[Cody.Stanley]

So me and the wife are coming home from town this morning and went to pass a car going up a hill, after we get past them the check engine light flashes then goes away. Then we notice if you try to accelerate then it starts jarring and doesn't really wanna go. I have disconnected the battery and letting it sit as a desperate attempt to reset everything and hope for the best. What could it be? Please help!

 

[5457]

Is there a code showing on the instrument panel? In the lower right corner it should display "Code" and a number. If not you need to have it checked with a scan tool.

 

[beeguz]

If you have a problem with the way the engine or transmission works, you should not try to erase the code, you do need a scanner to get the numeric code.
That code tells the dealer where to start looking more times than one it will pin point the problem.

Most auto part stores will scan the car for you free of charge, while you can't really do anything with the code, at least you know in what system the problem is located.

 

[Tracking]

I definitely wouldn't have erased the code without checking it out first. Even if it was just a hiccup, it's good to keep track of these things. Anyhow, now that you cleared it, how is it running?

 

[beeguz]

You can't really erase the codes completely, with an ordinary hand held reader, they are stored in the computer, after they are read the first time they have an H prefix, telling the service reader they are old codes.

I do believe if you use a GM Tech II reader, with capability of erasing old codes, then they can be eliminated from the computer after the repair.

 

[pfraley11]

Had these exact same symptoms today with my 2016 Trax. Have an appointment with the dealership on Monday, but curious if you had any resolution?

 

[pfraley11]

Just heard back from the dealership. It's a bad ignition coil. Just FYI.

 

[Natensity]

Just wanted to comment I had a very similar issue with my 2016 trax (49k miles) and this forum helped to narrow down the potential causes. It took 2 different mechanics and 3 days to figure out (1st guy was kind of lazy and said I just needed to be on top of my oil changes).

Trying to accelerate on an on-ramp or up a hill from anywhere from 40 mph to 60 mph would cause the car to struggle nyo go and randomly shudder and move herky-jerky and honestly scared the crap out me. The 2nd mechanic was actually able to see the ignition coil short out so have to replace that and spark plugs. Not super cheap but glad I know the cause.

 

[Npnowlin]

It feels like my car has hiccups. No check engine lights and no codes. Worse on uphill acceleration but inconsistent issue. Can happen flat too. Does this jive with ignition coil folks? They are telling me they can't duplicate it so unprovably bad gas (dealer who looked) and water in system likely from bad gas (my dealer on phone, instructed to add Heet). It DID start a few minutes after a fill up suspiciously. I have a 500 mile drive to do and I'm terrified.