06 Cobalt SS Supercharged Code P0171 Shaky Idle/Acceleration Issues

Asked by prettypink Mar 14, 2016 at 03:29 AM about the 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello! I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS. It has a check engine light on. It was
flickering on and off for a few months but it's been steady on for 2 weeks.
Also, the last 3 days I have gotten a "Check Gas Cap" warning even though
the gas cap is on secure.

The car is not running as well as it used to. It seems to have issues when
I'm sitting idle and when I'm accelerating. Just kinda shaky?

I have heard it's my mass air flow sensor, 02 sensor, vacuum leak.....

I have an appointment with a mechanic this Wednesday. I believe he said it
would be $100 to diagnose the check engine light but I am trying to give
him as much information to get my car back to normal.

I also have an oil leak, but it's not that severe because I'm checking the oil
daily. The mechanic knows about the leak and agreed it's not that severe
but I will get the oil leak fixed as soon as I get the engine issue fixed. I just
want to make sure I'm prioritizing the issues with my car because money is
tight.

Thanks so much!

1 Answer

220,515

P0171 CHEVROLET - Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1... Possible causes... - Intake air leaks - Faulty front heated oxygen sensor - Ignition misfiring - Faulty fuel injectors - Exhaust gas leaks - Incorrect fuel pressure - Lack of fuel - Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor - Incorrect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) hose connection So I don't go to a shop for repairs, so I am not sure if he would still charge you for the diagnostics part if you were to have him work on the car, ask him on that, but he will do his own diagnostics to see what he thinks is wrong. And if there is any rust around the filler tube for gas, that could still cause a gas cap leak even tho you have it on tight, and still throw the code for that. So yes, get the engine running properly first.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    munron
    Reputation
    8,130
  • #2
    John Carson
    Reputation
    2,270
  • #3
    MoGo
    Reputation
    1,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Malibu
48 Great Deals out of 1,130 listings starting at $2,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
21 Great Deals out of 605 listings starting at $10,989
Used Chevrolet Impala
9 Great Deals out of 138 listings starting at $3,990
Used Ford Mustang
54 Great Deals out of 1,606 listings starting at $6,200
Used Ford Focus
19 Great Deals out of 547 listings starting at $2,499
Used Honda Civic
186 Great Deals out of 4,226 listings starting at $2,499
Used Toyota Camry
45 Great Deals out of 1,150 listings starting at $3,900
Used Chevrolet Colorado
29 Great Deals out of 1,136 listings starting at $9,950
Used Lexus IS
29 Great Deals out of 400 listings starting at $5,400
Used Pontiac G6
15 listings starting at $7,999
Used Nissan Sentra
56 Great Deals out of 1,895 listings starting at $2,288
Used Chevrolet Equinox
93 Great Deals out of 3,623 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
213 Great Deals out of 9,034 listings starting at $2,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.