Acceleration problems- shutters at higher speeds
KelsEGrandAM
02-19-2006, 11:57 PM
I have a 96 Grand Am GT 2.4L. My problem is when I am driving at speeds of around 45-60mph, or going up hills, or trying to gradullay accelerate, my car seems to shutter. It almost seems as though my car is starving for fuel or slipping out of gear. It doesn't happen all the time, but it has definately been a problem for about 2 years now. Any suggestions as to what it could be??
xeroinfinity
02-20-2006, 11:29 AM
Welcome to AF KelsEGrandAM!
Hav you changed anything like the fuel filter, or air filter recently?
Does sound fuel related from what you discribing.
But the plugs and wires are probley shot and shorting out causing the stumbling aceleration. Id check these first.
One way is to find a really dark area at night and take a look at the engine runnig, if the wires are bad you should see blu sparks dancing on the wires, Btw I wouldnt try touching them if you do see them, it'll Bite you!
Low fuel pressure could also cause some ruogh running, you'll need a fuel gauge to check that. Most parts stores carry them.
Cloged/Dirty fuel injectors, since it is a 96, some things may need maintenanced at this point.
Let me know what you find out.
Hav you changed anything like the fuel filter, or air filter recently?
Does sound fuel related from what you discribing.
But the plugs and wires are probley shot and shorting out causing the stumbling aceleration. Id check these first.
One way is to find a really dark area at night and take a look at the engine runnig, if the wires are bad you should see blu sparks dancing on the wires, Btw I wouldnt try touching them if you do see them, it'll Bite you!
Low fuel pressure could also cause some ruogh running, you'll need a fuel gauge to check that. Most parts stores carry them.
Cloged/Dirty fuel injectors, since it is a 96, some things may need maintenanced at this point.
Let me know what you find out.
erik79
02-24-2006, 10:33 AM
I'm having the same problem with my 96 3.1 liter, If any body knows what it could be I'd appreciate it also.
blabhern
02-25-2006, 09:56 PM
Hey all:
I just completed fixing that same problem on my 94 grandam with the 2.3 ltr. I replaced the inner tie rod bushings (Checker for $13). New tires ($$$) and (this one doesn't quite add up but since I've got ABS I figure it had something to do with that), I bled the brakes and found alot of air in the lines. Once I completed all of that, the shudder went away. My shudder was so bad, I couldn't go past 60 mph on the highway. Good luck with the repairs. I was able to do all of this on my own. The inner tie rod bushings were very simple. The replacements are two piece and the tie rods bolt in to the rack and pinion with only a washer behind the tie rod end.
I just completed fixing that same problem on my 94 grandam with the 2.3 ltr. I replaced the inner tie rod bushings (Checker for $13). New tires ($$$) and (this one doesn't quite add up but since I've got ABS I figure it had something to do with that), I bled the brakes and found alot of air in the lines. Once I completed all of that, the shudder went away. My shudder was so bad, I couldn't go past 60 mph on the highway. Good luck with the repairs. I was able to do all of this on my own. The inner tie rod bushings were very simple. The replacements are two piece and the tie rods bolt in to the rack and pinion with only a washer behind the tie rod end.
KelsEGrandAM
02-27-2006, 07:53 PM
So just to let everyone know.... I found out what it was...
A couple of nights ago, my car would start but then it quit afetr the check engine light flashed on and off for about 5 seconds, then it went low rpms and quit. I had it towed in, and found out that my spark plugs were shot. Earlier on in November, I had a fuel pressure regualtor replaced, and I guess when all the gas got forced into the combustion chamer, it messed up the spark plugs. So, just thought I'd let you know. I would have your checked out.
A couple of nights ago, my car would start but then it quit afetr the check engine light flashed on and off for about 5 seconds, then it went low rpms and quit. I had it towed in, and found out that my spark plugs were shot. Earlier on in November, I had a fuel pressure regualtor replaced, and I guess when all the gas got forced into the combustion chamer, it messed up the spark plugs. So, just thought I'd let you know. I would have your checked out.
KelsEGrandAM
03-01-2006, 10:28 AM
yeah... nevermind...it does it even worse now! in lower gears now even! ahhh im so frustrated!!!
xeroinfinity
03-01-2006, 06:55 PM
check or replace the fuel filter if its been a long time since it was changed. ITs like 12$ or so for one.
kilgorq
03-02-2006, 12:54 AM
Fuel filter or fuel pump try the filter first...
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