I have a 2001 Monte Carlo LS with about 168k miles on it. The other day I started the car and after it warmed up a little (it's freezing where I live) it started to act as if it was going to stall every time I was stopped at a light or stop sign and then once I hit the gas pedal it would hesitate for maybe 2 seconds and then be fine. I started the car just now and for some reason when I go to rev the engine to get it going there is a lot of vibration and noise coming from the engine, however it doesn't actually sound like someone is reving the engine. I attempted to drive it down the street from my house because I live on a very long usually not so busy road. When I would go to hit the gas it was almost as if the car didn't want to go anywhere. Then after about 6 seconds the car would putt a few times and then drive fine until I came to a stop. I think it's about time I just junk the car and call it a day, however part of me wants to see if it's really worth fixing and what it could be because I'm not ready to part with the car. By the way the only light on is the check engine light which flashes if I try to get the car to go over 25mph.

 

Swap in a 3.8... problem solved.


but no clue what ur issue is.

 

First, get the car scanned and find out what code(s) are causing the CEL to flash.

Second, when is the last time plugs/plug wires/fuel filter have been changed. The original plugs are rated for 100,000 miles (150,000 tops is pushing it). If they have been replaced, depending on what was put in, depends on how many miles they should last. I would recommend replacing them with some NGK or AC Delco Platinum plugs (RockAuto.com usually has the best price on those, last few sets of NGKs I ordered were $3 a plug after shipping).

Those are the starting points I'd consider. The CEL codes are the biggies. That's the car TELLING you, it knows something is wrong.

 

Maybe its something as simple as cleaning the TPS? (throttle position sensor)
or as Jason (Maniac) said it maybe time for a complete tuneup. Maybe a clogged up catalytic converter????

Just some guesses.... But all worth checking into.

 

I'm guessing a clogged cat converter.

 

So I went to turn the car on to take it to get scanned. It turns on fine but when it's in reverse or drive and you hit the gas, the car doesn't move and the headlights flash until you take your foot of the gas. As for getting a tune up, it got one at 120k miles with new wires, spark plugs, and fuel filter.

 

Unplug your MAF sensor to see if the car runs better, I fit does that means your MAF is bad.

If you can, remove your front 02 sensor, if you have a clogged cat converter, the backpressure will go through the hole where the 02 was.

 

What brand and type of plugs? If they are BOSCH plugs, change'em again (BOSCH plugs are junk in GM v6 cars). Also, what type of plugs? Copper, Platinum, Irridium?? Copper plugs tend to last about 40-50,000 miles. Platinums and Irridiums last 100,000-150,000 (pending no issues).

Easier idea for the cat. Just look under the car at the cat when it's running poorly. If it is a clogged cat, they tend to get bright red in color.

But we really need a way to get the CEL codes before going crazy on speculation. The car's diagnostics are telling you something that is not right, it's worth leveraging that information.