Pontiac Grand Prix General Question

My car recently had trouble starting and staying running. It was stalling and pinging while idling. I had my battery tested and that was okay. Any ideas what might be wrong?

Posted Mar 14th by Jen the owner of a Pontiac Grand Prix starter, spark plugs, solenoid, Pontiac Grand Prix,

Answers from the Automotive Experts

Jen, You may need to have your alternator tested, also you can inspect and clean out your idle air control valve if applicable for a smooth and stable idle.

⟩ Answered on Mar 15th, 2010 by Amanda J. Pierce, MBA "AJ", Certified Mechanic at BizzM3ch Solutions

Hi Jen - The stalling and pinging sounds like it may be a fuel or ignition related issue. There are many things that could cause those symptoms. You will likely need to bring it (or tow it) in to a qualified repair shop that you feel comforable with. Good Luck! Bogi Lateiner Master Mechanic 180 Degrees Automotive, Inc. http://www.180auto.com/

⟩ Answered on Mar 17th, 2010 by Bogi Lateiner, Owner and Technician at 180 Degrees Automotive

Hello Jen- best guess is that there maybe a problem with the IAC ( idle air control valve) - take it to your trusted mechanic & they should be able to take care of it- hope this helps thanks Super Girls Auto.

⟩ Answered on Mar 15th, 2010 by Laurie Sarno, Co-Owner at Super Girls Auto

My first thought is: When was your last tune-up? Keeping up with regular maintenance of your car is just as important as regular check ups for your kids! This is the second most expensive investment you*ll make next to a home! Check your owners manual for the schedule per the miles on your car..next a fuel injection cleaner could be a huge improvement as the fuel lines could be clogged,fuel filter etc....as always suggestion is what we can say here~ but have your trusted local mechanic take a look & test, I*m sure that it needs a little adjustment and up-to date items! Time to prepare for Summer! While in there, check belts for cracks per your safety! Remember, different parts of the country could be called EXTREME weather areas as where I live..ARIZ. Heat & Dust can do some "nasty" things to a car!

⟩ Answered on Mar 16th, 2010 by Pat Fleischmann, Director of First Impressions at Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair

Dear Jen, If the vehicle is turning over and trying to start, then most likely it's not a battery issue. An engine needs air, spark and fuel to run. If any of these are compromised, the vehicle will not run efficiently. Pinging can be caused by timing issues or detonation of deposits in the engine. It's possible that if you haven't had this problem before, maybe you got a bad tank of gas. If this problem has only gotten worse over time, then you may want to check to see the last time the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor were replaced. That's where I would start. Lori Johnson www.ladiesstartyourengines.com

⟩ Answered on Mar 16th, 2010 by Lori Johnson, Owner and Instructor at Ladies Start Your Engines

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