2001 grand prix problems

[Kim]

I hope someone can help me...My 01 has had occasional (like once a month) problems of dying when I idle. Two weeks ago it started stalling everytime I idled..then would start back up then stall again. I could drive it about ten feet then it would stall again. I took it to the mechanic to run a diagnostic and he said the mass air flow sensor was bad. Had my ex replace it and it was fine for 2 days. Then it started doing the same thing. What else might be causing the problem?

I hesitate to turn the mechanic loose, as I know that females tend to be taken advantage of around here.
Thanks!

[mechmike0034]

Where in Utah are you? I'll try to find someone trustworthy and competent...

[Kim]

Thanks Mechmike, I'm in Logan.

[mechmike0034]

I don't know either of these personally, but one belongs to a web-based group of automotive technicians that I participate in and the other is a member of ASA (The Automotive Service Association). Chances are a shop that's a member of one or both organizations is a safer bet than the average shop.

Accurate Automotive
461 N 1000 W
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 755-6163

Carsmart Automotive Repair
Norman Larsen, Owner
58 1/2 W 400 N
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 787-9458

There are so many different things that can cause stalling that I hesitate to recommend anything other than having someone who knows what they are doing diagnose the problem.

Also, a computer diagnostic trouble code for a mass airflow sensor problem does not necessarily mean that the sensor itself has failed, as you have already discovered. Again, without knowing more I can't tell you more.

[uncledaddy]

Also, a computer diagnostic trouble code for a mass airflow sensor problem does not necessarily mean that the sensor itself has failed, as you have already discovered. Again, without knowing more I can't tell you more.

Agreed. In my experience, I rarely saw GM Mass Air Flow Sensor failures after 95' that weren't attributed to installing something such as a cold air intake system like a K&N kit. ( The oil in that filter would coat the sensor causing false readings. ) mechmike's suggestion would be the safest and least costly solution IMO. Good luck. :)

[mechmike0034]

W-bodies with a 3100 V6 from that era were notorious for crank sensor harness rubthrough at the A/C accumulator assembly which would cause stalling.

Again, that may or may not be your problem...

[mechmike0034]

Agreed. In my experience, I rarely saw GM Mass Air Flow Sensor failures after 95' that weren't attributed to installing something such as a cold air intake system like a K&N kit. ( The oil in that filter would coat the sensor causing false readings. ) mechmike's suggestion would be the safest and least costly solution IMO. Good luck. :)

Delphi MAFs aren't totally infallible, but failures are indeed the exception rather than the rule. Like you said, contamination by an outside source is the biggest issue since they have no burn-off function to keep them clean. Bargain-basement quick lube air filters can cause MAF contamination/skewing as well.

[Kim]

thanks guys, I do appreciate the advice. Is the crank harness something my ex can check before I take it to the shop? Is it replaceable by a do-it-yourselfer? What about the air filter? Should I have him check for problems there? I'd really like to avoid the shop if I can, with Xmas coming.

[mechmike0034]

thanks guys, I do appreciate the advice. Is the crank harness something my ex can check before I take it to the shop? Is it replaceable by a do-it-yourselfer? What about the air filter? Should I have him check for problems there? I'd really like to avoid the shop if I can, with Xmas coming.

Forget the air filter if the MAF has been replaced. If it has a 3100 engine in it, look for the harness rub. The A/C Accumulator is a silver can with at least one big A/C hose running into it. It may have a black foam rubber cover (like one of the foam "cozies" you put a can of beer or soda in in the summertime) over it.

Here's what an accumulator looks like (this pic shows three of them - they are about eight inches tall):

http://www.aircoparts.com/images/accumulator-pic03-b%5B1%5D.jpg

Closely inspect (look and feel) any wiring harness that runs near or over it for signs of rub-through. If you have bare wires touching metal you've found it. If you get lucky you can just tape the wires up temporarily and then wire-tie the harness up and away from where it was rubbing. Really severe rubthrough should have professional repair. If you find it and tape it up, have it professionally repaired ASAP.