I'm posting this here because all of the Chevy forums are filled with GM reps (who's only advice is to take it to a dealer $100/hr average shop fee) and people who solely want to complain instead of fixing the problem.

This is my girlfriends car and I'd like to keep it reliable for her and her daughter to get around in.

If anyone has an 05/06 Chevy Cobalt 2.2 ecotech I've run into a recent problem.

I'm getting an "engine power reduced" error in the dash. Seems to be literally putting at idle (put put put coming from the exhaust). From what i've found, this tends to be an ECM or throttle body issue. I did notice the other day before it totally crapped out when the rear defroster came on the car experienced a slight loss in rpms. I'm thinking this is completely an electrical issue.

I havent pulled any codes yet but will be later this morning. If you have one of these cars and have experienced this problem please subscribe and I'll post codes around noonish Chicago time.

 

I pulled code P2176.

That code means any of these problems.

- Faulty Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module
- Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module harness is open or shorted
- Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module circuit poor electrical connection
- Throttle plate sticking due to carbon build-up
- Engine Control Module

 

Try cleaning your throttle body. Use a good throttle body cleaner. May need more then one can. Clear codes....even by leaving a battery terminal off for awhile. See if that works. If not it will need a throttle body. Pretty common thing on those motors.

 

Finally got around to cleaning the throttle body. I removed it which was pretty straight forward to make sure I could completely clean it. I was a little surprised at what I found. It appear that there was what looked like dirty motor oil that lined the entire interior of the throttle body. Moreover, these grease is all over the the inside of the plastic between the airfilter and the TB. Any thoughts on what it is or how it got there?

I tried to clean this plastic part but due to its physical shape there's only so much I could get out. I might just end up replacing it to keep what's left, from entering the throttle body. A replacement throttle body is on order due to a bit of paranoia.

 

Gunk getting in a throttle body is perfectly normal. The PCV system of any modern vehicle is to blame.

 

PCV? I guess I'm just surprised about the amount of crap and fluid in the intake. I've taken apart many air intakes and this is by far the worst.

 

Hopefully my response above was helpful to your concern.

I'd hate to pollute a forum with useless information.