Home and Auto What could be wrong with my car - Page 2

allen_kcCard · 10-07-2009, 07:22 AM

Planning to try to get it into the shop tomorrow, but wanted to see what any of you auto experts out there think might be wrong.

My car is a 2001 grand prix...generally a POS that we are trying to get as much life out of while it is paid off. We recently had it in the shop to get some sensors replaced, which was indicated by the service engine light and the engine starting to sputter.

In the last week or two, the service engine likght came back on, but there were no symptoms of a problem. Engine ran fine, fluids all good, etc. We didn't have the funds at the time to get anything fixed anyhow, so I had held off getting it checked out.

The last few week though, things have started to change.

It started with some loss off power at times when the engine was under a load at higher speeds...liek if I would hit the gas to speed up when already going 50+ is would lost power and I would have to tap the gas a little to get it to shift down instead of it just pushing through in the gear it was in. It also seemed to shift oddly at times, like it would be clutched for longer than usual and the engine would RPM up higher instead of a smooth shift like normal.

The last two days, it got really bad....when starting out and any time there is a load on the engine, there is a vibration, and still the loss of power, but slightly worse than before. I can't tell where the vibration is coming from, but it isn't in the engine at all....I can feel it, then slip into neutral and ref the gas and it purrs like it is happy that some nasty dog jsut left the yard. I have some hunches where the problem might be, but wanted some other opinions.

I don't think it has to do with the service engine light so much...as I said the engine seems great still...it is just when the car is in gear and under a load that things feel odd.

JD10367 · 10-07-2009, 08:48 AM

Could be anything, from your fuel filter to your transmission/clutch to your O2 sensor to water in the gas tank to the fact that it's a Pontiac.

Scangauge is your friend. Find out what the Idiot Light is really telling you. Do you have AutoZone out there? They'll come outside and read the code for free, I think...

Radar Chief · 10-07-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allen_kcCard

Chit....guess I was had on that one.

Someone put sugar in your gas.
To check, siphon some out and pour it on a lit match.
You’ll know there’s sugar in it when it caramelizes on the match. /Hog Farmer

JD10367 · 10-07-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

Someone put sugar in your gas.
To check, siphon some out and pour it on a lit match.
You’ll know there’s sugar in it when it caramelizes ~~on the match~~ your entire hand into a charred mass. /Hog Farmer

Fixed.

BosunMoon · 10-07-2009, 09:00 AM

I don't know if you have Advance Auto in KC, but many of them will hook up their OBD-II reader for free. It will have a alphanumeric code and a short description. Google the code and that will tell you what the light is on for. Could be O2 sensor, Crankshaft position indicator, etc. Loss of vacuum could cause similar symptoms.

**BigMeatballDave** · 10-07-2009, 09:46 AM

I have a '01 Grand Prix. 110,000 miles. Runs great.

allen_kcCard · 10-07-2009, 10:04 AM

There is a a shop that I normally use that will do free scans on it...going to take it there tomorrow and see what the verdict is.

kstater · 10-07-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

I have a '01 Grand Prix. 110,000 miles. Runs great.

Blind squirrel/nut

**gblowfish** · 10-07-2009, 10:09 AM

Asking for auto mechanic advice on the CP is nearly as futile as asking for relationship advice on the CP.

Blind leading the blind.

I'd check the influx modulator, and make sure it is properly inflated. That could be causing the vibration. And while you're at it, change all your filters, including the transmission and fuel filter, replace your wiper blades and have your AC charged.

Oh wait...thought I worked at Jiffy Lube there for a minute..... my bad.

Demonpenz · 10-07-2009, 10:22 AM

everythings ball bearings these days

allen_kcCard · 10-07-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Asking for auto mechanic advice on the CP is nearly as futile as asking for relationship advice on the CP.

Blind leading the blind.

I'd check the influx modulator, and make sure it is properly inflated. That could be causing the vibration. And while you're at it, change all your filters, including the transmission and fuel filter, replace your wiper blades and have your AC charged.

Oh wait...thought I worked at Jiffy Lube there for a minute..... my bad.

LOL, yeah...valvoline is the same way. Years and years of my dad changing the oil at the shop he works from or at my grandpa's shop and not once did I see him do anything more than using the air compresser to blow out the air filter and replace the oil filter...but go to valvoline and they want to flush the entire AC, put stuff in my tank, spray some junk where the air that apparently ently being filtered well enough goes into the engine because that stuff in there can big time hurt my mileage....ohhh and hey, your wipers look worn out, I can replace those for you too.

