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2004 Pontiac Grand Am 3600 V6, engine dies when I take my foot off of the accelerator

Tiny
CHAY1950
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,555 MILES
I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM 3600 V6. It's been running smooth with no hesitation. The last few weeks it has been hard to start. I have to increase the rpms to keep the engine from dying. Now, without any other warning when I take my foot off of the accelerator the enging dies. It starts easily, but I have to keep my foot on the gas pedal to keep it running. Any ideas? Would the fuel filter cause this problem?

A side note that I'm not sure is related to this, but I get a strong odor of fuel in the front seat most of the time. I don't top off the tank when I fill it up. I get this odor at all fuel levels. I was not getting this fuel odor when the engine was stalling as described above.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 3:30 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The stalling is no caused by the fuel filter. It could be due to low fuel pressure caused by leakages as indicated by the fuel odor. You need to get theat checked. The other problem causing non idling would be the idling circuit and it could be the IAC, MAF or vacuum leakages.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
CHAY1950
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  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I have found a leak on an item that has the fuel line connecting at the bottom and what seems to be a vaccuum line on top. It is right next to the throttle cable. I have attached a picture.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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This is the fuel pressure regulator and any leakages from it can cause prro idling and performance issues. If the fuel is leaking from the vacuum hose or the casing of the body, it is bad and has to be replaced. If it is from the area where it is mounted on, the O-ring is bad and replacing it should solve the problem. Get it resolved and recheck if the idling problem persists, which would mean another problem.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
CHAY1950
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  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I'll give it a try.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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The fel pressure regulator is under high fuel pressure, so be careful when working on it to avoid fuel spilling and splashing onto yourself.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
CHAY1950
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks to all for your answers. Now I'm having trouble taking it off. I removed the front screw thinking that I would be able to lift it up some and unscrew the fuel line. But that didn't work it's still connected somewhere that I can't see. Also, what to you do to relieve the fuel pressure?
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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  • 41,814 POSTS
One way of relieving the fuel pressure is to disconnect the fuel pump, taking the fuel pump relay off and cranking the engine till it fails to start.
There should be anothe bolt on the opposite of the bole shown in picture. After removing both, slowly twist the regulator to get it off.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2011 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
CHAY1950
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I got the Fuel pressure regulator replaced and the car is running fine. Thanks for all your help.
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Monday, March 28th, 2011 AT 12:03 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You're welcome.

Glad to know you have fixed the problem.

Have a nice day.
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Monday, March 28th, 2011 AT 1:17 PM

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