97 Prix Se - Sensor Nightmare!

Hi All

So just a note, i'm a girl, and i don't know a whole lot about cars.

So i bought this 97 grand prix, and have had nothing but problems. First it was the O2 sensors, did those, then (and don't laugh if i'm wrong) its was the mass air flow sensor? did that one too. Replaced a third sensor a few weeks ago, (cam something?) I drove it for about 300 km and the problems arised again. Car feels like its about to flood and stall. Sputters and then it dies.

My friend brought over his code reader thingy and he said it was the same sensor. He cleared the code in the engine and car drives fine. He mentioned buying one of these readers so that i can reset it myself, but i'd rather just fix the problem!

Its a 3800 series motor, with a cold air intake and some after market racing plugs. I don't know if anyone can help me out, but any advice would be appreciated. I can supply more information as well. :) Thanks!

Welcome to the forum.

It would help to post the mileage. What diagnostic trouble code(s) were retrieved with the code reader?

Thanks for the welcome!

Sorry i didn't post that earlier. It is the throttle position sensor thats putting the Check engine light on. Its intermittent for a while, comes and goes, but as soon as that engine light comes on, my car is toast..untill i reset the code.

The car has 273,000 km, with a new engine at 175,000 km.

for the record, its wasn't the 'cam something' sensor lol it was the throttle position sensor that i just had replaced.

That doesn't sound good. It would help to post the exact code you are getting pointing to the TPS since there are more than one. There are a few things that can be done to check the TPS and related PCM (powertrain control module) circuits but having the code would help.

I have had IAC's cause TPS codes in the past so it is entirely possible the TPS is not the problem.

I have had IAC's cause TPS codes in the past so it is entirely possible the TPS is not the problem.

Ack sorry but what are IAC's? :sly:




I got my friend to pick me up a code reader, so i'm waiting and this weekend i will pick it up, will have exact codes for you.

Thanks so much :)

Ack sorry but what are IAC's? :sly:

The IAC is Idle Air Controller but when they go bad it normally triggers an IAC related DTC or in most cases the idle remains high like between 1000-1500 rpms without coming down or giving a DTC due to high IAC counts.

The TPS can be checked with a mulitmeter (DMM) to see if it is functioning properly and in range of what the PCM module looks at or monitors. At idle around .4 volts DC and at WOT (wide open throttle) around .45 volts DC. Also, the PCM 5 volt reference signal can be checked at the TPS input at the electrical connector.