1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Logo
Bill James Posted on May 09, 2011
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My 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT quit running after I flushed the cooling system.I put in new plugs, new module, and new coils. It drowns plugs and doesn't seem to be getting a hot spark. It starts when the plugs dry out, but runs lousy. When I rev it, it loads up and dies. What am I overlooking?

  • Bill James
    Bill James May 14, 2011

    The engine seized the morning after I posted the problem. My guess is a water jacket collapsed.

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  • Posted on May 14, 2011
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It sounds like the computer is operating the system in full rich mode. If all the plugs are fuel fouled then, it's something that effects all cylinders equally. If so, then check the ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor. Make sure it is connected and in good condition. If the sensor lead is disconnected causing an open circuit, the computer will attempt to run the engine like it's at -274deg. kelvin. Also check the MAP sensor hose for cracks and damage. If you are checking the same plug each time then you may have a shorted injector or driver. Attach a noid light or a high impedance test light to the injector harness. If the light stays on with out blinking while the engine is running then the injector driver is shorted out and PCM replacement will be required. If that's OK then check the injector for a short using an ohm meter.

Testimonial: "That was it. You're a genius!!! The last plug I pulled was #2. A huge stream of liquid came gushing out. I had started to disassemble the car for parts. I will now reassemble and go from there. I owe you. If you were here in Columbus, OH, I'd buy you the best prime rib that you could ever imagine. Thank You!!!"

  • 4 more comments 
  • Anonymous May 15, 2011

    It's possible that one or more of your cylinders is hydro locked due to fluid accumulation. before scraping the motor try this. Take out all the spark plugs and try to turn the motor over. Disable the ignition system and injectors by removing the PCM fuse. If the motor is hydro locked, then cranking the motor over will help to pump the fluid out of the cylinder(s). If the motor now turns over and fluid comes out then let the motor sit for a while with the plugs out to finish drying out the motor. A can of block seal may get you back up and running.

  • Bill James
    Bill James May 16, 2011

    You're a genius!!! The last plug I pulled was #2. A huge stream of liquid came gushing out. I had started to disassemble the car for parts. I will now reassemble and go from there. I owe you. If you were here in Columbus, OH, I'd buy you the best prime rib that you could ever imagine. Thank You!!!

  • Anonymous May 17, 2011

    I guess I just can't stand the thought of a Pontiac going to the scrap yard. I happen to be a Pontiac fanatic. I also had a similar problem years ago. That vehicle continued to run for over three years until I finally got rid of it ! I hope you have similar results. good luck to you. If I'm ever in the Columbus area, I might just have to take you up on that. I love prime rib. I'm glad I was able to help you.

  • Anonymous May 18, 2011

    I worked at a Pontiac dealership in the 90s. I sure miss my 72 Grand Prix. What a great car that was. If your car has the 3.1 liter engine then your probably looking at a blown head gasket. Remove the oil filler cap and look at the bottom of it. If it kinda looks like chocolate milk then you've found the problem. Pretty common on that motor.The car I have now is a 68 Firebird . I hope you get it running again.

  • Bill James
    Bill James May 19, 2011

    I didn't want to pull the intake, so I bought a can of K&W. I followed the instructions to the letter. I ran the engine for a half hour without a plug in #2 cylinder. It worked! It runs great now. There's no more overheating and no more coolant leaks. Thank you!!!

  • Anonymous May 20, 2011

    That's great. I'm glad it worked for you. It's kind of a last ditch effort but, it sure beats scraping it. It's one of those sometime things. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Thank you for the dinner invitation. I hope it runs OK until you get rid of it like mine did.

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