2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Grand Prix SE 3.1 Engine Stall and

EBORHTAB

MEMBER
2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
138,000 MILES

After my car has been running for a while (over an hour), and I approach a steep hill or go to pass another vehicle and the car downshifts, the engine maxes out at 3100 rpm and jutters. Even when I depress the accelerator, the car will not increase speed. This causes the check engine light to come on (P0131). Then when I slow down and come to a stop, the car doesn't idle. It revs up and down, stalls, and dies. I have to put the car in neutral and depress the accelerator and rev up the engine to keep it from dying. I have replaced the oxygen sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1) and the fuel filter, but the problem persists. Side note: The car temp used to hover around the 25% mark (even with A/C on during summer). Now the temp gets up to the 50% mark when the car slows down, stalls, and dies.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Did you check for wiring issues or connection issues to that sensor. The voltage is low to the sensor which most likely set the code and not a bad sensor. Check to make sure the wiring is in good condition and not damaged. Also, check where the O2 sensor plugs in to make sure the clasp is in good condition and the plug is clean and tight.

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Friday, September 3rd, 2010 AT 11:17 AM

EBORHTAB

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply, and sorry about the bad description of the problem. The O2 sensor and wiring was not the problem though. I did some more research and concluded that the EGR valve was the culprit. I went ahead and replaced it myself and that seems to fixed the problem. Apparently after the car had been warmed up, and I accelerated hard, the valve stuck open and caused the O2 sensor to get faulty readings, which I presume was due to the increase in exhaust being reintroduced into the combustion process. My acceleration has returned, and the car does not stall and die anymore. The check engine light (Code P0131) does not come on anymore either. Turned out to be an easier and cheaper fix than I thought.

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Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 8:21 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

That is good news. I'm glad you found it and that would cause the problem. Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 10:08 PM