2008 Pontiac Torrent Engine chugging?

[HUBBS]

My Torrent has approx 68k km on it and just recently the engine started chugging. It only does this when the speed is between 80 and 90 km/ph and it goes away once the speed has hit 90km. Also when I accelerate fast from a dead stop the check engine light will flash. After the light flashes it might go away or it might stay on solid, if it stays on solid it eventually goes away. I thought it might be bad gas so I put a fuel system cleaner in it and put good gas in as well, this has not helped. Any ideas? I would hate to pay the dealer hundreds of $$ if I could fix it myself.
Before you ask I do have warrenty left on the vehicle but its only on the powertrain.

 

[Jason McConnell]

I'd check the air filter, spark plugs and throttle body. Fuel injector cleaner couldn't hurt, either.

 

[curveball]

got the same promblem

hi i got the same thing going on with my torrent i thought i got water in the gas so i ran it out and put new gas in she the same thing i going to take her to the shop on monday she what going on if so i keep u up to date

 

[Zimgxp]

A flashing cel means converter damaging condition exists. Go to an auto parts store that can scan it and get the codes.

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[Leyland]

I'm willing to bet its either a spark plug, plug wire or connection issue. I ran into the exact same issue (80-90km/hr chugging) dealer fixed it and reported it to be a bad wire.

Good luck.

 

[Leyland]

Crazy!

I'm willing to bet its either a spark plug, plug wire or connection issue. I ran into the exact same issue on an 08 torrent with approx the same mileage at the same speed... turned out to be a bad plug wire.

Good luck.

 

[curveball]

i had the same promblem with my 2007 torrent i got it fix today it was the plugs and wires working perfect now

 

[rich67]

chugging and check engine light illumination

there is a campaign letter released by GM regarding 2008 torrents, that exhibit your symptoms. caused by lack of dielectric seal by sparkplug boots. Dealers are aware of this letter. we got this letter about a week ago. If your car is exhibiting this problem take it to a pontiac dealer, or chevrolet dealer...GM is providing owners with protection for this up to 120000 miles or 10 years.. from date of service. this is for only 2008 torrents...I believe they replace the plug wires...

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[curveball]

i got a 2007 torrent had the same promblem. took it to the shop and they put new plugs and wire on my torrent had 79.000 km on it. the plugs were crack like they melted my torrent works perfect now but i ask the dealer those plugs should last a little longer that 79.000 i should call gm see can i get some money back cost me 400 bucks

 

[F_Farkell]

I had this problem, got the letter from G M. took my 08 Torrent to the G M dealer thinking they would change the plugs and wires. They only replace number 1 wire and plug.
This stopped the "chugging", but it still has a hesitation. Hope this helps.

 

[curveball]

changing one plug is not going to fix it they should put in all plugs and wires talking to a good buddy of mind that works at a gm garge they need to replace the wires and 6 plugs go back to the dealership

 

[GM Customer Service]

F_Farkell,

Have you had the chance to take your vehicle back to the dealership or speak with them?

Thank you,
Caron, Pontiac Customer Service

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[kellyh]

Please take your vehicles into a dealership. There was a recall on the spark plugs/wires and based on what we heard today, we may be having to have them continually replaced. We had them replaced in Nov/Dec on our 2009 torrent and have them replacing them again today. Supposedly GM has extended the warranty on our vehicle for the spark plugs/wires to 120,000 miles/10 years.

I am not very happy at all that I may have to go in every 6 months to have the wires/plugs replaced. Plus I am worried about what kind of long term damage this will create to the engine!

 

[Zimgxp]

Also the emissions warranty should be at least 75,000 miles. Between the recall and the warranty, you should be covered.

 

[kellyh]

Z- true, but having to take it in every 6 months for a few days is not the most convenient thing!!

 

[melsg5]

Kellyh, if you get a PM from GM Customer Service please respond to it, thanks.

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