Thread: Severe engine and electrical problems

I just drove back my new 1998 pontiac grand prix daytona 500 from tucson to nogales and it barely made it I just am so furious with the previous owner. It runs and drives perfect for the first 30 minutes then the engine starts losing power and cutting out same with the electrical, its not overheating, it has a rough idle now, and the electrical is constantly cutting in and out with the hud blinking "LOW" am I screwed?

Got it checked today, EGR valve, Camshaft position sensor, Misfire in two cylinders. That's the codes.

Replaced the sensor and the codes are still the same. I cant stop using it because of work but now its overheating and will barely start and drive. Is there anything I can do just to keep it going so I can save up for another car since I wasted my savings on this one

Have you checked the coolant level while it's cold? Pull the rad cap and see if it's low. Also check the coolant elbows for leaks.

Have you ever replaced the LIM gaskets? If not then I'd look into it.

Done plugs and wires on it?

Could be the cat is clogged up which will cause all kinds of strange issues and if it's the stock cat it's likely dead by now.

Plugs and wires have been done checked the coolant a while ago it was low (and also pitch black and smells like gasoline with sticky gunk) No I dont have the tools to do the LIM gaskets or the money to pay a mechanic but pretty sure thats causing the misfire (im not a mechanic)

The only way to keep it going is to work on the current issues. What type of plugs were put in it? If they weren't iridium or copper plugs then that could be the cause of the misfires. These cars hate platinum plugs.

Other than basic tools, just a torque wrench and some PTFE thread sealer and you'd be good to go. Of course being your first time doing it I would prepare to have it down for 2-3 days. A good coolant flush should take care of that nasty (likely stock) coolant.

You can source the parts off RockAuto to save some money. They also usually have a coupon code around to help save some extra.

Originally Posted by Velcruz

Plugs and wires have been done checked the coolant a while ago it was low (and also pitch black and smells like gasoline with sticky gunk) No I dont have the tools to do the LIM gaskets or the money to pay a mechanic but pretty sure thats causing the misfire (im not a mechanic)

it reads like the LIM and it really isnt that bad and doesnt require a complete tool chest full of tools. fortunately you have this site and YT to help guide you. something i do in a situation like this( ive done a couple LIMs on 3800's and the notorious blown head gasket on ford vulcan v6 a few times. and the wonderful tstat replacement on a saturn vue- who in the hell decided the valley was a good place for a tstat!?!?) is have some masking tape and marker to mark everything i pull off. bag and tag nuts and bolts and misc. plus take pictures before,during, and after. LOTS of pictures.

forgot to add- tag every electrical and vacuum line and take a pic with it in place and the tag on it