commands the maximum pulse width several times to the throttle actuator motor in the closing direction.

• Battery saver mode--After a predetermined time without engine RPM, the PCM commands the battery saver mode. During the battery saver mode, the TAC module removes the voltage from the motor control circuits, which removes the current draw used to maintain the idle position and allows the throttle to return to the spring loaded default position.

This might be helpful as well

Reduced Engine Power Mode
When the PCM detects a condition with the TAC system, the PCM may enter a reduced engine power mode. Reduced engine power may cause one or more of the following conditions:

• Acceleration limiting--The PCM will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control; however, the vehicle acceleration is limited.

• Limited throttle mode--The PCM will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control; however, the maximum throttle opening is limited.

• Throttle default mode--The PCM will turn off the throttle actuator motor and the throttle will return to the spring loaded default position.

• Forced idle mode--The PCM will perform the following actions:

- Limit engine speed to idle by positioning the throttle position, or by controlling the fuel and spark if the throttle is turned OFF.

- Ignore the accelerator pedal input.

• Engine shutdown mode--The PCM will disable fuel and de-energize the throttle actuator.

 

yea dude that's just how the car is. you got used to it, and it lost it's "fun" feeling. now you're realizing it's not as quick as it felt when you first got it. same thing happened to me.

 

yup PE delay is a bitch. i notice it bad now.

if you get tunned by clearimage the PE delay MIGHT be shortened or even eliminated but thats what it is. i kno all l61 cobalts experience it, dont kno about the newer 2.2s

 

Ah...okay I see.

Yeah, haha maybe the acceleration seemed augmented when I first bought it since I used to drive 91 Toyota Previa (those of you who know what that is will understand why the LS actually felt fast to me)

Though I have had the reduced engine power mode happen to me before, it seems to be random chance when it would do it. I can't think of any conditions that might have caused it, other than the A/C over stressing the motor to the point where the extreme heat outside and the compressor running almost stalled it during idle.

I don't hold the gas when I start it, so that couldn't affect it all.

Lately it's been acting a little better, but I guess I have to live with it.

It was only 10,700 brand new anyway, I don't expect a crazy amazing car =]

>B0omer<

 

you have an '08...you shouldn't be having these problems already. check your throttle body to see if you have some carbon built up from oil that is thrown into the intake under WOT.

 

i hear ya bro, i came from a taurus station wagon so the 2.2 felt like a 10 second beast

the ac will definitely slow things down as well.

 

Haha yeah, it's funny how a 13 second 0-60 will make you appreciate what tiny little 4-bangers can do.

And my O2 sensors were busted on the van....so I got 8mpg from a 2.4L inline 4 ><

I'll check the throttle body. But I don't use a lot of WOT, unless it's in 5th gear to continue up a hill without decel.