OK its been forever since I’ve posted on here but I am out of options. I drive a 2002 grand prix gtp, I have a 2.4" pulley, slp exhaust, k&n intake and DHP pcm.
My car is starting to go on me and I have already dropped $1200 with no luck. I need help, I have taken this car to 2 mechanics that have redefined the term “epic fail”.
The problems are:
car shakes at 40-50mph
the car “sputters” or hesitates at WOT
ABS light and TCS light come on for no reason, ABS activates randomly at low speeds.
Work done to correct issues
Was told my front rotors were warped and need replacing which would cause the car to shake. Both front rotors replaced along with pads.
front driver side wheel bearing hub was bad (part was under warranty and only had to pay $110 for labor{being sarcastic} ) this was supposed to fix the ABS problem which it did initially for the first day.
Both Ball joints were bad and needed replacing ( supposed to fix the shaking)
Both control arm bushings were bad and needed replacing. (supposed to fix the shaking)
was told my fuel injectors were probably dirty and a cleaner was poured into the gas tank. I don’t think they even bothered to look for the problem. I haven’t given up on this solution completely because I haven’t gone through an entire tank of gas left.
The only thing I haven’t done was have my alignment checked, I put 4 new tires on last month so checking for excess wear is not applicable. I do believe I am in need of an alignment but would that cause all my front end problems?
I am at a loss about the sputtering at WOT, I have gotten so many probable causes, from clogged cat to EGR valve sticking, that I think it would cost me a small fortune to diagnose, especially considering I have no codes.
Sounds like it may be electrical to me. ABS and TC are both heavily computer controlled and these modern computers want really consistant voltage. Your sputtering could very well be caused by not enough power for the injectors, plugs, fuel pump etc.
well first off, injector cleaners do not do jack shit, dont blame yourself though, if you want to have your injectors really cleaned take them to new era
2nd, your car is modded nicely, why not take it to a shop that deals with things like that
THERE ARE MANY OF THESE REPUTABLE PLACES HERE ON THE BOARDS
shaking at certain speeds? tires may not be balanced sensitively enough, i know my neon is super senstive from the factory, the wheel weights that get put on my tires arent close to what it had from day one, i get the famoud 70mph neon shake
if you need a reputable shop that wont fuck your ass pm me, or give one the tuner shops a call
I’ve had some REALY unbalanced tires between autocrossing and track days and I’ve never seen them shake enough to make the ABS and TC start acting up. Rough road where the wheels actually lift off the ground sure.
id check for wheel speed sensors acting irratic, abs and tc always use them as the main reading… also maybe the converter isnt disengaging/engaging when or how it should…
I never thought of that but it makes sense. Problem is I’m not very savy with checking the electronics, my friend has a volt meter but I don’t know what to look for or where to find it.
First I hope you mean 3.4" pulley. How many miles are on this pig and how long since last plug change? What plus are you running? ABS and TCS issues are usually caused by a bad bearing. Shacking can be caused by a number of things. Is your car lowered? WOT sputtering I would first change plugs and wires. Gm wires are fine and you need to run copper plugs.
trying to internet diagnose a sputter is not an easy thing to do. Best bet would be to hook it to a live scan tool and monitor all the sensors and see if any are taking a dump. ABS/TCS light is most likely a speed sensor (aka the whole bearing) as stated. Shaking can be a variety of things. Could be a bad axle, balance issue , bent wheel, torque convertor issue, strut issue. Do the SC 3.8’s have the issue with the flexplate cracking like the N/A versions? Studderin would actually be a good guy to contact about this stuff.
alignment will almost never cause a shake, as it will equal itself out going down the road. I suppose it could buty it would have to be so far out it would be difficult to drive.
alignments do not cause a shake however poor tire wear from a improper alignment will. which was done first.Control arm bushings and ball joints. Or new tires?
as far as you sputtering at wot. how are the plugs? are they fouling out? also have you pulled the fuel filter? if not pull the filter and blow through it to make sure your getting proper flow! if it has not been replaced to your knowledge why not spend the 15 bucks to change it out. chances are if the fuel filter is a hot mess then ur pump has been over working to provide fuel and you more than likely have damaged the pump.
Are you having any other issues you failed to mention? I had a GTP in my shop a few weeks ago with similar sputtering concerns. It turned out to be a blown gasket under the supercharger.