1998 Malibu Rumbling

I just bought a 1998 malibu from a used car dealer, and the car runs smoothly except when you come to a complete stop while still in drive, then it rumbles. It rumbles a little bit while in park too, but not as much. The car has really poor take off power too. I took it in to Advance and they ran the codes and the only one that came up said: System too Rich:uhoh: . Could this be an oxygen sensor? If yes, which one? upstream or downstream. because the difference in price is like: upstream=17.00 downstream=80.00 All input will be greatly appretiated. you can also email me at: [email protected] thanks so much!!!!!!

I just bought a 1998 malibu from a used car dealer

Take it back to the dealer, tell them to fix it.

Post the exact code Advance pulled for you. It's nice they scan for free, but most of their "parts monkeys" have no idea what the codes mean. The rumble you mentioned could be anything from a bad transmission solenoid to the infamous intake leak all 3100's will develop (it does it worse in gear because the engine is under load).

The exact code was 0172 system too rich (bank 1), I tried putting in injector cleaner, but nothing got any better. when you take off from a stop, you can hear the rpm's and then it jumps into gear. It takes off with no real pick-up at all. And by the way, I forgot to mention I bought it "as is", so bringing it back to the dealer is not an option. Thanks for the input!!!!! PS you are right about the dudes @ Advance. This cat didn't have any idea what that code meant. He was intent on it being an O2 sensor.

2 words: Lemon Law. Pretty much with in the first 30 days, the seller has to fix it or take the car back and refund the full price.

Lemon law won't get anybody anywhere if the car was bought 'as is.'

Through my experience in NYS dealers are required to provide some sort of warranty with specified minimal requirements. 'As is' sales are limited to private party sellers.

Worth looking into IMO.

-Mark T.