Zl1 won't accelerate on freeway - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Mrgwrnch · 05-14-2017, 12:12 PM

I'm having an issue with my Camaro. I've searched for answers but haven't come up with much. I have a 2012 ZL1 with an automatic that when I go full throttle on the freeway it won't accelerate. At times it seems that the transmission will down shift a couple of gears then the engine will go flat as if I've hit the rev limiter (my car is equipped with an aftermarket shift light / raptor I think?) and it doesn't come on. Other times the transmission downshifts and just won't accelerate. I'm looking for ideas on what to check. I'm thinking a possible throttle body issue, may be a fuel pressure issue (but probably not). I've disconnected the shift light and it still won't accelerate. Any other ideas?

Olddudesrule · 05-14-2017, 12:25 PM

I have a similar issue with the 8.1 Chevy in my motorhome. Hesitates at half throttle or more, stumbles like it's not getting enough fuel? Are you throwing any codes, specifically P0131 or P0151 (Banks 1 and 2, low sensor voltage)? If so, check your MAF sensor, clean and reinstall. If you're throwing those codes, it's unlikely both O2 sensors are going bad at the same time, so it's likely a vacuum leak of some sort, or a dirty/bad MAF sensor.

If you don't have a CEL showing, I would still hook up a code reader and check the history.

Mrgwrnch · 05-14-2017, 12:33 PM

There is no check engine light, I have a scan tool and will hook it up and check for pending codes. I'll clean and inspect the MAF. Good suggestions. Thanks.

*mlee* · 05-14-2017, 12:34 PM

If you have a ported TB then it's very possible but would more likely go into complete limp mode.

Mrgwrnch · 05-14-2017, 01:55 PM

The engine is all stock with the exception of a CAI cold air intake. Thanks

DeSH · 05-14-2017, 03:36 PM

Did it just start doing this or is the car new to you?

nighttowl · 05-14-2017, 05:38 PM

check to see if the maf is connected, and check for loose hose couplings.

leemozoid · 05-14-2017, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlee

If you have a ported TB then it's very possible but would more likely go into complete limp mode.

Mine's gone into limp mode twice since installed a lightly ported TB. Took it to the tuner after the first time and we thought we had it fixed. It's currently at the dealer having the supercharger bulletin service done. They also found a broken evaporative purge valve. There were throttle body and mass airflow codes this time. Hopefully when they get that fixed and those codes cleared we'll be done with this problem. Going into limp mode when you're running 70+ on an interstate isn't fun. Not fun at all.

Mrgwrnch · 05-14-2017, 08:28 PM

I bought the car used. The car has been doing it since I've owned it but it has gotten worse. These are all good suggestions. I'll checked them out and let you all know what the results are.

STUNNAH · 05-15-2017, 11:34 PM

Have you had any luck in finding the Gremlin???

Mrgwrnch · 05-16-2017, 09:51 PM

Not yet, I've been busy with home chores. I'm just compiling information to layout a repair plan. Thanks for checking in.

vja 2014 zl1 · 05-16-2017, 10:05 PM

Do you have stock tire sizes? The computer may think you are having a traction problem.

*mlee* · 05-16-2017, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrgwrnch

The engine is all stock with the exception of a CAI cold air intake. Thanks

I'd hit up the dealer then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by leemozoid

Mine's gone into limp mode twice since installed a lightly ported TB. Took it to the tuner after the first time and we thought we had it fixed. It's currently at the dealer having the supercharger bulletin service done. They also found a broken evaporative purge valve. There were throttle body and mass airflow codes this time. Hopefully when they get that fixed and those codes cleared we'll be done with this problem. Going into limp mode when you're running 70+ on an interstate isn't fun. Not fun at all.

Exactly why I brought it up. I'm betting you'll be fine after clearing things up.

Mrgwrnch · 05-16-2017, 11:15 PM

The tires are stock size. I have HP tuner software that I can datalog with but I'm a beginner at best.

05-14-2017, 12:12 PM	#1
Mrgwrnch Pay attention to details Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California Posts: 54	Zl1 won't accelerate on freeway I'm having an issue with my Camaro. I've searched for answers but haven't come up with much. I have a 2012 ZL1 with an automatic that when I go full throttle on the freeway it won't accelerate. At times it seems that the transmission will down shift a couple of gears then the engine will go flat as if I've hit the rev limiter (my car is equipped with an aftermarket shift light / raptor I think?) and it doesn't come on. Other times the transmission downshifts and just won't accelerate. I'm looking for ideas on what to check. I'm thinking a possible throttle body issue, may be a fuel pressure issue (but probably not). I've disconnected the shift light and it still won't accelerate. Any other ideas?

