Car is an ‘01 Cavalier 2.2L

Previously had issues with the car stalling out, running sluggish, rough shifts and poor MPG. CEL came on and while I don’t remember the specific code, it was pointing to a faulty TPS. Replaced the sensor and thought all was well as the car shifted and ran smoother all around.

Roughly a month later and I start noticing the car seems to be “fluttering” while cruising. Meaning I can feel the throttle kicking in and out just a bit despite no movement of the pedal. It was also sporadic.

Last night I got in and after reversing out of the driveway and putting it in drive, there was little to no movement while pressing down the gas, though the RPMs were revving up. Problem has continued and seems to be getting worse. Again, it’s also sporadic and seems to only be an issue starting from a stop. It seems to kick in around 2nd gear and becomes more responsive (still has the “fluttering” issue).

Any ideas? There is no CEL currently.

thank you!

 

If you can get a code reader it might help to see if there are any codes. There are times the CEL doesn't light up, the MAF sensor in particular. Too, the part may be defective. That's becoming very problematic these days with all manner of vehicles.

 

Thanks for the reply.

The CEL came on during the drive home. Stopped by a parts store and these codes were pulled:

C1275, P0730, P0742

Car has 157k miles. Purchased around 95k miles and have done regular oil/maintenance. Would these codes have anything to do with the TPS? When the car was scanned the first time, she pulled up only 2 codes. One for the TPS and one for an A/C issue. I ask because the shifting was smooth immediately after the TPS was replaced.

 

No I dont believe that they would be related to your Throttle Position Control (TPS)



OBD II: C1275 - PCM Requested TCS to Be Disabled, likely above issues cause shutdown of TCS

OBD II Is a chassis code. C1254 is similar and related to C1254 -Abnormal Shutdown Detected. EBCM voltage issue, memory KAM checksum lost C1275 PCM Requested TCS to Be Disabled, likely above C1275 issues causes shutdown of TCS.(Traction Control System)

P0730Wiring harness to transmission, damaged, pinched or shorted to power Torque converter clutch (TCC) solenoid failure Transmission control module (TCM)

P0740 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction.



Listed possible issues are:

1. Low or dirty transmission fluid

2. Worn pump or clogged fluid filter

3.Torque converter clutch, solenoid, or internal blockage

4. Mechanical failure inside transmission

5. Internal blockage inside transmission main control

6. Faulty shift solenoids or wiring

7. Faulty transmission control module

Sounds like there are some troubles in your GM 4T40E automatic transmission to me.

 

Thank you for the detailed response. Was hoping it was something I could do in the garage, but doesn’t appear that way.

Thanks again.

 

You are quite welcome.