Please Help!!! 98 Grand Prix About To Explode!!

[JacksonXR75]

My car has just started doing something weird and I don't know what could be causing it. Earlier today on my way home from work my car's engine shut itself off while i was coasting down a hill. i pulled over and started it up again and it seemed to work, then when i pulled into a drivethru as soon as i stopped it gasped and shut down again. I'd turn it over again, but it would shut off as i put it into gear. The only way I've found to keep it running is to constantly keep it above 1500 RPM by gasing it. Then when i got it home and just had it in park and idle it would stay on. Please help me with any suggestions, particularly repair tips cause i can't afford a to lose my only ride to work or to take it to a shop right now.

[kapp0]

Guys in here are better at this, but it sounds like a fuel filter to me.

[GaryFenza]

actually to be honest it might be your MAF(mas air flow Sensor). The reason im saying this is cause its actually a commen problem with what your describing. If the MAF is not telling the computer how much air flow is coming through then the fuel injection cannot be timed with the air flow causing not enough fuel so there for stalling. good luck

[richtazz]

Both above suggestions are valid. If it's been a while since you've put a tune-up (plugs, wires, pcv and fuel filter) on her, any of those items could be your problem. If you have low mileage or it's been tuned up recently, the MAF sensor will also cause stalling at idle, without tripping a CEL. The other probable cause would be a sticking IAC valve in the throttle body. The IAC is an electronic stepper motor that varies the amount of air allowed in the engine at idle/part throttle. It can get carboned up and stick, causing the Air/fuel ratio to be thrown off.

[JacksonXR75]

Where are the Fuel Filter and MAF sensor on a 98 Grand Prix, and how could I go about fixing them?

[GaryFenza]

The MAF is way more visable obviously. its right before the Throttle Body, its normally silver looking and square shaped on the air tube connecting to the Air Filter box and throttle body, its selp explanatory to take off,

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JacksonXR75

Where are the Fuel Filter and MAF sensor on a 98 Grand Prix, and how could I go about fixing them?

It would help to post what engine you have and model. The MAF sensor is in a different location if it is a SII 3800 engine. On top of the throttle body. On the 3100 as GaryFenza pointed out.

Our Tips & Maintenance section has a procedure for fuel fuel filter location and replacement which is the same for all '97'-03 Grand Prixs and another thread showing the various throttle body sensors.

[GPFred]

The fuel filter should be on the passenger side along the frame under the back door or back near the rear wheel on the passenger side. It is usually stapped into the frame, fairly easy to change out and should be replaced once a year to guarantee good flow.

[BNaylor]

And highly recommended to stay with the GM/AC Delco GF578 fuel filter.

Here is a link to the replacement procedure with pics at Tips & Maintenance.

Click here