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#1
04-09-2006, 11:20 PM
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Low Power problem??
I know this is not much info to go on but let me see if I can get any direction on this... I was attempting to pass another vehicle moving at around 30MPH... I pushed pretty hard on the accelerator (not to the floor) expecting a smooth acceleration... Instead there was a complete hesistation for a couple of seconds and then I couldn't tell if the front wheels started to spin or the traction control kicked in.. But the result was very poor and slow acceleration... Not anything near what a 200 HP motor should do (the AC was on)... I backed off and more slowly accelerated and then it seemed smooth... Could this be a low power issue due to a clogged catalytic converter??... Maybe a tranny problem?... Moderate acceleration seems OK, but I tend to drive with a light foot... Any ideas how I could narrow down if and what might be the problem??... Oh yeah, it's a 2001 Impala LS with the 3.8L motor... 50K miles on the car...
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Go Mark Martin! 
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#2
04-11-2006, 01:36 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Anyone?
I seem to notice a loss in power from about 25mph to 45 mph... Like there's a big dip in the power (torque) curve... Acceleration from a stop in 1st gear seems ok...
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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#3
04-11-2006, 02:06 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Have you done any basic tune up items like spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, etc.? GM has acknowledged that your year and model Impala may have been delivered with a flaky CAT convertor. The CAT warranty was extended to 120K miles or 10 years, whichever comes first versus the intial 8 year/80K miles. The dealer can perform a CAT convertor efficiency/backpressure test to determine if it is a clogged CAT.
Do you have any unexplained coolant loss because the upper intake manifold gaskets are a known problem on the Series II 3800. Also, try cleaning the throttle body with STP TB spray cleaner and the MAF sensor hot wire element with electrical contact cleaner.
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#4
04-11-2006, 02:26 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
bnaylor3400: Thanks for your response...
So far the only basic tune up items I have done is to replace the air filter and PCV valve... I have not changed the fuel filter yet, or any of the other items you mentioned... I know the plugs and wires on the back of the motor are a major pain in the butt to replace so I've been hesistant to do that... I've learned from this forum about the flaky CAT converter so I want to check that out... Will the dealer charge me for the efficiency/backpressure test? No unexplained coolant loss as far as I can tell... The overflow tank still has the proper amount in it... The car has 50K miles... Cleaning the TB and the MAF sensor sounds like a good idea also... Does the screen pull off the TB intake?...What electrical contact cleaner do you recommend for the MAF sensor?... I assume this is the sensor snapped into the air intake just before the TB?
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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#5
04-11-2006, 02:44 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Quote:
The MAF sensor is located on the top of the throttle body. Black square module held on by two Torx safety screws and one electrical connector. Once MAF is removed you spray the bottom part that inserts into the throttle body. On the CAT the dealer may charge you if the CAT is not found to be the problem or clogged/defective. If it fails backpressure test then the dealer should not charge you for the diagnostics or replacement of the CAT convertor. Right now you are covered under GM's 8 year/80K miles warranty on the CAT convertor having only 50K miles. BTW - The sensor at the intake ducting is the intake air temperature sensor (IAT). The rear plugs are a PITA but can be done with patience and the right tools. The worse part will be getting the spark plug boots and the metal heat shield off. I've never had to tilt the engine either. Good luck!
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#7
04-12-2006, 08:23 AM
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Re: Low Power problem??
I know I have asked this question before but what's the right way to disconnect the quick-connect fitting on the fuel filter?
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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#8
04-12-2006, 08:31 AM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Quote:
http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/gasfilter/ Good idea to relieve fuel pressure first. You can pull the fuel pump fuse in the engine compartment fuse box and let engine die out or use the Schrader valve on the fuel pressure regulator. Good luck!
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#10
04-12-2006, 05:18 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Quote:
BTW - My wife had a '01 Impala LS but after tranny problems, etc. and getting stranded one day she traded it in. 
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#11
04-12-2006, 05:52 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Quote:
Yeah, I've read your posts about your '01 IMPALA... I've just encountered another little problem today... Read my new post on my backwards parking brake light...
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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#12
04-19-2006, 11:53 AM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Update... I cleaned the TB and the MAF sensor and it actually made a difference... Better and smoother acceleration... Maybe not 100% of what it should be but much better... This week I'll be doing the fuel filter... After that I'll decide if I take it to the dealer for the CAT...
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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#13
04-26-2006, 09:49 AM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Update...
I replaced the fuel filter yesterday... It looked like the original filter and seemed to be very clogged... I was hopeful that this was causing the low power condition... But the car still has low power during acceleration... Tomorrow it goes to the local dealer to check for a clogged CAT converter...
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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#14
04-26-2006, 12:47 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
Quote:
__________________
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8 '02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6 '99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6 '03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged (Sold) Timeslip 08/12/06 AF Community Guidelines
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#15
04-26-2006, 09:20 PM
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Re: Low Power problem??
OK... In addition to the low power issue they are also going to look into the parking brake indicator light that's working backwards... Think I'll "kill two birds with one stone" with this dealer visit??... I hope so!!
__________________
Go Mark Martin!
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