I am hoping someone can help me out

have a 02 SS with 72k ..car has always ran fine but lately when I get on it (i.e passing someone) the tach goes up but the car has no power (..my first thought is a transmission problem, but the car doesnt have any issues under normal driving and never slips in real cold weather or anytime really)...the car doesnt miss from what I can tell and idles fine etc.

Also today when driving it I has getting on it on the highway to check for this problem and it did it everytime and there was a noise from the engine area (hard to tall exactly when your on the highway going 75) the noise isnt a motor noise (i.e rod knocking etc).

The trans fluid is fine and clean , newer gas filter everything else seems ok no "check engine" light issues either... and I dont think its a trans issue but I am hoping that someone on here may have some insight or had/have a similiar problem...

 

i want to say your cat could be getying clogged (commom on these cars) do a bit of searching on that.

I'm not 100% on that since i'm not extreemly knowledgiable on them but i'm sure someone who is will get you more of an ancer in the morning

 

yep, I'm also thinking you may have a catalytic converter issue!

 

Definatly sounds like cat check your vehicles "in service date" the cat is going to be under an extended warranty until 10 years or 191,000kms or 120,000miles i guess is correct miles??? Check it out quick cuz if your 1 day past the in service date they won't do it for free.

 

I'm not thinking cat because you say the tach is going up. The tranny has to be slipping unless its stuck in a low gear. It may not be the tranny tho. Brakes dragging you would probably hear...

 

I have my doubts on it being the Cat also...like when I was doing 65mph and got on it (basicly floored it) the tach went flying up to 4500-5000 range (guess) and the car took way to long to get over 70mph. So its not acting like a normal sluggish bogging down type of problem. I wish a "check engine" would come on and give me an idea..lol

But have seen a few posts where a bad cat can resemble a trans problem, may just have to take it to the Local Stealership and have them check it out.

BTW: WHAT does check my "in service date" ??
I have read that a Stealership has to replace a bad CAT if its the original 1 ..but have read deiffrent info on how long they will do this 8years 80k and also read 10yrs 100K
does anyone know or had to get theyres replaced this way??

 

Either way if your under 190,000kms the in service date is the day that gm considers your original warranty starting. It was the delivery date of the car to the original owner

 

Well took it to the Stearlership..it was the catalytic converter after all..and it wasnt covered as the car/cat warranty was 8yrs/80,000 miles...but new cat wasnt all that much $175 installed (obviously not the dealer..lol..they wanted $725)
thanks for the help

 

you just spent money you didn't have to spend i looked it up because i know its extended for the 01-02 models with 3.8 or 3.4 gm's

10 years or 190,000km's or 120,000 miles.

here's the customer letter from gm

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; or Buick Regal model vehicle, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, may have a condition where the 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.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

What We Have Done
General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the Catalytic Converter. If this condition occurs on your 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; or Buick Regal model vehicle, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

What You Should Do
Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.


the STEALERSHIP would have charged you nothing and the factory cat is improved and the best one for the car so no SES lights

 

i had a shift solenoid going out that caused a similar problem.