2002 Pontiac Grand Prix intermitent exhaust smell inside ve

I have the EXACT same problem with my 2005 grand prix gt and before that I had the SAME problem with my 2000 grand prix GTP. For the 2000 grand prix I changed the flex hose, the catalytic, the manifolds, exhaust pipes and mufflers and still the same problem. I liked the car so I sold the 2000 thinking it was an isolated problem only to find the same problem with my 2005. I think this is a defect that pontiac doesn't want to admit. I have also seen posts on other message forums about the same problem but to date I have not seen any solutions. I heard some talk about replacing the EGR valve and PCV valve but I have yet to try that and the car is still under original mfg warranty. Although I don't think they will "throw parts" at my car until the problem is fixed. You know how they are. Do you still have the same problem?

Earlier this week I received an unsolicited letter from pontiac that likely explains the problem that I am suffering. The following is a brief synopsis of the letter.

Gm will soon announce a safety recall to correct an issue that may cause a fire in your 2002 model year pontiac grand prix w/ the 3.8L supercharged engine.

The purpose of this letter is to explain the issue, waht gm is doing to correct it, and what you can do to immediately reduce the potential for injury.

We believe that the fires may be caused by drops of engine oil being deposited on the exhaust manifold through had braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and in some instances the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel. This may have occurred in about 1 in 1000 vehicles.

We are currently working w/ our supplieers to obtain sufficient parts so we can launch a full recall to address the situation

please know that we understand the concern this may cause nad the need to correct it quickly as we can. Until we are able to do so, there are three very important precautions you should take:

- we strongly recommend you not park your vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure
- if you notice a burning odor, you should have your pontiac dealer inspect your vehicle. The dealer will inspect your vehicle w/o charge
- use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in your vehicle, as recommended in the owners manual

if you have any?'S or need any assistance, please call the pontiac customer assistance center between the hours of 8am-8pm EST, Monday-Friday. It can be reached at 800.620.7668.

Since I am still experiencing the problem I will be taking my vehicle into local dealer for further assessment. I will post the results once they are available. Hope this helps any other pontiac GTP owners.

Hmm, that could explain the "burnt engine" smell I thought it was in the first place. In my original 2000 gtp I even changed the valve cover gaskets which were leaking oil directly onto the manifolds but it still never solved the problem. I wonder where the oil leak is that they are talking about in the recall. It will be interesting to find out and also to see if the recall applies to the 2005 model as well. There are a few differences from the 2000 model but just small things like the electronic throttle control instead of a throttle cable and revised engine mounts but basically looking under the hood of my 05 doesn't look any different then my 2000 did.