Q: 2013 GMC Terrain stalls when accelerating from a stop

asked by on August 14, 2017

Why does my truck stall as I'm giving gas after a full stop?

My car has 40000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

There are many potential causes for your concern. However, there are a couple common problems with your model vehicle that come to mind. First, this vehicle is known for having problems with the variable valve timing (VVT) system. The VVT system employs a camshaft-mounted actuator to change the angle of the camshaft. This in turn, adjusts intake and exhaust valve timing. Actuator operation is controlled by oil pressure delivered from a solenoid. The engine control module (ECM) determines solenoid control. A bad VVT actuator or solenoid could be the cause of the concern, or is could be a more serious problem the VVT system. Secondly, I believe there is a technical service bulletin (TSB) that recommends reprogramming the ECM for this concern, but I couldn’t find the number. Diagnosing a problem like this can be difficult. I recommend you a have a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, fix this stalling problem for you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Why Does a Car Burn Oil?
During normal engine operation, all engines use oil to lubricate all of the internal moving parts of the engine like the bearings, camshaft, crankshaft, timing chain, valves, lifters, piston rods, and piston rings. There are two different ways that the...
How do I enable/disable the power door lock switch?
The power door lock Switch allows you to lock the doors from the inside of your truck. To enable or disable the power door lock switch, make sure all of the doors are shut. From there, to enable or disable...
What does it mean when the Charging System light comes on in the dash?
Your dash is information central – gauges and warning lights provide you with a great deal of important information. If your Charging System light comes on (it looks like a little battery), it means there’s something wrong. It should come...
How do I use the lane change signals?
You should always use your signals when you are changing lanes, to alert drivers around you that you are doing so. You can signal a lane change with the turn signal lever, which is located on the left side of...
Convertible top not working
The problem could be with the convertible top module, hydraulic system, cables or latches. The diagnostic procedure for your top says to start by checking for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) in the convertible top module. Then, the convertible top limit...
If I turn the air ride off while it is inflated, will it stay inflated?
Hello. For most vehicles, the air suspension should stay inflated once the compressor is powered off or deactivated. In some cases, the release valve is also powered off when the compressor is powered off, allowing the system to stay inflated...
I need to find out the location of the Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1 on a 2008 Infiniti EX35.
Hello, thank you for writing in. The bank 1 camshaft position sensor is going to be located on the front of the engine. Most specifically it is going to be located right below the valve cover on the bank (or...
Will the P0597 code cause the car to fail emissions inspection in North Carolina?
Hi there. The code P0597 (https://www.autocodes.com/p0597.html) is for the thermostat heater control circuit. This means that the thermostat is electronically controlled in your vehicle. To see why this code is on, check the following: A loose or corroded connector on...
Question about oil
Synthetic oil doesn't seem to do a better job of lubricating, but it doesn't wear out as fast. So if you are bad about letting your oil go a long time between changes synthetic is a good idea. I use...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2013 Chevrolet Spark
The The Chevy Spark nimbly walks the line between being functional and being totally adorable. In the spirit of mini cars past like the Ford Festiva and the Yugo, this spritely little creation offers improved safety combined with the tech...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Acadia
When When it comes to finding the right SUV for your family, it seems like there are always a lot of compromises to be made. One vehicle is so performance and off-road oriented that you can’t imagine taking your kids...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid
Acura Acura returns from a spate of years devoted to the higher-end luxury market, and they do so in style with a car that practically invents its own segment. The ILX Hybrid is the half electric portion of the brand...