Hey, new GP owner having my first problems :(

**xja1389** · 08-23-2010

Hello all,

I was so excited to see a whole Grand Prix web community!
I just recently purchased a 1997 Grand Prix GT (auto) named Zephod and I love it, but it is in the shop already.
So I wanted to intro my self as well as ask for some assistance:

I just drove back from Biloxi, MS to Atlanta, GA and had some intermittent loss of power. Slow deceleration regardless of punching the gas, car jerked like it didn't want to go forward. When I pulled over and restarted the car it ran fine, for a while... It did this at highway speeds and in town speeds, off and on all the way across Alabama. It wasn't running hot but eventually the check engine light came on.
I don't know too much about engine mechanics but from what I read the TPS seems like the most likely culprit...

Thoughts?

**BillBoost37** · 08-23-2010

I'd think anything but a TPS, but that's w/o history or any codes.

Welcome aboard.

**xja1389** · 08-23-2010

I have done some digging and I keep coming back to the TPS. I don't know anything about the trouble codes, because I don't have a code reader. Also when I talked to the shop they said nothing about any trouble codes even when I mentioned the TPS. I have told the shop to make sure they check that first, but since it is an intermittent problem it may not show a trouble code, or show a malfunction on the TPS. I even found a tech service bulletin that seems to match my troubles, I also mentioned this to the shop. Once again though, if they can't actually find the problem then its a bust...

I also read that it might be a Mass Airflow, or an EGR (no idea what that one is) any thoughts on that? I am really starting to stress at this point. I am stuck at my aunts over 100 miles from home and I start back to college on Wednesday.

Here is the article where I found the tech bulletin:
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Loss of MPG and Power Until Restart
Scroll down for bulletin

**CTKGP09** · 08-23-2010

MAF sensors like to take dumps on these cars, i would definatley check that

**xja1389** · 08-23-2010

Some background on the car:
1997 GT
Bought it about a month and a half ago.
I have had no problems with it up until this trip to Biloxi.

On the way to Biloxi, I blew an oil filter gasket (correct me if I am wrong on this name) it leaked oil all up the underside of my car until it caused smoke, at which point I stopped and discovered a sever oil leak. Got the gasket fixed and went on my merry way.
Made it from Columbus, GA to Biloxi with no other problems. Then on the return trip from Biloxi to ATL I started having the aforementioned problems.

**xja1389** · 08-24-2010

Update:
Just got my car back from the shop last night. They could never get it to replicate the problem and I can't afford to sit here at my aunts any longer. I start my new semester at college TOMORROW and haven't moved any of my stuff yet!

Anyway, the car:
It is now running hot. Something that everyone kept asking me about when I first had a problem with it a few day ago. My temp guage runs from 100 to 260, most of the time it stays about halfway between the 100 and 210 markings. So approximately 150, on the way home from the shop, all normal (I spent extra time checking all my guages before I drove away!).
Then it sat in my driveway for a few hours, I packed up and left, everything was normal for about a mile then the engine started to heat up moving quickly. I stopped asap and put some water in the radiator to try and cool it down. It continued to heat up so I turned around and went back to my aunts.

Has not continued the previous problem, but I only drove it about 3 miles yesterday.
Help!

**xja1389** · 08-24-2010

Well I am on the road again. Wish me luck guys. I am headed down about 100 mi.
Rotted hose connected to the radiator. Which of course runs under the serpentine belt, and is laborious to fix. And its gotta wait til I get home. Like I said...wish me luck!