02 Impala Poor Acceleration/Flashing Light

Hey You All,
I have 2002 Impala 3.8L 42,000 miles, no modifications, change feud filter at 30,000 mile when I push the gas pedal; I really have to mash it to get the car to accelerate, the Engine feels like it top out about 4000RPM, if you continue to push the pedal, the Engine Check Light will flash until you back off the gas, the dealer guy put in the Scanner and it show up as Misfire.
Any help would greatly appreciated

Mai
***

When the CEL light flashes it means the PCM has detected a misfire. The spark plugs and ignition wires are the best place to start on a Series II 3800 when you get any odb-ii DTC error code such as P030X.

how about the GM catalytic converter problem on that year Imp. GM will replace if free of charge if thats the problem

For a few months, my 2001base has got similar problem of poor acceleration, but not that bad like yours. When on gas pedal, sounds rpm goes much higher than before. feel no enough back pressure to help accelerate. passing on highways is horrible.

got it to the local two chev dealers, all possible checked, cat converter, vaccume etc... found "nothing" wrong. be told it's normal.... (but I think it's my luck with GM).

I took the car to the Dealer and after some harsh words were exchanged, they replaced my Cat, it was the Cat, the Cones was broken up and clogged exhust flow.
It run much better now, Thanks for your help

Mai
**

Did they replace it under warranty?

They replaced under Recall, there was a Recall went out to all owner on this that I did not get,

Mai
**

I had the same prob with my 01 ls and it was also the cat.Only mine went real bad real fast to the point were i thought it was the tranny.

Two cats. already on my 2002 LS. First one, progressively lost power until I couldn't reach 25mph. The second, no power loss, just a huge rattling noise when the engine/exhaust got hot. Both exchanged under warranty.

I had that exact prob and had to pay out of pocket, an exhaust shop to do the work. Then a year later get that missleading letter, on the outside labeled Recall then when you open it, it says it is a reinburstment plan! What a crock of S. You have to have the work done by a licensed dealer. We all know how dealers charge even for the littlest parts, let alone a CAT!

Mine did the same thing. Runs fine now with an aftermarket. I still have a check engine light on. Oh, well.

I've thought about sending them the bill anyway with a letter and seeing what happens.

Mine did the same thing. Runs fine now with an aftermarket. I still have a check engine light on. Oh, well.

I've thought about sending them the bill anyway with a letter and seeing what happens.

I replaced my cat with an aftermarket OBDII converter and it was like 90 bucks for it.....and i had it installed for about 200 bucks becaue they had to add a little bit of length to the new cat to make it fit...low and behold it runs like it's brand new....They took a shop light and held it to one end of the converter and looked through the other and they couldn't even see any light.....so it was bad....but I haven't recieved any type of check engine light or anything..so i'm happy

Mike

yes mind did the same thing.... i would give it gas it just wouldnt pick up like it was supose to... and after awhile i would lose power i would give it gas and then i would start losing power.... it was CAT i had to pay 900 hundred bucks. the dealership told me it wasnt covered by any warrenty... but i have a 2003 impala. dont know if it had a recall on the 03 model....

I took the car to the Dealer and after some harsh words were exchanged, they replaced my Cat, it was the Cat, the Cones was broken up and clogged exhust flow.
It run much better now, Thanks for your help

Mai
**


thanks for that report...this is so common on these vehicles...I'm sure this post will help many....

also If necessary like you did, fight the dealership to do the warrantee work...If they just did the job with no b/s you would have a better opinion of them...as well as others ...

Sorry this is an old thread so it has been closed.

Thanks to everyone that contributed.

Sorry this is an old thread so it has been closed.

Thanks to everyone that contributed.