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I have checked with the dealer, and they referred me to one of those places that I menitoned in my first post.
Tom
Rostra is a brand that seems to make a lot of these.
So, I guess I have to decide just how badly I really want cruise. Right now, I don't think I want it $400 worth, but I could change my mind.
I would want it to be just like "factory," if I got it.
Tom
Same thing happens at Discount Tire. I went for a rotation and they set the tires to 35psi and said it was better at that level.
I'm confused-what psi do you guys keep your 'Balt at?
Also my car is riding horribly. It almost feels like my shocks/struts have no fluid in them, its that rough over bumps. Also, now my car doesnt even handle properly-it feels tippy around turns where it used to at least handle well (kinda made up for the rough ride!). Also, on the Freeway here in SD the car has terrible back and forth action on the grooved freeways (brand new Michelins did not help at all).
I am very dissapointed in the way the car is riding. Its really the only thing that bothers me about the car, but, hey, thats a pretty big issue.
I often run a couple or three pounds above the recommended. I have Michelin tires on my cars but they're not Cobalt.
As for being sensitive to wiggle on grooved roads, that's most likely a function of the alignment. It should be set to perfect--especially for the rear. This is one time it might be worth a dealer visit for the alignment over the local tire store, depending on the experience and attitude of the guy on the alignment rack.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I had a alignment from the dealer and tires balanced, didnt seem to help much. I was told that the tire treads get caught in the grooves in the freeway, more with some tires than most, but who knows if they were just storying me.
As for your ride being harsh, go test drive a new Cobalt and see if it is better or the same. Ride is very subjective, and also depends on the roads. The Cobalt has a nice ride imho and by most 3rd party accounts (including the recent test on this Edmunds site). While there could be a shot shock or strut on your car, it's unlikely these days. Bounce each corner (get out of the car and shove each corner of the car up and down) and see if you notice anything out of balance between corners.
If you need to replace a strut or shock, a replacement Chevy part shouldn't cost that much. Generally I Google to find an online dealer that discounts parts and use my VIN (i.d. from my car) to order from them then have it installed at the lowest cost shop in my area. Tire Rack has a good list of recommended installers for shocks and tires.
35 psi is what I run all my cars at. It used to seem high, I got used to it, it's better handling, better tire wear, better mileage, and more margin for error if you lose some air. But get a good tire pressure gauge, go to a Napa parts store and get their "pencil" style gauge which is cheap and accurate. Don't fall for the "digital readout" gimmicks. CR gave the Napa gauge good marks for accuracy and repeatability.
I go with the recommended 30 psi, and I am happy with the ride and handling. Time will tell as far as how evenly the tires will wear.
Tom
For years I've always ran a bit higher pressure on my front tires, if front wheel drive. Have seen a more even wear pattern on several vehicles.
http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2009/Stories/Ecotec/09_LAP- _n.doc
alternately, go to media.gm.com and search for
2009 Ecotec 2.2L
Just cut and paste this string and drop it in their search box, and after the initial search comes back, check the "Powertrains" subheading in the left column to narrow the search. Also be sure to check the "search for all words" button under the search box, and after you follow those two steps, item 5 should be the link to the article. Like I said, GM's public relations department doesn't make a gearhead's life any easier, but the article is worth reading. Here are some interesting exercerpts:
"The [2009] Ecotec 2.2L starts with a refined engine block, introduced for 2006 with the Ecotec 2.4L I-4 VVT (RPO LE5). The Gen II block was developed with data acquired in racing programs and the latest math-based tools. Both the bore walls and bulkheads, or the structural elements that support the crank bearings, have been strengthened, with only a minimal weight increase (approximately 2.5 pounds). The coolant jackets have been expanded, allowing more precise bore roundness and improving the block’s ability to dissipate heat. Coolant capacity increases approximately .5 liter."
"The [2009] Ecotec 2.2L VVT I-4 also benefits from cylinder head refinements introduced on the 2.4L VVT. The exhaust ports have been enlarged slightly to expel exhaust gas more efficiently."
The 2009 Ecotec 2.2 used in the Cobalt apparently also has improved materials for the valve seats and certain other engine parts to allow it to use E85 fuels in certain applications. Although only the HHR version is certified for E85 use, APPARENTLY all 2.2s have the durability upgrades, but only the HHR version has the revised fuel injectors that allow higher volumes of fuel delivery which is required with the lower-energy E85 fuel (so don't go trying to run E85 in your Cobalt! - it's apparently very corrosive stuff). The ECM in the HHR reprograms the engine "on the fly" based on feedback from the O2 sensors and other engine sensors to adapt to ANY mix of E85 - which is great since the first and last tanks of E85 are going to have a different percentage of alcohol until the gasoline is all flushed out when you start using E85 and until the E85 is all flushed out when you switch back to gas. (It's not clear that non-Flex Fuel vehicles, like our 2009 Cobalts, also have the same software programming, but given that other portions of the article stress GM's desire to have uniform manufacturing as much as possible across the 2.2 line, and given the fact that many states mandate E10 - 10% ethanol - for ALL vehicles, very likely the Ecotec does have this "fine tuning on the fly" ability - GM brags about the much higher engine sample rate used in ALL the 2.2 versions, for example.)