**bevischief** · 10-07-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

Someone put sugar in your gas.
To check, siphon some out and pour it on a lit match.
You’ll know there’s sugar in it when it caramelizes on the match. /Hog Farmer

blaise · 10-07-2009, 11:39 AM

My Altima did something similar. The service light came on, it did a lot of what you're saying your does. It was a defective computer chip that controlled the fuel somehow (I know almost nothing about cars, by the way). It turned out there was a recall on that part.

cookster50 · 10-07-2009, 11:48 AM

I had loss of get up and go on mine and it turned out to be a restricted catalytic converter.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 10-08-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

Someone put sugar in your gas.
To check, siphon some out and pour it on a lit match.
You’ll know there’s sugar in it when it caramelizes on the match. /Hog Farmer

LOL . That's good.

But seriously. Something like that coould get a person hurt.

It sounds as though you have a problem with the transmission slipping. Try taking a pipewrench and put it on your driveshaft. Try to hold it while somebody puts the car in drive. Have them try to pull forward quickly. If you are able to hold onto the pipewrench without the driveshaft spinning around then you definitely have a slipping tranny.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 10-08-2009, 02:30 AM

And I forgot to mention you should always wear safety goggles .

10-07-2009, 07:22 AM
allen_kcCard Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2143183	What could be wrong with my car Planning to try to get it into the shop tomorrow, but wanted to see what any of you auto experts out there think might be wrong. My car is a 2001 grand prix...generally a POS that we are trying to get as much life out of while it is paid off. We recently had it in the shop to get some sensors replaced, which was indicated by the service engine light and the engine starting to sputter. In the last week or two, the service engine likght came back on, but there were no symptoms of a problem. Engine ran fine, fluids all good, etc. We didn't have the funds at the time to get anything fixed anyhow, so I had held off getting it checked out. The last few week though, things have started to change. It started with some loss off power at times when the engine was under a load at higher speeds...liek if I would hit the gas to speed up when already going 50+ is would lost power and I would have to tap the gas a little to get it to shift down instead of it just pushing through in the gear it was in. It also seemed to shift oddly at times, like it would be clutched for longer than usual and the engine would RPM up higher instead of a smooth shift like normal. The last two days, it got really bad....when starting out and any time there is a load on the engine, there is a vibration, and still the loss of power, but slightly worse than before. I can't tell where the vibration is coming from, but it isn't in the engine at all....I can feel it, then slip into neutral and ref the gas and it purrs like it is happy that some nasty dog jsut left the yard. I have some hunches where the problem might be, but wanted some other opinions. I don't think it has to do with the service engine light so much...as I said the engine seems great still...it is just when the car is in gear and under a load that things feel odd.
Posts: 2,783

10-07-2009, 08:48 AM	#16
JD10367 Cheaterlover* Join Date: May 2009 Location: RI Casino cash: $10010716	Could be anything, from your fuel filter to your transmission/clutch to your O2 sensor to water in the gas tank to the fact that it's a Pontiac. Scangauge is your friend. Find out what the Idiot Light is really telling you. Do you have AutoZone out there? They'll come outside and read the code for free, I think...
Posts: 12,916

10-07-2009, 09:00 AM	#19
BosunMoon Rookie Join Date: Oct 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	I don't know if you have Advance Auto in KC, but many of them will hook up their OBD-II reader for free. It will have a alphanumeric code and a short description. Google the code and that will tell you what the light is on for. Could be O2 sensor, Crankshaft position indicator, etc. Loss of vacuum could cause similar symptoms.
Posts: 16

10-07-2009, 09:46 AM	#20
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	I have a '01 Grand Prix. 110,000 miles. Runs great.
Posts: 59,997

10-07-2009, 10:04 AM	#21
allen_kcCard Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2143183	There is a a shop that I normally use that will do free scans on it...going to take it there tomorrow and see what the verdict is.
Posts: 2,783

10-07-2009, 10:09 AM	#23
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $16856178 VARSITY	Asking for auto mechanic advice on the CP is nearly as futile as asking for relationship advice on the CP. Blind leading the blind. I'd check the influx modulator, and make sure it is properly inflated. That could be causing the vibration. And while you're at it, change all your filters, including the transmission and fuel filter, replace your wiper blades and have your AC charged. Oh wait...thought I worked at Jiffy Lube there for a minute..... my bad.
Posts: 41,023

10-07-2009, 10:22 AM	#24
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-433864	everythings ball bearings these days __________________
Posts: 54,959

10-07-2009, 11:39 AM	#27
blaise In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Plano, TX Casino cash: $9989900	My Altima did something similar. The service light came on, it did a lot of what you're saying your does. It was a defective computer chip that controlled the fuel somehow (I know almost nothing about cars, by the way). It turned out there was a recall on that part.
Posts: 22,189

10-07-2009, 11:48 AM	#28
cookster50 Supreme Commander of My House Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $-96378	I had loss of get up and go on mine and it turned out to be a restricted catalytic converter.
Posts: 3,446

10-08-2009, 02:30 AM	#30
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1559523	And I forgot to mention you should always wear safety goggles .
Posts: 40,649