Hello, So I have joined this page because I have had the most difficult time trying to figure out a problem I have had these past 6 months. My car is a 2002 SS with its second 3800 series II engine. The total mileage on the car is 280k and the engine itself is roughly 175-200k. When I am driving and I get up around 3000 rpm the car stutters, if I keep stomping on the accelerator, it jerks back and forth and speed does not increase (which isn't a wise thing to do, but I am desperate to solving this problem lol). I thought it was transmission, but Autozone scanned it and said it was intake manifold. Mechanic said its Mass Airflow Sensor and fuel filter($460). Then I have my friend says it is my transmission. If you would like me to make a video, I can arrange that. Thanks so much!

 

Last time for basic maintenance? Bad spark plugs cause problems similar when under load. Wouldn't hurt to make a video.

 

Yes they have been changed. But I would like to mention one major detail I have left out, The stuttering only happens when the air is on.

 

I will get you that video later tonight.

 

a/c? That's extra load too. What brand spark plugs?

 

Yes and ACDelco

 

I also heard someone tell me that it is the fuel filter.

 

Remember the gap/which one you put in? Do you do any work yourself?

Fuel filters, like spark plugs, fall under maintenance - if you haven't done one in a while or cannot remember, it's a cheap part to replace and I'd say do it.

But earlier you posted telling you had already had it replaced. How long ago?

I'd say there is a misfire causing a stumble. I'd get the car scanned again. Maybe with a better scan too - one that can show live data and see stored codes.

 

Bad MAF could definitely do it. Or a nasty vacuum leak. Perhaps an intake manifold gasket leak. Or any number of other things. I would suspect the transmission last, based on the info given. Codes are good to have, and you need to know exactly which codes are being thrown...

 

Could be a bad MAF sensor or ignition coil. I had that problem and my check engine light would flash when it did it and set a code for a misfire. I swapped a couple coils and the misfire moved and that's how I knew which coil it was.