Hi, I have a 2001 four-door "VLX" (same as the LS, but with a 2.2) and I've noticed that, ever since I've been driving the car, it seems sluggish to rev between 2000 and 2500 rpm, even with the clutch pedal depressed. It also gives me a lot of vibration through the pedal, and the car seems like it is "jerking" and shaking when I let off the gas in that rev range.
Sometimes, however, it isn't - especially when cold, throttle response is clean and it revs like I'd expect from a motor. I don't get a CEL when it is laggy.
It's fairly low mileage (66k km) so I'm hoping that the problem is something simple like a sensor, ignition coil or dirty injectors, but I was wondering if anyone else had the same problem. From searching I can see that other people have the same problem as me (on 99s and 98s) but no answer is posted.
My guesses so far:
- Fuel filter? I'm hoping it's not this one.
- Vacuum leak in the air intake hose? I think this would affect the entire rev range if it were letting in unmetered air.
- Spark plug wires
- Spark plugs (though they should be good for much longer, according to the GM maintenance schedule)
- Ignition coil (not sure where this is to check, have to refer to Haynes)
- Gunk built up somewhere
Thanks in advance.
VLX huh..........Never heard of one.
And why don't you hope it could be a fuel filter?
The fuel filter is the easiest on that list.
I think the VLX might have been a Canadian-only trim that dealerships offered; GM Canada references it in their spec sheets, but the US doesn't and neither does the VIN.
I don't really want it to be the fuel filter since I'll have to get under the car to get at it, but I'm not opposed to changing it if that's what needs to be done.
Any more ideas here? I was thinking of replacing the MAP (MAF?) sensor, since it looks fairly easy.
Thanks
From experience with the 2.2 it's probably in need of new plugs and wires. Usually it's pretty much constant misfire and not in a specific spot in the RPM range, but it might not just be that bad yet. Seems to get worse if you get into the throttle more? Check Engine light flashing?
Jon Mick wrote:
i find it amusing that SHOoff has nothing better to do but follow me around & be an unhelpful dick in even cross-forum.
No - there's no check engine/service light illuminated when this happens, and the problem seems to go away once you get out of that specific range, though it's hard for me to tell.
I pulled the plugs awhile ago and they don't look fouled, but that doesn't mean they (or the wires) are good.
It continued doing it during my commute today, but it acted like normal (smooth revs, good throttle response, no excessive 'compression braking' feel in the pedal) for awhile near the end.
It's done this a few other times; I'm not doing anything particularly different other than stopping (letting the car return to idle) and then starting again, and it doesn't fix the problem every time I start and stop. This might be a red herring, though.
i experience something that may be similar to what you've got going on... my engine acts up when the rpms reach 3200 which is around the speed of 70-75mph. when my engine "stumbles" the rpms drop down just a bit and the temp gauges drops as well... if i stay under 3200rpm, nothing, if it starts and i accelerate, nothing happens during the acceleration, and i think (cant really confirm this well) that if i get it higher than it doesnt "pulse" as much...?? No idea whats going on...
no engine lights whatsoever...
I actually just fixed the problem; my spark plug gaps were WAY off. Regapping the plugs seems to have at least dealt with some of the uneven jerking and ugliness at lower RPM, and the revving seems much cleaner.
Thanks to everyone who posted, I hope this helps.
is it possible for the plugs gap to increase over time?
guess i'll try changing the plugs and make sure the new ones are gapped correctly
Godspeed wrote:is it possible for the plugs gap to increase over time?
not just a possibility, but an outright certainty.
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well then...
anyone have a quick link already saved for a good DIY for changing and gapping plugs!?
