CarComplaints.com Notes: The Cobalt was introduced to replace two of Chevy’s smaller cars, the Cavalier and Prizm. But the compact’s fresh start that Chevy was hoping for was riddled with issues, most notably widespread power steering failure.
So, this is fairly consistent towards what everyone else is saying, but I didn't see anyone with an actual solution to what it was.
My check engine light came on a few days before the real sh*t hit the fan, and I used to drive a super old car and so I never panic when a light comes on, because sometimes, they just come on. But three days later I was pulling out onto the highway and my spedometer starts to go HAYWIRE, but of course, maintained same speed. Sputtered out like it had a tranny problem, and of course, that annoying dinging and the power steering warning flashed up. However, my power steering is absolutely fine.
I noticed that when I turned it off and started it, it would work fine, the check engine light was even off. But once in awhile that same "power steering" warning would flash up and when I went to stop the car would sputter, but never died and never did it effect that actual Power Steering itself. Weird huh?
Anywho, I took it to a GM dealership where they used their computer and realized that the issue was the DMC (the cars 'computer' really) so they tried the cheapest alternative which was just resetting it as well as checked the wiring in the car (which was fine). So after they reset it all the codes that were popping up dissapeared and my car has worked excellent for the past few days. HOWEVER (of course), the check engine light just came on again which indicates that I'll have to get the DMC replaced, which to be fair the mechanic warned me of. Well that's an $800 solution, but it's the only issue with the car, everything else is fine except for that so I'm not overly displeased, though it does seem to be a mass issue that GM should deal with!
Some tips: Take it to a GM dealership, some mechanics will just try and fix every thing that the computer says is 'wrong' and charge you an arm and a leg. And before you take the problem literally (like that the car is telling you is wrong with) check to see if it isn't the damn DMC, because more than likely, it is, and it'll save you a little bit of cash anyways.
Pissed, but at least I don't have to buy a knew car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
So, this is fairly consistent towards what everyone else is saying, but I didn't see anyone with an actual solution to what it was.
My check engine light came on a few days before the real sh*t hit the fan, and I used to drive a super old car and so I never panic when a light comes on, because sometimes, they just come on. But three days later I was pulling out onto the highway and my spedometer starts to go HAYWIRE, but of course, maintained same speed. Sputtered out like it had a tranny problem, and of course, that annoying dinging and the power steering warning flashed up. However, my power steering is absolutely fine.
I noticed that when I turned it off and started it, it would work fine, the check engine light was even off. But once in awhile that same "power steering" warning would flash up and when I went to stop the car would sputter, but never died and never did it effect that actual Power Steering itself. Weird huh?
Anywho, I took it to a GM dealership where they used their computer and realized that the issue was the DMC (the cars 'computer' really) so they tried the cheapest alternative which was just resetting it as well as checked the wiring in the car (which was fine). So after they reset it all the codes that were popping up dissapeared and my car has worked excellent for the past few days. HOWEVER (of course), the check engine light just came on again which indicates that I'll have to get the DMC replaced, which to be fair the mechanic warned me of. Well that's an $800 solution, but it's the only issue with the car, everything else is fine except for that so I'm not overly displeased, though it does seem to be a mass issue that GM should deal with!
Some tips: Take it to a GM dealership, some mechanics will just try and fix every thing that the computer says is 'wrong' and charge you an arm and a leg. And before you take the problem literally (like that the car is telling you is wrong with) check to see if it isn't the damn DMC, because more than likely, it is, and it'll save you a little bit of cash anyways.
Pissed, but at least I don't have to buy a knew car.
- Kayla M., Parksville, BC, canada