Car Shut Off While On Interstate

Asked by TattedDuck Feb 25, 2018 at 02:09 PM about the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt LS Coupe FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The first time it shut off I was going about
65mph during the daytime and all my
electronics began flickering (noticed by the
radio cutting out). My car gave the code
"POWERSTEERING" and the electronics
completely quit, but the engine continued to
run. After I pulled off and shut the car off, it
would not turn back on. The second time it
shut off in traffic, I lurched forward with the
brake and the electronics turned back on.
After stopping again the car completely shut
off. I tested the battery and alternator and
both are fine. My friends tell me I have a
parasitic draw and I'm having trouble finding
anything. Any suggestions?

3 Answers
101,565

KenF answered 6 years ago

Check your serpentine belt tensioner. Loss of belt tension would explain why you lost electrical power & power steering. Put a socket on the tensioner and back it off, if it seems sketchy replace it.

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18,235

munron answered 6 years ago

What showed up when you scanned it for trouble codes? On the occasions when the car actually quit and wouldn't restart, did you have to recharge the battery to get it going again? If you still had lots of power then its not a charging issue. It sounds like a ground, electrical connection or some sort of electronic issue to me.

1 people found this helpful.
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