Problems with 2000 3.8 LS

It seems like the car is running out of gas and it stalls when idling. At first I was told it was the MAF sensor and I replaced it and the problem actually got worse. I've only have the car a week and I'm already tired of it. So far I have spent more time underneath the hood than behind the wheel. I have already replaced the Fuel filter and the problem still hasn't gone away. Any Suggestions????

The best thing to do on a SII 3800 if you suspect a fuel problem is check the fuel pressure at the Schrader valve located on the fuel pressure regulator at the fuel injector rail and see if it is in specs. Also, poor idle can be caused by a dirty or defective fuel injector(s).

The next thing is to check and /or clean is the idle air controller (IAC) valve which controls idle via the PCM module. The IAC gets carboned up. It is located on the top of the throttle body by the MAF sensor. The IAC is held on by two Torx 20 screws. Spray carb cleaner should be used to clean the spring loaded pintle and the seat where the air orifice is located. Make sure the o-ring is good and not damaged. Good luck!

It seems like the car is running out of gas and it stalls when idling. At first I was told it was the MAF sensor and I replaced it and the problem actually got worse. I've only have the car a week and I'm already tired of it. So far I have spent more time underneath the hood than behind the wheel. I have already replaced the Fuel filter and the problem still hasn't gone away. Any Suggestions????
The only thing I would suggest is to clean the Throttle Body and butterfly and check air filter...this may sound odd but I had this problem with my 3.1 ltr lumina and found (1) weak plug wire. spec is 3000-5000 ohms per foot.

I don't really suspect a fuel problem those are just the symptoms that I am having. I took it to get a diagnostic ran on it and the same code is popping up (P0102) for a low circuit to the MAF sensor. The people keep replacing the sensor. This is the third time the sensor has been replaced. I guess they are not smart enough to look at what else could be going wrong to make the sensor go out. They checked the crank sensor and cat convertor and everything was okay. Any suggestions?:banghead:

I don't really suspect a fuel problem those are just the symptoms that I am having. I took it to get a diagnostic ran on it and the same code is popping up (P0102) for a low circuit to the MAF sensor. The people keep replacing the sensor. This is the third time the sensor has been replaced. I guess they are not smart enough to look at what else could be going wrong to make the sensor go out. They checked the crank sensor and cat convertor and everything was okay. Any suggestions?:banghead:

If it's electronic that is normally beyond most auto mechanics. P0102 specifically is MAF sensor is feeding a frequency of less than 1200 Hz back to the PCM. Based on engine parameters, throttle position and airflow the MAF will provide 1200 - 11, 500 Hz frequency range. To properly troubleshoot requires an oscilloscope or a GM Tech II machine. The PCM provides a 5v reference signal to the MAF. So you either have another bad MAF sensor, problem with the electrical connector or wiring back to the PCM module.

Don't be surprised to have another bad MAF sensor. I went through three (A1 Cardone brand) one time to get one good one. Most MAF sensors at auto parts stores are remanufactured. Finally, I had to go to a boneyard and pull one off another 3800 that seemed to be in good shape. Good luck!

thanks for the info

I finally got a good sensor everything seems to be working right.

I finally got a good sensor everything seems to be working right.

Sounds like good news but don't celebrate yet. Run it a few drive cycles or at least through a tankful of gas. If no SES light then you are home free. Good luck and glad you got it resolved. :bigthumb:

well I can finally say the my impala is fixed. I've been through 3 tanks of gas with no problem. Thanks for the info everyone.

I'm having the same sensor issues with my Buick Regal LS. We replaced the MAF sensor once with a reman. one. The SES light keeps coming back on and the engine sputters and sometimes dies. Also, this only happens sometimes... not consistently. The gas mileage has been worse than the previous owners said they got. When I'm on the accelerator, again this is sometimes, everything is okay. If I let off the engine immediately drops down to 1000 rpms and then flutters back up 500 rpms or so until the car slows down eventually. I've taken the MAP (not MAF) sensor off and then this fluttering stopped when I put it back on and drove the car. I cleaned out the intake and took the MAP sensor off and put it back on again yesterday and this fluttering started again. The code still says P0102 though. Should I push this car off a cliff or what?

I'm having the same sensor issues with my Buick Regal LS. We replaced the MAF sensor once with a reman. one. The SES light keeps coming back on and the engine sputters and sometimes dies. Also, this only happens sometimes... not consistently. The gas mileage has been worse than the previous owners said they got. When I'm on the accelerator, again this is sometimes, everything is okay. If I let off the engine immediately drops down to 1000 rpms and then flutters back up 500 rpms or so until the car slows down eventually. I've taken the MAP (not MAF) sensor off and then this fluttering stopped when I put it back on and drove the car. I cleaned out the intake and took the MAP sensor off and put it back on again yesterday and this fluttering started again. The code still says P0102 though. Should I push this car off a cliff or what?

Sorry due to the age of this thread we cannot allow any furthers posts and therefore, this thread is closed. Also, this forum is typically to post issues about Impalas. Your post has been moved to the Buick Regal forum. Click on link below.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=630977