98 Grand Am, Sputtering While Idling--Possible Causes?

[Matt Starr]

Hello All,

I've been researching this topic on this forum and others, but I still wanted to start a thread that addressed my own personal car. I am not a car person. I wish I was, but since I'm not I'm bringing this to people who are. Thanks for being interested in helping.

I have a 1998 Pontiac Grand Am GT, 6 cylinder, 185,000 miles.

Yesterday it began sputtering when driving at a low speed, 15 mph or less, such as when slowing to a stop light or parking.

It then began sputtering to the point that it would shut off.

When I'm driving everything is fine, but now every time I come to a stop I feel like my car is about to die.

Do you have some suggestions of what this might be? My finances are very tight right now, so I am hoping this will something I can afford.

Thank you for reading.

 

[melsg5]

Is your check engine light on? When is the last time you did basic maintenance, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, etc.?

 

[Roadrunner]

in this case a complete tune up should fix your problem, but we need more info on past maintenance, smoke coming from the tail pipe, loss of fluid ect.

 

[Matt Starr]

Is your check engine light on? When is the last time you did basic maintenance, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, etc.?

Actually the Check Engine light has been stuck on for the past 3 years or so, my mechanic wasn't able to get it to turn off so it's just always on.

I have not changed the air filter, fuel filter, or spark plugs any time recently. I was honestly not even aware that those were things I would replace periodically. I wasn't kidding when I said I wasn't a car person.

It sounds like it's time to replace those then?

For more information, in the past year I was driving my car about 350 miles a week. I have relocated recently and for the past month I am only driving about 50 miles a week.

in this case a complete tune up should fix your problem, but we need more info on past maintenance, smoke coming from the tail pipe, loss of fluid ect.

Maintenance-wise, the most recent things I've done was in December of 2011, where during my car inspection I had to get parts of my exhaust pipe replaced because it had multiple leaks through it. Had to replace my front brakes as well.

This car has always had radiator and coolant leakage issues since I purchased it used in 2007. I've had it fixed about 3 times; the most recent time was in 2010.

Thank you guys for your input and whatever clues you have please pass along.

Sounds like a tune-up is in order doesn't it?

______________________________

 

[melsg5]

Sounds like you have to get the cause of the check engine light fixed which may or may not be related to the car needing basic tuneup maintenance.

 

[SGPHIREWIRE]

Sounds like you have to get the cause of the check engine light fixed which may or may not be related to the car needing basic tuneup maintenance.

Actually It sounds like its not getting enough gas at low rpms. Is this stick or automatic?

 

[Matt Starr]

Thank you to everyone who helped out and gave me their thoughts on what it was.

It was actually a vacuum leak. It was quite affordable to fix at about $85.

As others here suggested, they too recommended a tune-up, though that will have to wait due to the high cost they were charging.

Thank you all again!

Matt