puttering and black smoke

2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
70,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JLHART83
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  • 1 POST
My pontiac grand am is making a puttering noise when I start it and it had black smoking coming from the muffler when I drove it. It also had this burning smell!
Jan 10, 2011 at 9:24 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Black smoke indicates a rich fuel mixture. It can be caused by a couple things. The temp sensor is my first guess if it only happens on start-up. If it does it all the time, check the catalytic converter for plugging. Finally, if the check engine light is on, have the computer scanned for trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it for free.
Feb 21, 2011 at 1:19 PM
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