Car missing hesitating or not firing

Tiny
WILDLY ALDEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
When entering the highway or up an incline any situations that require a rapid gain of acceleration or power the car will not perform as needed. It will act as if it not firing correctly or missing and I will have to let off of the gas pedal and try giving another attempt to pick up speed quickly and it will seem to clear but will still do it. Whatever it is has gotten me in a few close call as by not responding the way I need or require. I have replaced spark plugs and wires. I have replaced all oxygen sensors and have cleaned idle air intake valve. So I am left with TPS, MAO and distributor or coil packs. Is any one able to steer me in the direction I need to be in on this? Because I am a beginner shattered do it yourself guy and work payday to payday and do not have the resources to handout a buck and am half for these sensors and would be blessed if anybody can instruct me on how to loop hole this until I have more assets to work with.
Tuesday, July 17th, 2018 AT 7:37 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If there is a sensor issue, misfire, or the engine is lacking in power, there are many different things which can cause it. First, the check engine light should have turned on when it happened. If it has, you need to scan the computer to determine if there are any trouble codes. The codes will point you in the right direction. Most parts stores will scan the computer for free with hopes of selling parts. Or, if you have access to an OBD2 scanner. Here is a video which shows how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Next, here is a link which reviews causes misfires and how to fix:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Next, keep in mind that when you push the engine, it requires more fuel. There could be a fuel pressure issue. Here is a link which describes how to check fuel pump pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

The attached picture indicates the manufacturer's fuel pressure requirements.

Let me know if you have other questions or need additional information.

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, July 17th, 2018 AT 8:50 PM

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