The VVT or variable valve timing system used in the Ecotec isn't a primitive system - it arrives to the Cobalt with completely variable valve timing on BOTH intake and exhaust valves, and the variability is NOT just linked to RPM - it's also linked to driving loads, and throttle usage. I think this is what Toyota offers on its VVTi or "variable valve timing with intelligence" system. So if you get on the gas pedal while at low rpm, the engine reprograms the camshaft timing from optimal fuel economy mode to optimal performance mode RIGHT AWAY not 2,000 rpm later.
Of somewhat more technical interest (to the gearhead, of course) is that fact that GM seems to operate the 2.2 in mild "Atkinson" cycle mode (if I got that right):
"The cam phaser is timed to hold the intake valve open a short time longer than a normal engine, allowing a reverse flow into the intake manifold. This reduces the effective compression ratio, allowing the expansion ratio to increase while retaining normal combustion pressures. [That's the "Atkinson" effect vs. the traditional "Otto" 4 stroke cycle.] Efficiency is gained because the high expansion ratio delivers a longer power stroke and reduces the heat wasted in the exhaust. This increase in efficiency comes at the expense of some power from the lower effective compression ratio, but that can be compensated for by the overall higher mechanical compression ratio. [As we know, the Ecotec 2.2 has 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque this year, up considerably from last year, so apparently the performance has only improved, not been hurt.]"
If you download the h.p./torque chart for the 2.2 (a different document from the link above), you'll see that at higher rpm the torque doesn't fall off, it stays strong and h.p. keeps increasing. The Cobalt cries out for a 5 speed! (And the "old," "non-fuel economy maximizng" ECM software on the automatics - the newly programmed automatics don't like to downshift as easily as before.)
Again, as stated above, if you did not purchase the option for Bluetooth then it is not set up for that.
I got my free three months' subscription with the purchase of the car, and it ran out in September. I did not renew, and about a month later I got an offer from XM to renew for three months at $4.99 per month. I took them up on that, and that subscription just ran out. I was going to cancel again, but they offered me another three months for $4.99 per month. I asked if there was a longer-term special deal, and the lady said I could get a one year subscription for $77.00, and that sounded good to me.
I really enjoy my XM Radio ... well, I guess it is Sirius-XM Radio now. I have pretty much locked in on the 50s channel, which plays songs from the late 50s and early 60s.
One thing you must be aware of is that the subscription continues to be active after the special deal expires, and you will be billed for the full price for service received after the end of the special deal period. I will have to pay a pro-rated fee for January 3 though January 15 plus the $77.00 that will keep my account active until January 16, 2010. I knew that my three month special deal should have expired by now, but I didn't know exactly when it did. I got an invoice in the mail that told me that I was now paying the full monthly fee. Apparently, my special three month deal ended January 2, 2009, but my service was continued at the full monthly rate.
Tom
This past week the Transmission went out.
The car has about 60k miles.
Cost of repair (approx $3k) will almost be 1/2 of it's market value.
I checked for recalls - none were Transmission related.
What can and/or should she do ?
She would have something that is under warranty, if she gets a new one.
Tom
GM's are known for excellent transmissions/engines, that is why companies such as Jaguar, Lincoln, BMW, Rolls Royce, and many others have used them. GM currently sells 6-speed transmissions to BMW among others.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Does your Coupe have the 15 or 16 inch tires?
She picked it up last week. Today she said that if the front wheels aren't straight the car won't start.
I told her that it was impossible. What the heck could prevent a car to start if the wheels aren't straight?
She called a towing and told the man why the car wouldn't start, he laughed, he put the wheels straight and at his surprise... it started. The car is now at the dealer.
I just can't figure this one out?
They will probably change the sensor.
thanks
Is #2 in chrome what you're looking for? I found this on gmpartsdirect under front door and then trim.
I'd also suggest rockauto.com
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
G.M. is really looking for more problems or what?
The worst part is that the Cobalt now has a tuner community and they're killing the nameplate. Even worse is what they're changing it to-
Cruze. The dumbest name in the business. Sounds like it was named by The Village People.
I bought a Cruze.
Sorry, but i find the name to be moronic. At least Cobalt was tough sounding.
>Sorry, but i find the name to be moronic
Hmmm. I personally think that's a good-sounding name.
Maybe we should check on Fit, Civic, Accord, Camry, yaris, Venza, 4-runner, Prius. Those all sound lame to me if Cruze is going to be criticized.
I don't think criticizing names is a ski slope to go down here.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Cruze is an attractive name. Chevy Cruze; Chevrolet Cruze. It just sounds right. Lets go for a cruise (Cruze) tonight.
Gee, the Mercury Zephre, Benz C20, Ford Taurus/Ford 500, VW Tourag, sound good. Event Chrysler uses PT Cruiser for their retro van which isn't to bad accept for the PT.
Check GMInsidenews.com, they had a Poll and the vast majority favored keeping the Cobalt name. More people preferred they change it to Nova then Cruze.