Problems with motor or trans?

[DeTray32]

What's good everyone? I got an 01 SLE and she is slowly dieing. I have this problem to where the car will act like its going to bog out and die. Someone told me it was a cat. I Changed that and no difference. I also have replaced the whole upper plastic manifold cover. Still no change. I changed my plugs and wires and fuel filter. Still nothing. But now the car will shift at about 3500 rpm and kinda just falls into the next gear. Never really did this before. Can some one help me out before I scrap this piece?

[harofreak00]

Unplug the MAF sensor to see if it runs better.

If you replace it, don't buy an aftermarket one. Buy a used OEM, or a new AC Delco.

[DeTray32]

Thank u ill have to check it out. Also I had my codes ran and the only one that pops up is a evap code. I know that has nothing to do with this problem.

[Ken_W]

I second the suggestion to investigate the MAF sensor, and to replace with used AC Delco (new costs too much, and used will usually work just fine). Here at the club we have seen many many funky engine bogging problems go away by replacing the MAF sensor, even where there is no code thrown.

Just made a quick salvage yard search of the Toledo area at car-part.com, and found one for $50 at a yard called "Nationwide Auto Parts & Recycler" on South Avenue. This would be one that is already on their shelf, ready to be sold. Search for "air flow meter" if you want to search other yards in your area. Prices do vary, but $50 is typical for this part.

The problem with new aftermarket MAF sensors is that they don't last very long (12-24 months typically), and then you'll be right back where you started. A used OEM one will last just as long, if not longer, and cost a heck of a lot less.

Note also that to replace your MAF sensor you will need a security torx bit. If you don't already have some of these, you can get a set at any auto parts store for around $10. I got mine at Autozone.

Please report back here later to let us know how it goes. We can only continue to learn here by hearing about each other's experiences.

Ken_W

[DeTray32]

Thanks u guys. I just looked at it and it was a reman Maf sensor. I unplugged it and started the car it ran for about 2 seconds and my service engine lite came on and the car chugged and died.

[harofreak00]

Keep trying to drive it with it unplugged. Gotta give it more than 1 try.

[DeTray32]

Ok I didn't know if it would do more damage after I unplugged it and it died but ill unplug it and drive er around

[00Beast]

No, the PCM has tables for running w/o the MAF, but idle is kind of iffy, especially right when you unplug the MAF. Drive it around and see if it runs better.

[Ken_W]

It's okay to run without your MAF sensor for a little while. It should not be a permanent setup, however.

If unplugging it does not help, it may NOT be your MAF sensor. You've already replaced some obvious possibilities... How old are these:

- Air filter
- PCV valve

These are good maintenance items to cover anyway, so even if they don't help this problem, it will not be money wasted. And they don't cost much.

Have you checked your oil? If you see anything that looks like creamy chocolate milk in there, you could have coolant leaking into your oil. You could take a look simply by removing your cap and neck and looking around the openings.

There are others on this forum who can chime in with more targeted possiblities; I'm just throwing out some easy, cheap, and quick things to cover that can eliminate a few possibilities. Keep reporting back here -- the experts will eventually figure it out.

Ken_W

[DeTray32]

Ok I did that drove about 4 miles and every shift was at 3400 rpm and paused then kicked into the next gear and kinda threw you back into the seat and my steering wheel shimmys when so.

[Ken_W]

Disregard my last post. What you describe has nothing to do with air filter or PCV valve.

Ken_W

[DeTray32]

Air filter is good and if the PVC valve is the thing on the end of my Plenum it is pretty gunky looking beause I had to swap it out yesterday when I did my upper manifold intake cover. I noticed there was excessive sludge in the intake and there was some build up around the injectors. I got 80% oil life left so it got about 1000 miles on it. I also flushed my coolant system with regual antifreezeshes got and not dexcool because I had gurgling noises coming from my heatercore. I just got this car for $2000 and I'm starting to wonder why. Don't forget she's got 399699k miles. Both motor and trans were replaced with 115k on them.

[Ken_W]

The PCV valve looks like this: (it is about 2" long and 1" wide, will probably be chrome instead of brown)



This alone will probably not solve your problem, but at $3, it is a quick and easy thing to rule out. Is also pretty easy to replace.

Guys -- got any ideas for this fella?

Ken_W

[Bonneville92V688]

Gotta go off topic for a bit here... 400k?!?!?! We must see a picture of the Odometer. That's impressive.

[Ken_W]

Yes -- a pic would be cool, and especially a pic when it rolls over and says exactly 400,000!

[DeTray32]

How do I upload pictures off my phone? I don't own a copmuter anymore