Stalling/"chugging"

BIRDDOG446

MEMBER
1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
164,000 MILES

Hello. I have a question about my 1995 Pontiac Bonneville. Recently, there seems to be a problem with stalling at intersections/stop signs, etc. And the car kind of "chugs" along a lot of the time, almost as if there's a problem with the fuel system somewhere. I don't really have this problem when going faster, like on the highways, but when I slow down (@ 40 mph, or less), the car feels like it's going to stall, and a lot of times I have to put one foot on the brake, and rev up the gas just to keep the car running. I've added fuel injector/fuel system cleaner a few times, but that doesn't seem to do anything. Would you let me know if this problem sounds familiar? I hope I described the problem ok. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kirk

3 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

Is the check engine light coming on at all?

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Thursday, January 20th, 2011 AT 1:53 PM

BIRDDOG446

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4 POSTS

Yes, the check engine light is on.

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 6:20 AM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

That's where you start.
The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.

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Friday, January 21st, 2011 AT 1:03 PM