Speedometer and Transmission Problems On An 08 Cobalt

[Branmuffin]

I drove my car last night and it was perfectly fine. I get in it today, it starts right up, but when I tried to accelerate, it wouldn't go. Then I noticed the speedometer wasn't working, and that it was showing a rate of 3,000 rpms at a guestimated speed of about 5 mph. No warning lights are on, and the DIC isn't displaying any messages, except for the normal ones. I checked the fuses for the transmission and engine modules and they are still good. Anyone know what this could possibly be? Am I looking at the wrong fuses?

[Blue Bowtie]

Welcome Aboard!

Are you getting a good signal from the VSS? That controls both the speedometer and transmission shift points.

[Branmuffin]

I have no idea how to check the vss. I found out I was under warranty, so I had the car towed to the dealership. Hopefully, they can fix it.

[rodeo02]

What model Cobalt is this; LS, LT, etc..? Any history of issues? Loss of power, dash, etc, could be a charging system or battery problem. No battery (or 12VDC not running, ~14VDC running) = no go with these cars.

Joel

[Branmuffin]

Well, I just found out from the dealer that apparently a rodent got underneath my car and decided to snack on some electrical wires. That's why the problem just happened overnight. Does anyone have good tips on how to keep those suckers away from my car?

[rodeo02]

Yikes. Sounds painful. You've got a keeper of a dealer if they get that warrantied for you. It's good it ran at all though. Loss of some of the sensor inputs render these babies totally inop most of the time. As far as keeping rodents away? Get a cat or three?

Joel

[Branmuffin]

Thanks for all the replys. To blue bowtie, you were right on the money. The wire that was chewed was the one that was connected to the vss. And to rodeo, I wish it was covered by warranty, but I had to pay for that.

[463]

branmuffin: i had the same with a van. rats lunching on the wires. the wife works at a restarant and was parking by the oil dumpster and trash bins and that spells rats.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Branmuffin

Thanks for all the replys. To blue bowtie, you were right on the money. The wire that was chewed was the one that was connected to the vss. And to rodeo, I wish it was covered by warranty, but I had to pay for that.

Glad you got'er fixed up and thanks for the follow-up on it. Yes, loosing the vehicle speed sensor will render most vehicles totally useless, especially a Cobalt/delta chassis with electronic throttle, electric power steering..etc..etc..

Joel