Will not stay running

REDNECK0819

MEMBER
2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

Rough idling and barely stays running. As soon as I put in drive and stalls every time unless I hold down gas pedal around 2,000 RPM's. The motor shakes hard like it's misfiring badly. Changed the O2 sensor on back side of motor. Cleaned the throttle body and MAF sensor. Changed plugs and wires and checked the coil packs and made sure they are in working order. Is there something I can do to solve my problem?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

Is the check engine light staying on while the engine is running? If it is, have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. That will help point us in the right direction.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

If you could have that done, it will likely save a lot of time. If you can't, then we need to start checking things. First, is there any smoke or odd smell coming from the exhaust? Fuel pressure can cause black smoke and an odd smell. Here is a link that shows how in general it's checked:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Next, it could be related to a bad engine vacuum leak. Here is a link that explains how that is checked:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

I have to be honest. I could go on and on with different possibilities. However, I don't want to overwhelm you. If you could get your hands on a scan tool, that will certainly help. If you can't, check the two things I mentioned. If you find everything is okay, we will move on.

Also, if it is possible for you to record the engine running and upload it so I can hear what it's doing, that may help.

Let me know
Joe