98 skips and misses

[99onI95]

Basically the car has hesitation throughout the rpms when the pedal is floored. The rpm needle jumps a lot especially around 3500 to 4500 rpms. If you put the car in park and hold the pedal to the floor it only reaches just over 4gs and starts skipping and won't rev any higher. The car loves to stick at about 2200 rpms and when the slightest pedal is put to it the automatic throws it into passing gear. Needless to say my fuel mileage sucks.

I've tried several different things to fix the problem myself I've spent over $500, several long days laboring, and dealt with the dumbest part store people in the world. And still my car isn't fixed. I began with plugs and plug wires, then the camshaft sensor, then fuel treatment, then an entire new fuel pump. Unfortunately this stuff took forever to install because autzone can't seem to order me a new fuel pump that actually works, and Napa employees seem to think 97 and 98 plug wires are interchangeable because the years are close together. Still my car continues to skip and hesitate.

If there is anyone who has any ideas what is causing my skipping problem I would appreciate your comments.

[Mr. Luos]

Possible bad O2?

[99onI95]

What makes u think its the O2 sensor?

[Mr. Luos]

They are said to be changed every 30,000 miles. If something fouled one out, it could very easily cause poor performance.

Could be numerous things. Did it toss on the SES light?

[99onI95]

No, I just had the car put on the computer a few days ago. But since no one else has any suggestions I'll replace the O2. Would have replaced it when you first suggested it but I was busy replacing the waterpump. I'm desperate to get the car fixed because of the bad mpg's. Do you think a bad injector would cause any similar problems I'm having.

[Mr. Luos]

An injector doesn't sound like the problem. But if it isn't throwing any codes, it doesn't sound like an O2 either.

Rather than change the O2's, try posting about this on LS1.com, LS2.com, LS1tech.com, etc.....

[99onI95]

Well, I bought one O2 sensor already so i'll try that. I know I need 2 but maybe I could swap them out to see if one has gone bad.

I've talked to many people and no one else seems to be able to come up with a solution either. I guess I might have to take it to the proffesionals at Pontiac. It sux when a car stumps you like this. Almost makes me feel like less of a man or something.

[Mr. Luos]

Good luck. Mine is a constant battle with something. Lately is has been missing down low a bit, but seems fine up top. I am throwing an O2 code though, so that is probably it.

[99onI95]

I appreciate your help and suggestions Mr. Luos.

The cheapest place I could find the sensor was on ebay for $50.00 Buy it Now they had 9 left last time I checked.

[Mr. Luos]

If you can find someone local to you that has AutoTap, or a good ODBII tool, ask them to come over and offer some beer. Might be able to tell something from that.

[justinsz8]

I'm having the exact same problem with my 96 camaro, I have been told that one my coils is going bad! But no one seems to know what the resistance should be on them, so I can't check them to see if they are within specs. mine also isn't putting out a code at all. If you do get it figured out, let me know. Is your's a v6 or v8?

[99onI95]

I have more than one. But the firebird I'm talking about Has the 3800 V6. It's getting about 120 miles to half a tank and that's keeping it below 3g's. I've got some serious problems but no codes either.

Let me know if you make any discoveries

[custom mccannix]

I just got rid of my 96 firebird with a 3800 v6. it was having the same problem . i could not figure out the problem to save my life. i went throught everything including rebuilding the moter. to my surprise it was the cat clogged up. just fire it up and see how much exhaust pressure you have at the back end if you suspect it is lower than ussual just unbolt the y pipe and run it open manifolds to see if it will solve the problem. don't be like me ! i spent around 8,000 before i found the problem so i had to get rid of it because it was to much head ache for such a small problem. I know it sounds stupid but i felt real stupid when it fixed my car. no offense but don't spend to much money get an older bird

[justinsz8]

Mine is also 3800 v6. I've had three different mechanics look at it, and they all say the same thing, " one of the coils is going bad". I thought about cat being clogged before, so i asked them and they said that it would have a constant miss. I don't know about yours, but mine just misses out whenever it feels like it. somedays it will run great, others it will run real crappy!

[custom mccannix]

no offense but i was told the same thing by a mechanic at the dealership and after he replaced the coil pack ,wires, plugs, and 800 dollars later it didn't help