Car chugs a little when accelerating...

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

It's a 5 speed manual, usually does this in 2nd or 3rd gear when accelerating. 2005 Cobalt.

Just wondering if this is normal, I've driven a few other standards but I don't remember them doing this.

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[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

Sounds like your timing may be just a little off, or it could even be something like an O2 sensor. Just take it to the dealer and have them check it out.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

^^^what he said

 

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

Would I have to take it to a dealer, or could a general mechanic help me out?

 

[kush-divinity 10+ year member]

It's a new car, with warranty.

Don't let some shadetree mechanic look at it. Take it to the real people son.

But try some fuel system cleaner in the gas first. You probably got a little junk in your injector rail or some sludge in your filter. Beryyman's B-12 or Seafoam are 2 great fuel cleaners.

 

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

I believe the warranty has ran out. Plus, I bought it from my step-brother and I didn't get any warranty papers.

Ill try the fuel system cleaner. I don't use cheap gas, since I got it from him back in march, I've only put Shell, Chevron, and BP in it. But it may help.

 

[GreenBook 10+ year member]

This may be a stupid question, but u sure your not shifting it wrong? If you shift too early it can do that.

 

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

eh, I usually shift between 2000 and 2500 rpm...

 

[kush-divinity 10+ year member]

2000 probably a little low for that car, becuase when you upshift, the RPM drops to about 1200 or so. You ain't gotta wind it out, but I wouldn't shift before 3000 in a Chevy 4-cyl.

And all that gas you listed is trash, go to Co-op and buy gas. It has NO ETHANOL.......

Pure gas FTMFW.

 

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

3000? ****, I feel like I'm dogging it when I get it over 2500... I'll try it out, but it seems like I remember it chugging a little even when I've shifted later. But I'll test it out today and report back.

 

[kush-divinity 10+ year member]

It sounds like you are dogging it at 3000, but they hold up real well at 6000.

Those are some noisy, nasty sounding engines. It sounds like they will fall apart anyday, but they keep going??????

If you shift too low in that car, and you lug the engine all the time, you will destroy it. Either bust a piston or crack the head, just so you know. That engine has a prime operating range of 1900-4600 RPM. You need to keep it there, just get earplugs for that **** chevy

 

[GreenBook 10+ year member]

Yeah I'd drag out the gears a little higher, try aiming for about 3500 I'd say, that's 'bout where I shift at usually with my 4 banger. If yo have a shift light built into the gauge cluster, accelerate like you normally would but don't shift till the light comes on. It probably won't light up till about 4K or so.

I drive a late model saturn so it can't be too much different from your cobalt, just slower.

 

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

hah, actually, there's a little light that comes on around 2k that, according to the owner's manual, is there to let you know when to shift to get the best fuel economy.

But ****, I'll definitely get it closer to 3000 or above before I shift now. Thanks for the advice guys, the LAST thing I need is a blown engine from my own doing. I just hope it can forgive me...

Is there any chance I could have done damage to it already? I hope not, everything else seems fine.

 

[Justinw303 10+ year member]

Alright well I just dropped my girlfriend off at class, and on the way to and from, I shifted at 3000, and... Success! No chugging, and my shifts felt a lot smoother, much less shock, etc.

Thanks guys! CA.com to the rescue, once again... I appreciate everyone who commented.