Hey folks,

Ok, here's the scenario: 2001 Grand Am, V-6, just replaced spark plugs, just replaced plug wires, changed oil, changed PVC, changed air cleaner. Car has about 58,000 miles.

When trying to accelerate, she stumbles and misses pretty hard. Then the Check Engine light flashes at me. Today, on the way home, it flashed and decided to just stay on. Thats the first time it stayed on. I was using 87 octane in it (cause CA gas is just WAY too damn expensive) until last week. I just filled it Sunday with 91 Octane and put some Octane Booster in there hoping the problem was gas quality related.

I'm thinking one of two things:
1.) Fuel Filter
2.) Fuel Pump

Any other suggestions before I set this POS on fire? I've been trying to get this thing together so I can sell it. Everytime I think I'm close, something else breaks. It's a commie plot, I'm sure. ;-)

I would agree with your assessment that the fuel pump is probably going bad. Check the pressure at the pressure regulator. It is a lot cheaper than changing the fuel pump right off the bat. If it holds good pressure the problem may be the fuel filter. These pumps can go bad at 58k but not usually. A new fuel filter won't hurt. If you need a fuel pump it will cost about $400 to $500 to replace unless you change it yourself.

I finally got my hesitation problem fixed after 6 months of frustration. It ended up being the ignition coil housing. I have a 94 GA and was told it doesn't have spark plug wires, but this instead. You said you changed the spark plug wires, so maybe 96 GA have them, I don't know. My mechanic replaced the spark plugs 6 months ago, but didn't check out the ignition coil housing for some reason. Took it to a different mechanic who recognized the problem finally. Part cost $55. Do you notice it more going up hills? With mine that was the case. It was really bad idling and starting to accelerate from stop/low speeds. Always felt like it would stall, but it never did.

Yep, definitely going up hills. Starting off accelerating is the same as yours. Doesnt feel like it will stall, just like it's missing a cylinder.

It sounds like the same problem as mine. Definitely check out the ignition coil housing/coil cover before replacing fuel pump or anything else expensive. I got pretty sick of spending money and still having the problem. Over a 6 month period the problem just continued to get worse. Now it is such a relief to have it fixed finally!

Ok. That makes sense to me. I sort thought I should check the ignition system. Everything else seems fine or is new. I cant imagine the pump/filter getting clogged that fast on an 01.

GTP Dad, I think I will check the fuel pressure regulator too. I remember that part dying regularly on my three dodge/Chrysler Daytona/Laser's. Those 2.2's were just junk. If I remember correctly, the symptoms were exactly the same. I'll just pop another one on there and be done with it. They are pretty cheap. And yes, I do the work myself even though pontiac fuel pumps/filters are a PITA to replace. Did one on a 97 Sunfire before I fired (traded in) the car.