2001 Pontiac Grand Am Why is my engine jumpy, knocking, and vibrates while stepping on gas?
Why is my engine jumpy, knocking, and vibrates while stepping on gas?
What is your question?
I just had the 6 spark plugs replaced (3 autolites and 3 champions) and 3 of the spark plug wires (Bosch). The issue occurred just after the spark plugs were replaced. Before the change, the car had been jumpy after I turned it on in the morning and needed it to settle down before I could drive it with no shake. It had been diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder 2 previously (P0302).
Now it shakes almost constantly with speeds under 30mph, and flashes the engine light above that speed. It is especially jumpy when I come to stops and then step on the gas. The jumpiness will subside for the most part once the vehicle is driving at a steady speed of 30mph or more. It also starts up very jumpy and I can hear a knocking sound, the jumpiness for start up subsides as I run it more than a minute, but the knocking is pretty adamant.
What could be the cause of this? Why would the previous problem worsen after a spark plug change?
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Hello, there are a number of things that can cause these symptoms. By the code you found in the computer, there is a misfire. A misfire can be caused by something missing that is needed for proper combustion. Spark, air/fuel or compression. Unfortunately there is no silver bullet answer here to fix your problem. The best thing to do is have a competent technician properly diagnose what is causing the misfire. Once that is known, then you will know the nature of the problem and what your options are to repair it. Remember, the most important of any repair is the diagnosis. If you decide you would like to have it diagnosed, I can help.
Olando costa @ Tires and brakes for less 510-562-9195
Thank you for the answer. Unfortunately I had to resolve the issue quickly as the car sputtered and shut off before work this morning. I had to have it towed (AAA), but it turns out the problem was very simple! You are correct, it was the spark- the wires were crossed and there was too much dielectric grease. Thank you for your help, I'll check out your place for future repairs.
Thank you for the answer. Unfortunately I had to resolve the issue quickly as the car sputtered and shut off before work this morning. I had to have it towed (AAA), but it turns out the problem was very simple! You are correct, it was the spark- the wires were crossed and there was too much dielectric grease. Thank you for your help, I'll check out your place for future repairs.