[Rockitman]

Hi Outlookers,
I have A 2009 built 09/08 and having some drivability issues. Seems to be mostly when set on open highway cruising around 60 MPH and running about 16 to maybe 1700 rpm. At this rate usually tapping the + increase speed cruise side or starting up a hill and doing this to increase speed sorta like loading the transmission pressure to get ready to down shift but not down shifting it cuts out jerks or shudders not sure the proper term. My Grandfather was a mechanic and I would associate it with old time ignition cuttin out a bit. Once it hits around 2000 RPM or so it downshifts and it's ok. So ignition wise it doesn't make since that it's cutting out because you can floor it or don't lolly gag around (as some people call it) it doesn't do it. Here in Iowa we have a lot of open area and cruising is a good thing so is gas mileage.
Dealership has replaced the torque converter and set it to the original version of programming and it still does it. I had them set it to the original program for MPG. Well tomorrow I'm going to see if they put the new version of programming in if it will help. Before the torque converter we had the new programming and it didn't help though.
Also no codes or Check engine.
Ending for now I hope the jerking isn't the way cars or tranny's work or configure themselves these days..
Any help would be great or experiences

 

[6Sixathome]

:welcome:

Check the trans fluid (operating temp in park with engine running and on a flat surface) and if all looks good there your best bet is the dealer or a different dealer. Do you still have PT warranty?

 

[GM Customer Service]

@Rockitman, please let me know how your visit to the dealership goes tomorrow.

Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[Rockitman]

took a drive with tech today he verified what I was talking about and going to dig into it tomorrow. This is a local dealer, different from the original. He doesn't know for sure but thinks it sorta like a cutting out not shudder.

Torque converter was just changed at other dealership and didn't help at all. also added Amsoil for ATF. They also fixed a stiff steering feeling and noise (rubbing noise heard inside vehicle). They replace some seals a hose and something else I thought but steering feels and sounds normal now. With the hose switch out they replaced the original fluid with now calls for the same ATF that Tranny takes so it got Amsoil as well.

The Amsoil ATF does certainly meet and exceed all specifications.

Thank you, Will keep informed

 

[GM Customer Service]

@Rockitman, you're welcome. I hope things go well. I look forward to any updates about this.

Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[6Sixathome]

also added Amsoil for ATF. They also fixed a stiff steering feeling and noise (rubbing noise heard inside vehicle). They replace some seals a hose and something else I thought but steering feels and sounds normal now. With the hose switch out they replaced the original fluid with now calls for the same ATF that Tranny takes so it got Amsoil as well.

The Amsoil ATF does certainly meet and exceed all specifications.

Thank you, Will keep informed

Is your power steering quiet with the ATF instead of the regular PS fluid?

 

[Rockitman]

:thumb:Hey good new I believe, Techs found a misfire on cylinder 2, tech found a Bulletin PI0259 that applied. They replaced the coil on that cylinder and bad plug. They told me they verified bad coil by swapping they to another cylinder and misfire followed. So both coil and plug got replaced and no more misfire and no more bucking or cutting out.
I plan to put in my weathertech mats tonight and take for a drive myself.

I wondered if this would be accounting for bad MPG to some degree?
I also wondered since they replaced one spark plug should I do them all? thinking was maximized spark on all cylinders, maybe plugs don't work like that.

Spark plugs on the books I believe is a 1.5 hour job and not easy so the techs say and my mileage is 66,285
Is this really possible for a normal person to accomplish with not so many tools on hand?

 

[Rockitman]

As far as the power steering I will get back to you on that. I just know I had stiff steering and a interior almost like a rubbing noise at low speeds when turning. See bulletin PI0029F.
They replaced the P/S Gear Valve Housing and Return Hose and flushed the system for use with Dexron ATF (in this case I used my own ATF from Amsoil).

Sorry I don't recall P/S being noisy itself but I will check.
If your P/S is healthy and no problems I suppose would never hurt to flush and flush with fluid only don't use chemicals for a cleaning agent. I don't like chemicals in a system, I believe if the oil is good you don't need anything more. I mention because some places use a chemical in the machine to cycle through and a conditioner or something sometimes to put in with oil going back in. Example is BG has this system and oil. This was even at a dealership. Same deal with tranny flushes at some places. Please note this is my opinion.

 

[6Sixathome]

Spark plugs on the books I believe is a 1.5 hour job and not easy so the techs say and my mileage is 66,285
Is this really possible for a normal person to accomplish with not so many tools on hand?

