02 Regal accleration problems

[armallard]

When i pulled out to pass a car the car acted like it wouldn't shift into passing gear just bogged down. Tranny fluid looks full. this has been happening for a week or so i took it out on a isolated road and held the brake and couldn't get it over 2000 rpms sounds like maybe a little spitting and sputtering and the hood. Any help would be appreciated.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by armallard

When i pulled out to pass a car the car acted like it wouldn't shift into passing gear just bogged down. Tranny fluid looks full. this has been happening for a week or so i took it out on a isolated road and held the brake and couldn't get it over 2000 rpms sounds like maybe a little spitting and sputtering and the hood. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to AF on your first post.

Mileage and tune up history?
Is check engine light on or engine missing?


Tips on getting a good answer to your questions.
People trying to answer your question do not have a crystal ball.
So give them all of the info you have like year make and model and engine and transmission.
Also service cars engine and transmission service history or any recent repairs or problems.
Also a description of your problem and what it is doing or not doing.
If you have codes give up the code no.
And remember a code does not say replace the part but only points to the problem that you have to check out.
So to better help you give up all of the info you have on it.
MT

[armallard]

The motor is a 3800 series II , 73,000 miles thats about all the info i know

[BNaylor]

Since you have a 2002 Regal and before the CAT convertor warranty expires which is 80K miles or 8 years - whichever comes first get it to a GM dealer to see if you qualify for a new CAT convertor. Original owners like me received this letter from GM which extended the CAT warranty to 10 years or 120K miles - whichever comes first. CATs on 2001 -2002 models had a manufacturing defect. The symptoms of loss of power during acceleration at a rpm range of 2000 - 4000 rpms is classic. It may not give a SES light either. See and read copy of notice below.


Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; or Buick Regal model vehicle, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, may have a condition where the catalytic converter is replaced due to complaints of lack of power or illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). This may be due to the front endcone insulation from the catalytic converter breaking away and blocking the front of the first catalyst brick and preventing the free flow of exhaust gas through the converter.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

What We Have Done
General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the Catalytic Converter. If this condition occurs on your 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; or Buick Regal model vehicle, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

What You Should Do
Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

[armallard]

Been driving the car somemore i can start off slow then ease up to speed before it starts cutting out I don't believe its a tranny problem. I can hear what sounds like to be air sucking somewhere its hard to tell hanging my head out the window driving down the road. Any ideas also, thanks naylor i will also call dealer in the morning

[BNaylor]

The air sucking sound which can be a whining/whistling sound could be a sign the CAT convertor is clogged. Sometimes the hot exhaust gases due to the backpressure will come out the exhaust downpipe where it connects to the exhaust manifolds bypassing the donut seal. Also, when the innards of the converter get messed up as spelled out in the notice the CAT may make a whistling sound.

Any problem with the engine will make the tranny look bad so it is important to get those issues resolved first. Around 70K miles is typical for the CAT convertor to go South. I've had one on our '99 LS changed out at 82K miles and waiting for the one in my '01 GS (53K miles) to fail but at least I have a copy of the letter in the glove box. Call GM Buick Customer Service, give them the VIN and they will tell you if you qualify. The basic CAT and PCM emissions warranty transfers to subsequent owners, regardless and you should be covered free of charge. Good luck.

[armallard]

Bnaylor thanks for the advice took it to the dealer and you where right on track got it fix under warranty and everything is good to go. Again thanks

Armallard

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by armallard

Bnaylor thanks for the advice took it to the dealer and you where right on track got it fix under warranty and everything is good to go. Again thanks

Armallard

You're welcome. Glad we could be of help and even help save some money.

BTW- The extended warranty is good until 120K miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. So if this new CAT ever fails GM will cover it until the above coverage runs out. I had this happen with one other AF member but everything is good to go now. Good luck.