Buick Park Ave intermittent miss

2000 BUICK PARK AVENUE
87,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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AUTOMAN2000
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Buick Park Ave base model 2000, V6 3.8, 87K. intermittent miss/stumbling upon acceleration. It doesn't seem to make any difference whether the engine is cold or warm. It happens occasionally, especially when the engine is under a load, for example going up an hill. Where should I look first, second etc?

Thanks!
Nov 21, 2010 at 11:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Has the check engine light ever come on? Have you checked fuel pump pressure and for vacuum leaks?

Let me know.

Joe
Nov 22, 2010 at 1:01 AM
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AUTOMAN2000
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Joe:
Thanks for your reply. No, the engine light has NOT come on. I have NOT checked fuel pump pressure. The four areas that I was thinking of are: 1) MAF sensor, 2) O2 sensor(s), 3) spark plugs & wires, 4)coils. I just don't know where to start. Thanks.
Nov 23, 2010 at 5:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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When was the last tune up? As far as the MAF sensor, have you tried just cleaning it? They make a special electronics cleaner for them.
Nov 24, 2010 at 12:34 PM
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AUTOMAN2000
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If by -Last Tune Up- you mean new plugs, never. The plugs are OEM and suppose to last 100K. I have taken them out and cleaned them in the past. They looked OK. No, I haven't tried to clean the MAF sensor. I didn't know that they made a special electronics cleaner for that purpose. If you suggest, I'll try that first. If you think I should replace the AC 41-921 plugs, what brand to you recommend?
Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 24, 2010 at 8:49 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The plugs are to last for 100K but different driving conditions can cause them to wear sooner. In my book, the 100K is under perfect conditions.

As far as the cleaner, any parts store will have it. Just tell them you want to clean the MAF. It is a cheap thing to try and doesn't take long.

Truly, at nearly 90K, plugs, wires... could be causing problems. You may want to consider replacing them. I can't guarantee it will fix the problem, but it can't hurt. Consider it preventative maintenance. Same with the fuel filter if you never replaced it.

Let me know how things go, and Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

Take care,
Joe
Nov 25, 2010 at 6:06 AM
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AUTOMAN2000
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Joe:
Sorry for this tardy reply. Into holiday stuff. I put in a new air filter, removed and cleaned the MAF sensor with the special spray cleaner, installed new Bosch top of the line spark plugs, and, finally installed new premium plug wires. The old AC OEM plugs weren't terrible for 87K, but it was time to replace them. The wires at the firewall were in poor condition. Almost welded to the plugs, due to heat I'm sure.

All is now well with 2000 Buick. It runs like it was new.

Thanks for your help.

Merry Christmas.

Dave
Dec 24, 2010 at 4:15 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Dave:
That is good news. I'm glad you got it fixed. I too am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Same here with Christmas. I hope you had a good one. My kids have me about dead. Here is is 1:34AM, dec. 26 and I'm trying to catch up.

Regardless, thanks for using 2carpros, and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care of yourself, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Joe
Dec 26, 2010 at 6:35 AM