Hesitation

[Wellsie]

Hey hey
I've got a 98 GT…a few days ago the "Check" engine light came on…I thought it was because it's so damn cold here. But now it's got a slight hesitation when I step on the gas; I hit the pedal, and nothing's there for a second; especially in Park or Neutral.
It's almost like it wants to stall and quit…for a split second the lights dim but then the rpms quickly catch up to my foot.
Any thoughts on what this might be?…bad gas, water in the line? Should I get some fuel system cleaner?
WB

[wiccanferret]

Personally, I'd run some Techron through there and see what happens....

[John95GA]

Try that, plus check your spark plugs, wires (and their connections to the plugs and coil packs), and coil packs.

[Wellsie]

Thanks. I got some fuel cleaner today. Hopefully it clears up.

[Jason Lesbirel]

It would be easier to diagnose the problem if you were to get the codes read - they'll point you closer to the problem.

[chasm31]

Yeah, I was having the same problem with mine. Got the codes read on it and narrowed it down to old plug wires. They aren't too cheap either. But get the codes read on it and should determine what's up with it.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by John95GA
Try that, plus check your spark plugs, wires (and their connections to the plugs and coil packs), and coil packs.

I would head this way ... also, take a look for broken or cracked vacuum hoses too as they can cause problems :(

[Wellsie]

Thanks guys and gals
Okay, so can I just go somewhere and have the codes read?

I did pull the front three plugs this weekend, and they're kind of fried, so I'll be replacing them.

Here's another question (or two)…
What's a "tune-up" on these involve? (I've had my Grand Am about ten months, so I really haven't had any engine issues until now…about 11 thousand miles later.) Can I just do the plugs/wires and all the filters and be set? Is there any timing adjustments, or is that all electronic?

Oh, and okay, say I do all this work…how do I get the "Check" light to go off?
Or will it take care of itself?
Wellsie

[zoucha69]

Sometimes your light will go off by itself, and sometimes you will have to have someone with a diagnostic machine turn it off for you. But I would also check your air filter. My car did the same thing yesterday, I read the codes and it said that my MAF intake circuit was low, basically saying that my engine wasn't getting enough air. So check that out too, hope it helps.