swim4skittlz Posted July 16, 2011 Report Share Posted July 16, 2011 I'm new to the site and have been looking for answers everywhere so perhaps someone can help me here. I drive a 98 regal gs and about a month ago she started sputtering when I get over 3 grand or when I throttle quickly. I scanned the codes and I got a o2 sensor heater core malfunction. I replaced that and the code went away.It still does it. I checked wires and replaced plugs and coil packs. Changed fuel filter as well. It's really starting to suck, because I miss how my car drove. Some days are worse than others; I even died on the way to work. I had to pump the gas to get it going. Could it be the whole pump resistor thing or something else? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to eaton Posted July 16, 2011 Report Share Posted July 16, 2011 ICM going bad? Mine did this, and i changed the wires and coils and it came out of it. then with in a week it started sputtering at WOT again. and the ICM took a dump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
95 vert Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 I'm gonna go with ignition module too. Had the same issue at 2500 and above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joecutlass Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 I had this problem with the tps in my grand prix. Not sure if it could be the same on the 3800 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euro Posted July 17, 2011 Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 Mine did that when my MAF took a crap, but with the rpms a tad lower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted July 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2011 Thanks for all the help guys. Gonna test the ICM and MAF today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbex Posted July 18, 2011 Report Share Posted July 18, 2011 I even died on the way to work. ZOMBIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :willynilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted July 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2011 OK so I check the ICM with a test light and it checked out. I unplugged the MAF and it ran sort of worse. Is that good? I'm thinking it might be the crank sensor or maybe the TPS. Other people have also said that my MSD wires could be bad too. They say they're worse than stock wires. I just cant seem to find the problem. It sucks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euro Posted July 19, 2011 Report Share Posted July 19, 2011 Nah it's not the MAF then. If it were the MAF then when you unplug it, it would run a tad better. I'd try the other 2 areas you're thinkin of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted October 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 Well I finally got around to changing the crank sensor. And we're still sputtering. It happens if I push the pedal quick or get on it. I really hope it isnt the ICM. It's kinda spendy for me. I still suspect the TPS. Also could it be the fuel relay? I don't know guys. I about ready to give up. You guys would probably figure it out easily; it's just frustrating. Thanks for all the help though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urbex Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 An ICM shouldn't be too much from a junkyard. I'd try that next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BadAzzRegalGS Posted October 11, 2011 Report Share Posted October 11, 2011 I still say MAF did you drive with it unplugged?? Also have you tried to go on RegalGs.org ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thikstik Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 I hope im not wrong here, but does that recent of model have the 3 coil packs? If so, Id get 1 coil pack from a jyard. Exchange packs until all 3 have ben changed, or until problem goes away...If its a coil, your fixed. If not, no big deal, yuoll need coil later. Perhas the wires are a bit tougher on coils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schurkey Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 I'm new to the site and have been looking for answers everywhere so perhaps someone can help me here. I drive a 98 regal gs and about a month ago she started sputtering when I get over 3 grand or when I throttle quickly. I scanned the codes and I got a o2 sensor heater core malfunction. I replaced that and the code went away.It still does it. I checked wires and replaced plugs and coil packs. Changed fuel filter as well. It's really starting to suck, because I miss how my car drove. Some days are worse than others; I even died on the way to work. I had to pump the gas to get it going. Could it be the whole pump resistor thing or something else? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. What is your fuel pressure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted October 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 I have already replaced all three coil packs. I used a scan tool today for codes and got P0420 catalyst below threshold bank 1, and C1236 low system voltage. Could it be my catalytic converter or my o2 sensors causing the sputtering? I have also heard that low voltage causes these engines to sputter under acceleration. The other day I noticed my fuel pump not humming when I tried to start it, so I kicked the crap out of the tank and it worked. It might be the fuel pump so I'm gonna get the pressure checked, but I want to be sure so I'm not shotgunning parts, it's too expensive. I'm also going to test the relay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted October 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2011 Tested my fuel pressure. Key on=45 or so. Engine on= erratic shaking between 35-55 . Engine and key off=40. I am assuming that the erratic shaking is bad, and am going to test my pressure regulator. I really hope the problem is that or the fuel pump. I suppose the injectors should be checked as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted October 21, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 You guys are going to think I'm an idiot, because I do. So I decide on a whim to change my MSD wires for some OEM ones and also change the autolite plugs for some ACDelco ones. Now no more sputter when I get on it. Except once it reaches about 5000 rpms, but its only slight. Anyone have an idea why? I appreciate all of the opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schurkey Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 I decide on a whim to change my MSD wires for some OEM ones and also change the autolite plugs for some ACDelco ones. Now no more sputter when I get on it. Except once it reaches about 5000 rpms, but its only slight. Anyone have an idea why? Because your old plugs were partially-fouled; and/or your old wires were somehow defective??? I'm assuming the old plugs were the right design for the engine... I'm still waiting to see what's going on with your fuel system. Should not have erratic pressure when running, and may explain your misfire at 5K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtremerevolution Posted October 21, 2011 Report Share Posted October 21, 2011 Erratic pressure can be a result of a few things (among a few others). Sorry if this has already been addressed. The fuel pump's inability to keep up with the demand at those pressure rates - unlikely but possible. Vacuum leaks - very common cause of fuel pressure fluctuations - very likely Failing or failed fuel pressure regulator - possible Clogged fuel filter - possible Very large supercharger or LIM gasket leak - very unlikely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euro Posted October 22, 2011 Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 MSD wires are junk IMO. Stock is the bestest glad to see that that fixed it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swim4skittlz Posted October 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2011 Yeh my brother put them on when he borrowed the car for awhile. I don't know why. Have to work all weekend so I won't be getting around to the reason of the 4-5k sputter. It's still not that bad, but I'll get to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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