2002 regal 3.8 loses power on hills

[batybird]

Help! started acting weird about a week ago, no engine codes, starts and runs on flats moderately decent, going uphil though slows down like its not getting fuel, changed fuel filter, tranny filter and fluids, ran diagnostic and it said engine misfire 1,2,4,5,6 but no service engine codes so changed wires and plugs, with no difference. pulled coil packs and module and had them all checked and they were fine. I am at the end of the rope...any suggestions .

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

What is your mileage?

Misfire DTC codes with no SES/CEL light? That's unusual. Was the SES light flashing? If flashing it indicates a misfire condition.

Regardless, checkout this advisory concerning a possible bad CAT convertor. Common problem causing misfires and the symptom you have. See link below.

Click here

[kelnic]

I have an 03 Regal 3.8L and had a dignostic done on it as mine was doing the same thing but service engine soon light was on, and was sugguested to change the cat so I did with a universal and the car started doing the same thing again about a week later! So then I was told the universal was not efficient enough so I got a direct fit now a week later it is doing the same thing again. When going up a hill it starts losing power and chugs if I don't accelerate hard before hitting the hill. Sounds like we are in the same boat here if I figure out the prob I will let you know and if you find out please let me know as well.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by kelnic

I have an 03 Regal 3.8L and had a dignostic done on it as mine was doing the same thing but service engine soon light was on, and was sugguested to change the cat so I did with a universal and the car started doing the same thing again about a week later! So then I was told the universal was not efficient enough so I got a direct fit now a week later it is doing the same thing again. When going up a hill it starts losing power and chugs if I don't accelerate hard before hitting the hill. Sounds like we are in the same boat here if I figure out the prob I will let you know and if you find out please let me know as well.

What was the DTC(s) codes? The '03 model was not part of the GM service advisory addressed or delivered with known bad CATs from the factory. The chuggle can be caused by bad plugs or ignition wires. Also, a torque convertor clutch (TCC) stuck on and not disengaging properly. Further, GM has a service advisory out stating that the chuggle can be caused by a flaky throttle position sensor (TPS). Another possibility is a degraded front 02 sensor causing problems with the air fuel mixture to the fuel injection system. Normally seen in the PCM closed loop mode of operation.

Yet another possibility is bad adaptive shift information stored in the PCM module causing the TCC problem and the chuggle. Remove the battery negative cable for a few hours or overnight and then reconnect then see what it does. Before disconnecting battery make sure your climate control system is turned off and you have the radio Theftlock code if active.

And welcome to AF.

[batybird]

thanks bnaylor for your response,there were no ses lites at all, when a friend of mine ran his diagnostic that is when he retrieved the misfires, the car has appox. 107,000 on, I bought the car new and contacted our buick dealer and he informed me there is no recall on my car, going to try another dealer and see what he suggests. The garage I took it to, says it is definetly the cat, however now that kelnic said he put the universal one on and still has the same problem, I am a little leary of going ahead with that repair, plus 350.00 or more is what they quoted me. sounds a little too steep,.If I find anything more out I will let you know also, kelnic, any more suggestions bnaylor would be very much appreciated...thanks this forum is super

[BNaylor]

If you are having problems with the dealer then contact Buick Customer Relations at 1-800-521-7300. There is not a recall but a service advisory issued. The letter in that link was sent to '01-'02 Buick Regal owners in the mail as a notice. I received a copy of it. Or print a copy of the notice and take it to the dealer.

Also, note that the labor and part (CAT Convertor) is free as long as you have under 120K miles or less than 10 years, whichever comes first.

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.