2008 Chevrolet Uplander: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 9, 2017 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 1 miles · NJ

On 05/31/2016 called chevrolet to ask why stability control light went on when going over a bump in road. 06-02-2016 called local dealership about stability light problem, was told that is was a loose connection most likely. After looking online, we ignored the light. On august 28, 2017 we brought the uplander into another dealership for an estimate on the fuel service. That evening when we went to pick the van up, the service tech said that the transmission was "gone". He gave an estimate on a new transmission. We had been driving the van without problems but for losing power going up hills, that's why we wanted the fuel service, previously that was the problem. We have serviced this vehicle all the time from when we purchased in december of 2008. When we picked the van up we didn't make it more than 4 blocks when it stopped moving. Now the transmission mechanic says the transmission has overheated and needs a complete rebuild for $2,600.00. Online the chevy forum says that the module goes and the transmission overheats destroying the transmission, but also states a light comes on. This light has not come on if its not the stability control light.

Filed Feb 1, 2016 · Acceleration · 110,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet uplander. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. "reduced power" was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the throttle position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 35,000 miles · FL

Engine cut off with result of loss of power steering and brakes. It happened and continues to happen in wet road condition, especially when going through the smallest of puddles. Resulting loss of any control over vehicle. Engine has kicked back on after a few seconds of uncontrollable coasting. So far I have avoided an accident. But now I do not drive this vehicle in rain or threat of rain.

Filed Feb 15, 2014 · Engine · 120,000 miles · IA

I was driving to work and the service traction control system flashed on the screen followed by a message saying reduced engine power. Then the engine bogged down. I pulled over and shut the vehicle off and waited about 30 seconds. Started up and it was fine, messages and engine back to normal. However, it gives that message and the engine bogs down almost everytime I drive the vehicle. Most of the time twice each trip. Sometimes its snowy but sometimes the roads are completely clean and dry.

Filed Feb 11, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 110,000 miles · PA

I've been having problems with my 2008 chevrolet uplander van which is equipped with the chevrolet "drive by wire" throttle. The throttle body was replaced in january of 2011 and continues malfunction. (3-years after original owner purchased) I have been taking the van to local area service stations to have the throttle body flushed every six months but continue to have reduced power issues. After calling the gm customer service number (866‑790‑5700 x20305) and explaining & having a file opened, I was informed that I was required to bring my van to a local dealer to have the issue diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed a faulty throttle body and the customer experience manager informed us that there is nothing the dealer can do to compensate this obvious design flaw which causes reduced engine power and causes the vehicle to operate at an unsafe speed and manner. I wrote the customer assistance center (cac) hoping that there are other processes that gm corporate office has in place to address issues such as these. My next step was to contact the federal safety agency vehicle safety hotline to determine any available resources.

Filed May 26, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 22,000 miles · CA

Drove the van home that same night,before we pulled in the drive way , the van over heated ,the brakes had a spongy feel to them after 15 mins of driving , temperature gauge never went pass the half way make when the red indicator came on the van totally shut down no power , I almost flip the van over. I have replace the brake twice in 3 weeks of each other.then light on the dash came on when temperature were cold , rainy, foggy, out side , and when it got hot temperature out side the dash light at night time started to flicker on and off ,then about 30 seconds later the dash lights stayed off and never came back on. Also the van started to have engine not wanted to turn over, and would also loss all power to vehicle leaving us stranded out in horrible weather conditions outside with are children.

Filed Feb 21, 2011 · Driver assistance · 80,000 miles · IN

While driving our 08 chevy uplander at highway speeds, for no reason, the dic shows.. Reduced engine power and service traction control. When this happens the van slows, almost to a stop and cannot get back to speed until it is shut off for at least 5 minutes. This happens several times in a 20 mile trip (at least 5). Our mechanic has put it on his diagnostic computer and shows no problem. This even happens while the dic is showing service traction control and reduced engine power. After reading all the posts online about this specific vehicle ( chevy uplander). I am very afraid to drive it. It has occurred while on the interstate at the speed of 70mph. Had to pull over to avoid getting rear-ended, re-start the van, only to get a few miles down the road and it do the same thing, over and over again. Made contact with gm customer service have a case number, but they want me to take it to another gm garage to have it put on the diagnostic machine, again, this will cost $79per hour,out of pocket if they cannot find a problem. Again, this happens for no reason, road conditions are normal. We also have water standing on the floor board, which in the winter time freezes and makes the pedals slippery, still have not found where the water comes from, no one can find a leak. Our mechanic did clean off some sensors and the throttle control, that was a short term fix, now it seems to happen more often.