Probably not, I have a lot of tools and I'm not going to try it when the time comes, looks like just too much of a bear.

Sorry I don't recall P/S being noisy itself but I will check.
If your P/S is healthy and no problems I suppose would never hurt to flush and flush with fluid only don't use chemicals for a cleaning agent. I don't like chemicals in a system, I believe if the oil is good you don't need anything more. I mention because some places use a chemical in the machine to cycle through and a conditioner or something sometimes to put in with oil going back in. Example is BG has this system and oil. This was even at a dealership. Same deal with tranny flushes at some places. Please note this is my opinion.

ATF has a lot of detergent in it and I'm still tryng to find the TSB on using Dexron VI instead of regular PS fluid in our PS systems.

 

[Mickey]

Hey there, I have a 2009 that I bought new. I am having the same issue at the moment and it seems to be getting worse. It happens with or without cruise control and going up hill. Did you ever get this resolved?

 

[Rockitman]

Yes All is well. It was a Coil and spark plug which I personally believe the coil took out that spark plug with it not working or failing. I don't think it was totally failing but was bad enough and that caused all the problems. Tell the dealership to check that TSB I listed. This was an actual GM Tsb.
Other drive-ability issues can be sometimes alleviated by a tranny programming update. This can lead to a decrease in MPG and a different driving character in town. The latest update I believe raises the RPM's a little and Shift Points. Also note if updating to latest or any programming your transmission will go through a learning period for current driving styles so be patient.

 

[6Sixathome]

Rockitman, how many miles on your '09, I assume it's an OUTLOOK?

 

[GM Customer Service]

@Rockitman, thank you for sharing the most current information about your Outlook. I am glad things are going well.

Please, don't hesitate to contact me in the future.

Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[Mickey]

Hey there, a good mechanic friend of mine suggested that it could be a bad plug. He took my 09 Outlook for a spin a managed to encounter the problem. He did this with his high end code reader plugged in and could not get a code when encountering the problem which lead to the plug possibility. Next service, I am going to have them check. I assume the TSB you referenced would be the same for Canadian GM dealers. Thanks for getting back!

 

[Mickey]

Had vehicle in, Two bad plugs(#2&6). Plus a coil.problem fixed.

 

[GM Customer Service]

@Mickey, thank you for sharing the end results with us. I am glad to read that you are enjoying your Outlook once again.

Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[glbbrown]

I am having the same issue.
At approximately 70mph, when RPM is between 1800 to 2000, going up a slight incline and speed decreases vehicle tries to increase speed, but I end up with the hesitation/jerkiness motion until transmission downshifts and RPM's go over 2000. At that point vehicle behaves normally.
I was able to duplicate this at 60mph with RPM's around 1600.

I went to Advanced Auto Parts and borrowed the ODBII scanner and ran with the vehicle hooked, I did not have any ODBII codes report out.
2009 Outlook XE AWD.

Thank you,
Glen

 

[GM Customer Service]

I am having the same issue.
At approximately 70mph, when RPM is between 1800 to 2000, going up a slight incline and speed decreases vehicle tries to increase speed, but I end up with the hesitation/jerkiness motion until transmission downshifts and RPM's go over 2000. At that point vehicle behaves normally.
I was able to duplicate this at 60mph with RPM's around 1600.

I went to Advanced Auto Parts and borrowed the ODBII scanner and ran with the vehicle hooked, I did not have any ODBII codes report out.
2009 Outlook XE AWD.

Thank you,
Glen

This sounds like something that might be covered under the Powertrain Limited warranty. It might be worth your time to take the vehicle to the General Motors dealership you are comfortable to for diagnosis. Once diagnosis is done, they can provide you with the warranty coverage.

Michelle, GM Customer Service

 

[stoney56]

This thread fits our current problem to a tee! I printed this thread out and we will be taking it back in on Tuesday to the dealer. They reporgrammed the trans & ECU last week, but it didn't fix the problem at all. Hopefully they can track down the problem coil/spark plug!

 

[stoney56]

Just got the car back from the Dealer - ignition coil #4 was bad, and they replaced the spark plug too while they were in there.

Thumbs up to David Chevrolet in Niagara Falls, NY. They were very nice to my wife!

Now I just need to learn how to track down a bad ignition coil when the next one fails out of warranty!