I'm not sure if I posted this in the proper place but hello there and thank you in advance for any input you may have. I have a 99 3.8L v6 automatic Camaro with about 125,000 miles and fuel injection. I noticed recently that there has been a slight hesitation when acceleration from a stop but it hasn't been intense and only sporadic and I don't have the money to take it in every time it feels funny so I had to keep using it but I drove and gently and for only short periods of time. Then the other night when I started her up it had a VERY rough idle and was extremely hesitant when accelerating. I drove it around the block to feel it out and it almost felt like it was going to stall out and die on me, it was very shaky and basically felt like s**t.

I have been doing some research online and found that a lot of people with the same symptoms tried cleaning the throttle body and IAC(..?) and that seemed to be the solution(for most people). Also I haven't had a tune up(new spark plugs and wires) in a while, could that be affecting it? Do you think that cleaning the throttle body will fix my problem? or at least most likely fix the problem?
Any input would be appreciated because I really can't afford to just take it in, plus I'm a woman with no men around to help and I know how they typically take advantage of women or even men who have no clue about cars. PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

 

welcome to the forum cindyc720. first thing i would do is get it scanned for trouble codes, any parts store can do this and its free. than get the actual code (example: P0305, which would be a misfire on cylinder 5) and report back to us. than if its been a while since you've had a tune up its probably not a bad idea to get new plugs, wires, fuel and air filters, and oil change (depending on when it was last done).

also if you have a basic socket set you can do this yourself and save quite a bit of money, any questions on how to do it ask us or hit up youtube.

 

Moved this to the 4th gen V6 tech section.
Has your check engine light gone on? Places like AutoZone will scan your car for free and tell you what's likely wrong.

 

You will need to get your codes checked and then check back in.

 

Since you did not mention any check engine light I will assume it is not on. I do not think your 99 has a IAC. I think it is Drive by Wire.

It could be the throttle body dirty. (this would be idle issue only, not the hesitation or shaking)
It could be the EGR valve not sealing.
It could be your plugs.
It could be your wires.
It could be a dripping injector.
It could be a failing coil pack.
It could be contaimination on the MAF sensor.

Even if you do get a code that just tells you what sensor is out of range normal. If your lucky you repalce that sensor and it fixs it. But many time the sensors error is a result of another issue.

 

Gorn hit the nail on the head with the more common issues. Other things that could be wrong are:

Failing O2 sensor (upstream)
clogged cat.
air leak after the MAF sensor


Honestly I would start with a tune up (plugs, wires, air filter, oil change and check the cooling system). If you have a CEL on get the codes that will help us help you get your car running good. OH and with a 99 you DO NOT have a IAC as your car has throttle by wire and the computer controls the idle by moving the throttle plate.

Massey