Got a problem with my 02 MC SS.
When I accelerate from a stand still, the car gains speed fine, then at 4k rpm it starts making a really bad sputtering noise and won't shift unless I back off the throttle and get back on it until time to hit 3rd gear, it gets to about 60-65mph 4k rpm and start sputtering again and won't shift unless I back off the throttle again.

This is my wifes car, so I thought she might have gotten some bad gas somewhere so I put in a can of Sea Foam and changed the gas filter. Still no help. I checked the air filter, tried disconnecting the MAF sensor, nothing seems to work.

The car has about 135,000 miles on it and no real problems, did have to change water pump a few months ago.

Any suggestions on what my next step should be in troubleshooting short of taking it to the shop?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Bad Catalytic Converter.

 

I agree, get the cat checked.

 

Same thing happened to mine. I agree, it's the cat. That's what fixed mine.

 

same here....cat problem

 

Thanks for the replys. I took the car and the directive from GM to my Chevy dealer. They replaced the Cat for free on my 2002 MC SS with 110000 miles on it.
Can't beat that. Apparently there was a directive from GM to replace bad cats on monte carlos for up to 10 years and 120,000 miles due to the divider breaking and blocking the flow.
The car runs perfect, now I need to tackle why the ABS & Track lights stay on all the time now.
Thanks again for all the help.

 

I think my co-worker fell into that GM CAT recall with his wife's Impala. I don't recall what years that recall is for (but won't apply to mine, as I now have a ZZP downpipe with high flow cat).

Nothing like having a fix that you didn't need to pay for!!

 

My ABS light kicks on sometimes for no reason, its rare so I don't pay any attention to it. I've read it can be caused by the ABS sensor getting dirty and it probably needs wiped off.

 

Can somebody help me locate this directive. Does it also cover 2004 SS?

 

Here is a copy of the "Policy Adjustment" that I took to the dealer with me. Hope this helps.

----------
Subject: Special Policy Adjustment - Catalytic Converter #05551 -(09/14/2005)
Models: 2001-02 CHEVROLET IMPALA, MONTE CARLO
2001-02 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
2001-02 BUICK REGAL
EQUIPPED WITH 3.4L (RPO LA1 - VIN E) OR 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN K) V6 ENGINE
----------
Condition
Some customers of 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L (RPO LA1 - VIN E) or 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN K) V6 engine, may experience a condition where the vehicle exhaust catalytic converter is replaced due to complaints of lack of power or illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). This may be due to the front endcone insulation from the catalytic converter breaking away and blocking the front of the first catalyst brick and preventing the free flow of exhaust gas through the converter.
Special Policy Adjustment
This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 15, 2005 are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 15, 2005 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are all 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L (RPO LA1 - VIN E) or 3.8L (RPO L36 - VIN K) V6 engine and built within the following VIN breakpoints:
Year
Division
Model
From
Through
2201
Chevrolet
Impala
19100001
19378250
2001
Chevrolet
Monte Carlo
19100001
19378233
2001
Pontiac
Grand Prix
1F100004
1F275188
2001
Buick
Regal
11100004
11338085
2002
Chevrolet
Impala
29100001
29374833
2002
Chevrolet
Monte Carlo
29100016
29374832
2002
Pontiac
Grand Prix
2F100019
2F276927
2002
Buick
Regal
21100001
21288762
Parts Information
Parts required to complete this special policy are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO).
Part Number
Description
Qty/ Vehicle
10343187
Converter, Catalytic (L36 engine)
1
10343185
Converter, Catalytic (LA1 engine)
1
10328740
Gasket, Catalytic Converter (Converter to I-Pipe, both)
1
15286606
Gasket, Exh Manif Pipe (L36)
1
24505057
Gasket, Exh Manif Pip (LA1)
1
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this special policy on their vehicles (see copy of typical customer letter included with this bulletin - actual divisional letter may vary slightly).
Service Procedure
Catalytic Converter Inspection
Begin the inspection by reviewing the condition described by the customer. Refer to "Description and Operation," SI document 657895, to help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists.