Was driving my 2004 MC SS on the way to work today...was stopped at an intersection and when I went to accelerate the car it didn't go anywhere. When I turned my music down I noticed the vehicle wasn't even running.

The vehicle had 0 indications that anything was wrong up until that point. When I initially started the vehicle about 2 minutes prior - all gauges were fine. No leaks either. Half a tank of fuel...etc. The oil gauge showed empty (most likely because the engine was not running?) but when I checked the oil it was fine.

When I tried to restart the car it was almost like it was out of gas. I could put the vehicle into gear...but no power, power steering etc. I'm assuming there's something wrong with the fuel filter/fuel pump...but I'm a bit of a novice so I could be wrong.

Car was towed and will be looked at tomorrow...any info is definitely appreciated!

 

Do you hear the light clicking that comes from the rear of the car when you put the key into the on position? If you don't, it could be the fuel pump.

 

No I did not. Basically the engine would start to turn on for 1-2 seconds then just stop.

 

Just got a call back from the shop. Said I need a new "Max (Mass?) air flow sensor" and battery. Looking at about $780 when all is said and done...seems a bit steep.

 

A MAF. Interesting, but my new battery died on my Dodge and it was the fuel pump. Go figure.

 

I'm guessing you mean mass air flow sensor, this is the price from http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

DescriptionYearMSRP PriceYour Price mass air flow sensor, impala, monte carlo, 3.8l
00-05 $283.64 $147.49
Electrical - Powertrain control - Mass air flow sensor


seems kinda steep for that and a new battery + labor! hopefully someone else can give you a better idea though...

 

Apparently not only am I a novice in automotives but also mathematics. It's only going to run me right under $500 or so. As he was adding up the price incrementally over the phone I added each price he said as its own. Whoops.

 

Thats a rip off for a battery and MAF. You can buy a new GM MAF for around $150-200, and a battery for $75. Installing both of those things is EASY. Literally two small bolts on the MAF, and a plugged in sensor, and a battery, well you just remove the connectors, and the clamp holding in the battery. Replace, and bolt new one back down/ reconnect.

I would do it yourself, and save a tone of money.

 

I would have honestly said the IAC before the MAF...

But either way, you should be able to just unplug the MAF start the car and drive it home. Go on Morad and get a different MAF for much cheaper and change it yourself. Hey, you may even just need to clean your current one.

And a new battery, if you decide to change it, couldn't be too expensive. Just go to any autoparts store and get something with a 1-2 year warranty.

 

Yeah, that's WAY too much money for a MAF and a battery.