05-14-2017, 12:25 PM	#2
Olddudesrule Resident nomad Drives: 2014 Summit White 1SS/1LE Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,765	I have a similar issue with the 8.1 Chevy in my motorhome. Hesitates at half throttle or more, stumbles like it's not getting enough fuel? Are you throwing any codes, specifically P0131 or P0151 (Banks 1 and 2, low sensor voltage)? If so, check your MAF sensor, clean and reinstall. If you're throwing those codes, it's unlikely both O2 sensors are going bad at the same time, so it's likely a vacuum leak of some sort, or a dirty/bad MAF sensor. If you don't have a CEL showing, I would still hook up a code reader and check the history. __________________ Sold: 2007 Z06 2002 Viper GTS/ACR 2003 Z06 1965 FFR Cobra 2012 Nissan 370Z ADM LSA Stage II, Roto-Fab CAI, Kooks LTH/HFC's, Phastek CC, ported TB, Mishimoto radiator and oil cooler, BC Racing ER Series CO's, JPSS 32mm Black Magic rear bar, JPSS front inserts, R1 Concepts Premier slotted rotors/Goodrich SS lines, Schroth ASM harness, MGW flatstick, Brey-Krause HB, Tuned by NicD, at Cordes Performance Racing.

05-14-2017, 12:34 PM	#4
mlee CamaroFans.com Drives: ZLE & ZR2 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Conroe, TX Posts: 37,527 View My Garage	If you have a ported TB then it's very possible but would more likely go into complete limp mode. __________________

05-14-2017, 05:38 PM	#7
nighttowl Sarcasm loading -------- Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: TX Posts: 1,819 View My Garage	check to see if the maf is connected, and check for loose hose couplings. __________________ "The salesman actually told me to stop getting it sideways during the test drive" 2018 MBM ZL1 1LE - 652 rwhp, 588 rwtq SAE 2014 CRT ZL1 574 rwhp, 537 rwtq - SOLD 2010 IBM SS Camaro VVT L99 w/ TR6060 swap, 489 rwhp, 444 rwtq - SOLD

05-15-2017, 11:34 PM	#10
STUNNAH "BEASTM*DE" Drives: 2013 ZL1 Black Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,655 View My Garage	Have you had any luck in finding the Gremlin??? __________________ Vengeance Racing Stage 1 Kit 575rwhp, 569 rwtq... Rims powder coated gloss black...BFG'S Comp 2 A/S... Dual 10" Kicker Comp S Subs 1200w...

05-14-2017, 12:33 PM	#3
Mrgwrnch Pay attention to details Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California Posts: 54	There is no check engine light, I have a scan tool and will hook it up and check for pending codes. I'll clean and inspect the MAF. Good suggestions. Thanks.

05-14-2017, 01:55 PM	#5
Mrgwrnch Pay attention to details Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California Posts: 54	The engine is all stock with the exception of a CAI cold air intake. Thanks

05-14-2017, 03:36 PM	#6
DeSH Drives: 2013 ZL1 A6 #4801 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 241	Did it just start doing this or is the car new to you?

05-14-2017, 08:28 PM	#9
Mrgwrnch Pay attention to details Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California Posts: 54	I bought the car used. The car has been doing it since I've owned it but it has gotten worse. These are all good suggestions. I'll checked them out and let you all know what the results are.

05-16-2017, 09:51 PM	#11
Mrgwrnch Pay attention to details Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California Posts: 54	Not yet, I've been busy with home chores. I'm just compiling information to layout a repair plan. Thanks for checking in.

05-16-2017, 10:05 PM	#12
vja 2014 zl1 Drives: 2018 Triple Black ZL1 A10 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: MS Delta Posts: 47	Do you have stock tire sizes? The computer may think you are having a traction problem.

05-16-2017, 11:15 PM	#14
Mrgwrnch Pay attention to details Drives: 2012 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: California Posts: 54	The tires are stock size. I have HP tuner software that I can datalog with but I'm a beginner at best.