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2013 Chevrolet Traverse
Diagnosis
2013 Chevrolet Traverse Ignition Coil & Accelerator Pedal Issues
March 3, 2026
V
Visitor Original question
130,000 miles ignition coil pack 1 failed and replaced. At 133,000 miles ignition coil pack 3 failed and replaced. At 139,000 accelerator pedal sensor failed and replaced.
Wizuto AI Response
Your Traverse is showing repeated ignition coil pack failures and now an accelerator pedal sensor failure within a relatively short mileage span. The most likely root cause is an underlying electrical issue causing premature component failures, such as wiring harness damage, poor grounds, or voltage irregularities. The coil packs and pedal sensor rely on clean, stable voltage and signal grounds; if those are compromised, parts will fail early.
Most likely culprits
- Wiring harness damage or corrosion: Frayed wires or corroded connectors can cause intermittent voltage spikes or drops, killing coils and sensors.
- Poor engine ground(s): A bad ground can cause erratic sensor readings and coil misfires.
- Voltage regulator or battery/charging system issues: Overvoltage or voltage spikes can fry sensitive electronics.
How to narrow it down
- Visually inspect wiring and connectors around ignition coils and accelerator pedal sensor for damage, corrosion, or loose pins. If found, repair and retest.
- Check engine ground straps for corrosion or looseness. Clean and tighten all grounds under the hood.
- Test battery and charging system voltage with a multimeter. Voltage should be steady around 13.5-14.5V with engine running. Spikes or drops indicate regulator or alternator issues.
- Scan for stored codes and freeze frame data to confirm if any voltage or communication faults are logged.
- If all above checks out, consider wiring continuity tests or professional diagnostics on the PCM power and sensor circuits.
Possible parts (if needed)
- Ignition coil pack (only if confirmed failed)
- Accelerator pedal position sensor (only if confirmed failed)
- Engine ground strap (if found corroded or loose)
- Wiring harness repair sections (only if damaged wiring found)
A few questions
- Were the coil pack failures accompanied by misfire codes or rough running?
- Did the accelerator pedal sensor failure cause limp mode or throttle hesitation?
- Has the battery or alternator been tested or replaced recently?