Iv got a 96 camaro with a 3.8 V6 and a 5 speed. As soon as the RPM's get above 2500 and it falls on its face... If I play with the throttle I can get it to come back for a second or two but it never works right. It has a huge lack of power at all RPM's. My cat was plugged so i cut it out but it did not solve my problem. It seems to run "better" when its cold but as soon as the temp gauge starts to move it gets worse. Any ideas? I was thinking maybe the TPS? I dont know how to check that though...

 

service engine soon light on?

 

If your service engine soon light flashes, you have a misfiring problem. You're then looking at possibilities such as plugs, wires, coils, O2 sensors, among other things but those are the most common causes.

 

I have replaced plugs and wires, fuel filter, and the IAT sensor. I also cleaned the EGR valve and checked the mass air flow sensor. The service engine soon light is on but not flashing, its throwing 2 codes both of them "P1441 Manufacturer controlled auxiliary emission controls."

 

Maybe one of your O2 sensors is shot, or did you disconnect one?

 

that code is for the EVAP emissions stuff. not real hip on that though.

 

Just means his EVAP canister is on it's last leg. It's just like a P1870 (Transmission control). Detects slippage/malfunction and sets the code to warn the driver the trans is dying (like mine! =D)

 

Just a thought - the evap purge line connects to the vacuum line on the passenger side of the throttle body, right in front of the TPS plug. You can trace it as it loops behind the alternator above the passenger fuel rail. Something might be loose to trigger the P1441 - though that code is "evap flow during non-purge" - which more suggests a bad purge valve.

As to why it's running so poorly, perhaps it's giving a false rich or false lean because of the evap stuff, and that's causing it. Just a guess - might be able to tell better if you pull a spark plug and check how it looks.

 

Thanks guys, I already checked the vacuum lines so Ill try a new purge valve and canister. Could it be one or both of the o2 sensors in front of or behind where the cat was? I was working on it last night when it was dark and my passenger side exhaust manifold was glowing red hot. Does that suggest anything to anyone? My problems start when the engine gets warm.

 

I figured it out! There was a line unplugged from the charcoal canister under the rear fender. I plugged it in and it works great now! Thanks for steering me in the right direction!