Login|Contact Us
Question and Answer

Pontiac

Ask a Pontiac Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

  • Ask A Question
  • Browse Answers
  • Meet The Experts
  • How JustAnswer Works

1998 Sunfire: sputters..about 2.5 hours of driving, (in hotter weather

 
jazzmaster's Avatar
  • Answered by:jazzmaster
  • ASE Certified Technician
  • Positive Feedback: 98.1 %
  • Accepted Answers: 303
Verified Expert
in Pontiac

Recent Feedback

Positive
Great job Jazzman!
Positive
good job
Positive
I was excited about getting this problem fixed but it did not solve our problem....
Positive
This was the very detailed answer that I was looking for... Thanks
Positive
Thanks for the good advice.
Positive
positive and reassuring information.
Positive
any quik tips on the R & R?
Positive
Gave several things to check which the two mechanics that worked on my car did...
Positive
Wll check on it tomorrow, thanks

Customer Question

1998 Sunfire sputters after about 2.5 hours of driving, (in hotter weather, I think) the car would sputter and go out. Now it already is after 1/2 hour of driving. Can start right after and go again. Starting/cranking is usually a bit longer than normal.

 

Optional Information:
Year : 1998
Make : Pontiac
Year (other) : 1998
Model : Sunfire
Engine : 2.4

Already Tried:
Replaced coils, fuel pump, PCM, fuel pump relay, crank sensor, rear 02 sensor.

Submitted: 961 days and 9 hours ago.
Category: Pontiac
Value: $38
Status: CLOSED
Picture
Expert:  jazzmaster replied 961 days and 8 hours ago.

hi, did you get this checked with a scanner connected to it and if so did you get any engine codes?I am thinking that there maybe a problem with either the throttle sensor or the coolant(for the pcm) sensor that maybe inhibiting the fuel delivery process./is this running hotter than usual and are there any other symptoms that you can think of ,how long does it take to start after it sputters and or stalls (if it does stall at all)

Customer replied 961 days and 8 hours ago.

Yes, had a scanner on it. It showed it was running rich and also running lean.
The temperature is normal when it happens.
It cranks about 6-7 seconds for starting cold or hot.
It usually starts pretty much right after it goes out. It sometimes sputters a bit after.

Picture
Expert:  jazzmaster replied 961 days and 3 hours ago.

ok,I ned you to do this relearn listed below before we can go further,so do this and let me know if that helped ,,,,

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (CKP) SYSTEM VARIATION LEARN PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: A Crankshaft Position System Variation Learning Procedure must be performed any time a change is made to the crankshaft sensor to crankshaft relationship. Changing the crank sensor to crankshaft relationship will not allow the PCM to detect misfire at all speeds and loads accurately. Resulting in a possible false misfire DTC being set. Removing a part for inspection and then reinstalling the same part is considered a disturbance. A false DTC P0300 could be set if this procedure is not performed.

The learn procedure is required after the following service procedures have been performed, regardless of whether or not DTC P1336 is set:

  • PCM replacement.
  • Engine replacement.
  • Crankshaft replacement.
  • Crankshaft position sensor replacement.
  • Any engine repair(s) which disturbs the crankshaft/harmonic balancer to the crankshaft position sensor relationship.

CAUTION: Before performing the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learning Procedure always set the vehicle parking brake and block the drive wheels in order to prevent personal injury. Release the throttle immediately when the engine starts to decelerate in order to eliminate over revving the engine. Once the learn procedure is completed, the control module will return engine control to the operator and the engine will respond to the throttle position.

IMPORTANT: The battery must be fully charged and in good condition. The scan tool connection at the DLC is clean and tight before starting the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learning Procedure.

  1. Close the hood.
  2. Block the drive wheels and set the vehicle parking brake.
  3. Put the vehicle in Park or Neutral.
  4. Turn all the accessories OFF.
  5. Install a scan tool.
  6. Start and run the engine until it is at normal operating temperature 85°C (185°F).
  7. With the engine still running, enable the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learning Procedure with the scan tool.
  8. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly and raise the engine speed to the specified value, RELEASING the throttle as soon as the engine cuts out.
  9. Verify with the scan tool that the crankshaft variation has been learned. Perform this procedure up to 10 times. If the PCM will not learn the variation, a DTC P1336 should be set. Refer to the DTC P1336 Crankshaft Position (CKP) System Variation Not Learned 2.4L or the DTC P1336 Crankshaft Position (CKP) System Variation Not Learned 2.2L for diagnosis.

 

also there could be a problem with the air flow meter ,you can try and clean the sensor by spraying it with carb cleaner and using shop air ,blow it dry then reinstall it ,this may be the problem as dirt will often get on the resistor wire(s) in the sensor ...guy...

 
Tweet

12 Pontiac Mechanics are Online Right Now

Ask Your Question Now
Pontiac Questions Date Submitted
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP: 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP The Center 3/28/2013
Pontiac grand prix: How do you change a 1986 pontiac grand 3/28/2013
Pontiac G6: My cruise control will not engage. How can I reset 3/28/2013
Pontiac Torrent: I have a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. Tonight, the 3/28/2013
Pontiac Vibe: i havea pontiac vibe. it stopped running so i 3/27/2013
Pontiac G6 GT: heads lights go out, interior lights go on, 3/27/2013
Pontiac G6 GT: what is there still motor chatter in my 2005 3/27/2013
Pontiac Grand Am GT: My 2000 pontiac grand am has a check engine 3/27/2013
Pontiac Grand Am SE: 1996 pontiac grand am. key will turn to 3/27/2013
Pontiac Bonnevile: We have a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville with 220,000 3/27/2013
RSS
Next 10 >
Ask A Pontiac Mechanic
Type Your Pontiac Question Here...
characters left:

Top Pontiac Experts

See More Pontiac Mechanics

In The News

Nbc
Washington Post
New York Times
Cnn
Learn More

How It Works

  • Ask an Expert
  • Get a Professional Answer
  • Ask Followup Questions
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Learn More
close
Find Expert answers related to your question.
Sign up using email
We will never post anything without your permission.
Already have an account? Sign in

Ask a Pontiac Mechanic

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
230 Pontiac Mechanics are Online Now
Type Your Pontiac Question Here...
characters left:
Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Truste
Contact Us | Terms of Service | Privacy & Security | About Us
© 2003-2013 JustAnswer LLC