RPM Fluctuation Issues in My Chevy Traverse - Any Insights?

Chevrolet Models Chevrolet Traverse
1

I’ve been experiencing some frustrating RPM fluctuations in my Chevy Traverse, and I’m hoping to get some insights from fellow owners.

Background

I’ve noticed that when I come to a stop, the RPMs don’t stay steady. They’re fluctuating a little, and it’s especially noticeable in traffic when I’m trying to maintain a steady idle. It sometimes feels like the engine is struggling to stay stable, and it’s worrying since I rely on my Traverse for daily commuting and family trips.

Symptoms

  • Idle Fluctuations: When in park or at a stoplight, the RPMs fluctuate between 500 and 900.
  • Acceleration Issues: Occasionally, I feel a brief hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
  • Vibration: There are moments when it feels like the vehicle is vibrating more than normal, especially at lower speeds.

Things I’ve Checked

  • Air Filter: Recently changed and clean.
  • Fuel System: I used a fuel injector cleaner last month, and it seemed to help a bit at first.
  • Spark Plugs: These were replaced about a year ago.

Questions

  1. Has anyone else faced similar problems? What did you do to diagnose the issue?
  2. Could this be a sensor issue? I’ve heard that problems with throttle position sensors can cause RPM fluctuations. Is it worth checking?
  3. Any recommendations on maintenance steps or troubleshooting tips?

Conclusion

I’m looking forward to hearing your experiences or suggestions. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! This is driving me a bit crazy, and I want to make sure my Traverse stays in good working order for years to come.

5 Likes
2

I’ve been dealing with RPM fluctuations in my Traverse too. It seems to be related to the throttle body. Have you checked that out yet?

3

I’ve heard that cleaning the throttle body can make a huge difference! Might be worth a shot.

4

Another aspect to consider is the fuel injectors. If one is clogged, it could cause the RPMs to jump around unpredictably.

5

True! I’ve dealt with fuel issues before. Did you have to replace the injectors?

6

I had issues with my transmission leading to RPM fluctuations. Sometimes it felt like the car was stalling. Check that too!

7

So are we thinking that multiple issues could be causing this? Could the transmission issues mimic throttle body problems?

5 Likes
8

I’ll definitely look into the transmission! It’s such a headache when vehicles act up.

5 Likes
9

Don’t forget about the air filter! A dirty one can mess with the engine’s performance and cause RPM fluctuations.

10

Has anyone tried any specific fixes that worked? I’m all ears! This RPM fluctuation is so annoying.

11

Cleaning the throttle body worked wonders for me. Just ensure you do it carefully.

12

It’s interesting how many factors can lead to these fluctuations. I wonder if the model year makes a difference too.

13

I’ve been dealing with RPM fluctuations in my Traverse too! One thing that really helped was using an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes. It can give a good starting point for diagnosing the issue.

14

That’s a great tip! It’s surprised me how often those error codes point to the exact problem. Have you checked any sensors yet?

15

Definitely check the throttle body and MAF sensor; they can cause erratic RPMs if they’re dirty or malfunctioning. A visual inspection might be all you need!

16

Yes! A thorough visual inspection can reveal a lot. Don’t forget to look for any vacuum leaks too; they can mess up the air-fuel mixture.

17

What about the spark plugs? Could they also be a factor in the fluctuations?

18

Absolutely, worn or dirty spark plugs can lead to rough idling and fluctuating RPMs. It’s a good idea to give them a look as part of your inspection.

19

Has anyone tried to reset the ECM after fixing an issue? I heard it can help clear out any learned bad patterns after repairs.

20

That’s a solid point! Resetting the ECM can sometimes bring the system back into a proper learning mode. Just ensure you’ve sorted out the issue first!

7 Likes