2004 Chevrolet Impala Hesitation

2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA
111,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SCHNAUZY34
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I know that my car is over ten years old now so little things go wrong with it and I'm used to that. Today, however, I have discovered a new problem that I have not experienced with this vehicle. I own a 2004 Impala LS with a 3.8L V6 (3800 Series II) with just over 111,000 miles on the odometer. This morning I was out of town and driving back toward home and I started having problems with the car "hesitating." I don't know if it was a hesitation, or slipped gear or what the issue was, but when I had it either on cruise control or off the car seemed to want to hesitate on me. It doesn't matter whether I'm driving slowly or at 70 mph, it just randomly hesitates. Strangely enough, for about the last 30 miles of the trip it seemed to be going fine. Then, the last four or five miles from home it began sputtering again.

I had a complete tune-up done back in 2013 at about 85,000 miles.

I know there could be several things wrong here, but I'm not an expert. Any thoughts?

Josh
Aug 24, 2015 at 3:37 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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Please define what "Complete tune up" consisted of.
That term no longer applies to today's vehicles.
Aug 24, 2015 at 4:31 AM
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SCHNAUZY34
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The mechanics defined it as a complete tune-up and even have it listed on the invoice as such. They basically changed the spark plugs, changed all the filters and checked the engine to make sure everything was running smoothly. At the time it was preventative. Now I need to see what else might be going on in there.
Aug 24, 2015 at 4:46 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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Plug wires and coils would be the main suspects but you should have the codes read first.
Aug 24, 2015 at 5:05 AM
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