Fuel system problems?

I've been having issues with my car for quite a few months now. It's a 1997, 2.4 L, 4 cylinder, throttle-body injection (I believe). It's got about 92,800 miles on it. I've replaced the spark plugs, the air filter, and the fuel filter. I've even changed stations where I get gas at (that was suggested to me).

The biggest problem has been hard starts. It usually happens after I've driven it a bit, shut it off, and then go to start it again (like when I go shopping or something). It's like when the engine is warm, it doesn't want to start. It does turn over, but it doesn't want to 'catch'. It'll generally start if I hit the gas pedal at the right time (and that's tricky).

I've also noticed that when I'm driving on the highway thru town (around 60 mph or so), when I lift off the gas, my car will jerk back (that's the best way I can describe what it does). I also noticed today, that when I'm out in the interstate (going around 78 mph or so), I'll do the jerking thing every once in a while. It's not a big jerk, but it's enough of one that I could notice it. And my passenger did too.

Also, every now and then after a hard start, the check engine and ETS off lights come one. When I've had this tested in the past, it has indicated an engine misfire. The lights go off by themselves once the car has started twice normally. (and this pattern has occured more than once).

Do these symptoms indicate that it might be a problem with my fuel system? I haven't taken it in to get looked at because I haven't had the money to do so. But I'm thinking it's getting to the point where I have to take it in ... it's not getting any better. I'd like to have an idea as to what to tell them to look for when I do take it in.

If you need more info, let me know. Thanks in advance for any help.

I wish someone had replied to ur post because I'm experiencing some of the probs you mention. In my situation when I give it a little gas between 50-65mph the thing shutters. This is more noticable while climbing small inclines whereas, it's not enough to downshift into 3rd gear. I'm also getting crappy gas mileage (17-20mpg). I've replaced the head gasket (it blew), IM gasket, plugs, wires, fuel pressure regulator, 2 injectors (1&6). I'm now looking at either the MAP sensor or the O2 Sensor. I get no codes from my scanner. However, I did disconnect the electrical to the O2 Sensor and received the code for that and also a low voltage MAP sensor code. Cleared them both after reconnecting the O2 Sensor connector and neither have come back. The thing still shutters. I may just go for it and replace them both but with my luck it'll be the x-mission. Which is what I'm afraid of. 1997 Grand Am, 3.1L, 100,000 miles.

My 2000 GA, V6, 98000 miles will randomly not start. My boyfriend can drive it to work via residential settings (35 mph) back and forth just fine. I drive it on the expressway or interstate and it stalls at about 60 mph after 8-12 miles. I have new spark plugs, recent oil changed, swapped out fuel pump relay switch (which is getting hot), cleaned the injectors, got a new air filter and new fuel filter - none of this corrected the problem. One mechanic plus the dealer can find no diagnostics, but said fuel levels are "all over the place". I'm looking at a new fuel pump suggested by mechanic/friend of boyfriend - $250 part. Hope it works.

Your problem may be a TCC solenoid, (Torque Converter Control) does it stall out after running for 10 minutes or so?

Your problem may be a TCC solenoid, (Torque Converter Control) does it stall out after running for 10 minutes or so?

Bob, this is what happened - it was Texaco Gas (owned by Shell) that ruined my fuel pump. Shell paid the dealer $749 for a new fuel pump, filter and sock for repair. Now it runs great! Thanks!

WXGal, I know this sounds quirky, but try your gas cap. If you don't have it tightened to 3 clicks, it can cause a misfire due to an improper fuel vent signal to the ECM, which in turn would cause the traction control to go off because rpm wouldn't match vehicle speed for the gear selected. Compusmith, your problem sounds like a tcc solenoid for sure. It's not un-locking when it should and acts like a stick shift in too high a gear.

WXGal, I know this sounds quirky, but try your gas cap. If you don't have it tightened to 3 clicks, it can cause a misfire due to an improper fuel vent signal to the ECM, which in turn would cause the traction control to go off because rpm wouldn't match vehicle speed for the gear selected. Compusmith, your problem sounds like a tcc solenoid for sure. It's not un-locking when it should and acts like a stick shift in too high a gear.

Hey - you replied to the wrong person...

Your problem may be a TCC solenoid, (Torque Converter Control) does it stall out after running for 10 minutes or so?

What is a TCC and how much does it cost to have it replaced? I am having the same problems. I have had the fuel system cleaned (I think that is what they did) and I am having the same problems. When I start it, it starts to studder and if I turn on the air conditioner, it acts like its gonna stop or something. Whats up with that? Someone told me to get some GUMMOUT but I dont know if thats going to solve the problem and I dont want to pay a lot of money a little at a time and still have the same problem. I am afraid that if it is the fuel pump, I wont be able to replace it (cost!). Please provide as much as info as possible.

What is a TCC and how much does it cost to have it replaced? I am having the same problems. I have had the fuel system cleaned (I think that is what they did) and I am having the same problems. When I start it, it starts to studder and if I turn on the air conditioner, it acts like its gonna stop or something. Whats up with that? Someone told me to get some GUMMOUT but I dont know if thats going to solve the problem and I dont want to pay a lot of money a little at a time and still have the same problem. I am afraid that if it is the fuel pump, I wont be able to replace it (cost!). Please provide as much as info as possible.

You replied to DamnGrandAm but I think you meant to reply to Bob.

this thread has gotten all messed up. my gas cap suggestion was directed to WX Gal, the TCC to Comp. A TCC is a solenoid inside the trans that locks the torque converter at highway speed to improve gas mileage. When they go bad, they stick and cause the car to act like a stick shift in too high a gear. They aren't expensive, but replacing them is. It requires the removal of the trans side cover which in some cars requires the dropping of the cradle.