2008 Torrent Gremlins

[Bosun]

Hi All,

I'm the proud owner of a 2008 Pontiac Torrent 3.4L. We had our 1-year anniversary about 1 month ago, and as with all quality relationships, it's been faithful, adventurous and had its fair share of unclear issues and arguments. I blame a communication breakdown.
Right, to the point. Here is our magnificent list of troubles:

- Stablitrack disabling itself. points to an EGR issue: Code P0405. intermittently (once every few days - sometimes lasting a month without the issue.
- Temp sensor error with temp gauge dropping to 0 and A/C disabling. Code P0128, P0442. Points to an ECT sensor issue. Intermittent (weekly to monthly).
- Cruise control intermittently works. Most of the time it's unresponsive.
- driver airbag and passenger airbag service warning coming on. Intermittently.
- seat belt warning stays on or doesn't function. Driver and passenger Intermittent
- driver door doesn't lock with central locking. Intermittent
- right turn signal stays on sometimes. the volume of turn signal changes.

I believe it's primarily electrical. Mechanically the engine hasn't skipped a beat, starts reliably and purrs along nicely. It's just taking a little bit to get used to the Christmas display on the dash with flashing errors, alerts and the faithful check engine light.

My question(s)... do you think some of these key issues could be related to the Engineer Control Module being faulty? Or an ECM grounding problem? Since its so intermittent.

first post too! been meaning to do this for a long time,

Thanks,

Bosun

 

[melsg5]

not sure how you got a connection between and EGR problem and stabilitrack?
P0128 most likely you need a thermostat, dont wait in case it fails in a closed position
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0128
P0405 look for a bad/broken connection or the valve is bad
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0405
P0442 start with a new gas cap
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0442

The other problems require a scan tool that goes beyond basic ECM codes, need something that can read BCM, ABS, Stabilitrak, etc.

 

[Bosun]

Thanks for the reply melsg5,

Yeah, it's strange. Whenever the Stablitrack disables it spits up the P0405 code. I've tested this by disconnecting the plug to the EGR too and without fail my Stablitrack automatically disables. I've heard the EGR valve can be used to regulate the power for traction control, so maybe it's related there.

Looking through the service records, I see the previous owner had the EGR tested and replaced recently. He also replaced the ECT sensor. Both of these issues are very intermittent too, which is why I believe it's a comms issue and could be related to the cabling, grounding or the Engine Control Module itself...

I'll take your advice and get the thermostat checked out, just to be safe though.

Cheers,