Hey everyone,
So i recently purchased a 2002 Monte Carlo SS 3.8 V6 . While talking to the seller they had stated it had a couple problems , so i only ended up paying $500 , My brother whom is mechanically well off was with me when purchased said we would be ok to fix the few problems , We drove it home stopped at a gas station to fill it up and noticed it has a gas leak so we held off on getting gas and just brought it home.
So let me list you the problems we was originally told 1-Hard steering with no whinning or noises 2-Ignition was out but the kid bypassed or wired a button to be able to start 3-Misfire The guy we got it from also gave us a list of things he has already replaced in the last 6 months it was sitting which are 1-EGR 2-Manifold along with the senor on top of the manifold 3-Alternator 4-Front shocks .
Since getting home and parked we are currently replacing the fuel filter along with the fuel line ,we have checked and replaced all fuses and relays inside car as well as under hood there was only 2 blown fuses which was on passenger side belonging to the lighters both back and front , he has also checked the battery ,we also put a code scanner on it the only code that came up was P0300 , i was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or helpful information , I know once he gets the fuel line reconnected he is gonna check spark plug wires and coils is there a brand that is better then another to use? i was also wondering if anyone had any input on installing an aftermarket stereo Pro's Con's information on brand or how to's . Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

The list of issues a bit tough to follow.
- The hard steering, is there any fluid in the power steering? My guess, it was ran dry so long it *might* be beyond whining noises. If there is fluid, time to inspect the basics. Control arms, ball joints, tire rods, even tire pressure. And speaking of tires, is it riding on factory wheels?
- You mention the "Ignition was out", I assume the ignition switch/key was replaced with a push button? If so, are you looking to go back to a key?
- The misfire topic, does not sound like anything listed would have any hold on that. Usually the factory coils are good and potentially last longer than some of these cars. If the mileage is over 100k and if the plugs are still factory, I would start with changing the plugs and wires. Even if that is not the cause, it is still good maintenance. After that, try to get a scan tool that can track misfire data. If you can find out which cylinders are mis-firing that can give some good clues as to what to do next and avoid just throwing parts at it.

 

First lets say Welcome to the MCForum:
So let me list you the problems we was originally told 1-Hard steering with no whinning or noises Check the fluid level and you may just want to change the fluid completely
2-Ignition was out but the kid bypassed or wired a button to be able to start
There was a bulletin on the switch in the dash for ignition and what they learned is alot of folks have key chains with stuff on them and this wares the switch out. So keep the button!!
3-Misfire
The guy we got it from also gave us a list of things he has already replaced in the last 6 months it was sitting which are 1-EGR 2-Manifold along with the sensor on top of the manifold
3-Alternator Keep in mind a Car battery is only good for 5 years or less if it's close Replace it.
4-Front shocks .Actually these are Struts
Since getting home and parked we are currently replacing the fuel filter along with the fuel line ,we have checked and replaced all fuses and relays inside car as well as under hood there was only 2 blown fuses which was on passenger side belonging to the lighters both back and front , he has also checked the battery ,we also put a code scanner on it the only code that came up was P0300 , i was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or helpful information , I know once he gets the fuel line reconnected he is gonna check spark plug wires and coils is there a brand that is better then another to use?
Avoid running the Car on empty the fuel pumps are cooled by the fuel in the tank and if it gets to hot they may go away. You can usually her it engage once you turn the switch on.
i was also wondering if anyone had any input on installing an aftermarket stereo Pro's Con's information on brand or how to's . Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Be careful on the Stereo thing Chevrolet runs all the programing thru the Radios and once you mess with it you might not be able to get it back.
Good luck
I think you have a serious project Car by the time you get it working the way you like you may be wanting to get rid of it. But for $500.00 it will be fun.

 

TBH that's one of the toughest codes - it's a random misfire so it has a plethora of different cause diagnostic paths.

I think you're on the right track tossing some fresh plugs and wires on it, then hook it up to a scan tool and go for a drive to log misfires along with other key data - map, maf, FTs, O2s, etc. That should help you narrow it down.

 

thank you once the snow melts once again and we get back to the work I will post updates!

 

A little update
So we got the fuel filter and line replaced no leaks .
Changed the ignition lock cylinder now it won't start i'm guessing due to the passlock/security is there a bypass or relearn procedure? i looked in the owners manual and didn't see anything.
as for changing out the stereo does anyone know which wiring adapters i would need ? i do believe i have the amp in my trunk .

 

If you changed the lock cylinder, that has a chip and requires following the PCM Security Relearn (simple process, just needs the key, no special tools). The steps for that are in the FWD Tech Info section.