Engine idle's fine but running ruff when revved.

Jul 05, 2007 18 Replies

My 2002 Grand AM V6 3400 sfi engine Idles fine but when I try and accelerate it boggs down. It gets as high as 2000 RPM fine and then the RPM's drop way down and the engine acts like it wants to go but can't.



The car was in an accident and the right front of the car was damaged but only body damage.(some wires to the headlight got cut off.)



I'm thinking it's some sensor that's off or something.



Here's a picture of the damage: (not very good but hope it helps)

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It's not a fuel problem I wouldn't think. I added a bottle of HEET (dry gas) and replaced my fuel filter. The Air filter is clean and the exaust system is clear.


Thanks for any help.


-Tim



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Check the EGR Valve for tons of Crud. It may be sticking. How many Miles on the car? It may need to be replaced.

Thanks, I'll check that.

The car only has 57500 miles on it.

Nope, it wasn't the EGR it was clean as a whistle.

Anymore ideas?

It's almost like something is bogging down the engine. ???

Just to give you an idea of what its doing. I can't get over 25 MPH and the engine is rather loud. Sometime it can get up to 2000RPM before it makes the noise and boggs down.

I'm also getting error code: P0502 - Vehicle Speed Sensor A Circuit Low Input But I don't think that would have anything to do with it. What do you guys think?

Could be a VSS, but try dropping the exhaust and see what happens. Sounds like a plugged exhaust. perhaps? Any pipes bent?

Nope no bent exhaust pipes. - Pretty sure that it's not the exhaust system.

I'm going to get a fuel gage tomorrow to test out the fuel lines.

Another thing I'll add is that I have a high pitched squeak coming somewhere from behind the engine block when revving it up and after it gets hot.

Oops, I post the above post. ^ I didn't realize my sister had signed on.

Do you really think a bad VSS would make the engine run funny?

Sounds like a plugged exhaust - it's whisling as it builds pressure in the exhaust. Just pull the front O2 sensors and give it a try. The CEL will come on because of no O2 signal, but if the exhaust is plugged it will rev better.

Bad VSS could say the vehicle is not moving, while the transmission says it's in gear, so the engine cuts power to protect the tranny.

its your feul pump.

ThePHPGuy wrote:

put a pressure gauge on it and watch your pressure. if it falls below 40psi you need a pump. you can also spray starting fluid in it as you rev it. if it takes off its your pump.

Autozone didn't have fuel pressure gauges and Napa closed before I got out of work. I'll try to get one tomarrow to test with.

The slightest amount of starter fluid makes it choke. I'm going to check the exhaust system now. I'll let you know what happens.

I'm now doubting it's the exhaust system, I just checked it out and exhaust is coming out of the exhaust pipes fine. =( even when revved.

OK, a friend loaned me his Fuel Pressure Gage and the pressure read between 50psi and while holding the gas all the way down 60psi.

My bet is that its the Catalytic Converter. I'm going to loosen up the Exhaust pipe from the engine and that should tell me whether or not it's a clogged catalytic converter.

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"Sometimes an indication that a converter is clogged is that you don't go any faster when you push the gas pedal down. In addition there usually is a noticeable drop in fuel economy associated with a clogged catalytic converter. A totally clogged converter will cause the engine to die because of the increased back pressure."

if starting fluid makes it choke your computer is sensing a gross vacumm leak.

the map th>Autozone didn't have fuel pressure gauges and Napa closed before I got

CarKB.comhttp://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/pontiac/200707/1 Yes it was indeed the Catalytic Converter!

I took it out and the car revved right up.

Thank you all so much for your help everyone!

CarKB.comhttp://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/pontiac/200707/1>

Like I said - blocked exhaust. The "whistle" was the tip-off. Seen it MANY times over the years.

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