Hesitation during acceleration - next step?

On to the continuing saga of my 2001 Grand Aint SE. V-6 of course.

Car started losing power in a big way last fall, I've been chasing the cause ever since. New plugs, no help. Ran plenty of bottles of injector cleaner through, no help. After getting diag, changed out the ignition coil pack servicing #3 cylinder since that was the one they said was bad. No help. Replaced 1,2, & 3 injectors. No help. Just got the injectors cleaned at Pep Boys yesterday. No help.

Now, aside from setting the car on fire or leaving it in Compton with the keys in it, what would your next step be?

Trying to sell this GM POS and everytime I think I have something fixed, something else breaks and the hesitation just nags at me. Needless to say, I'm upside down on this pile of junk with the value:loan balance so there WILL be money coming out of my pocket to sell it.

Your suggestions?

is it running rich? what did the plugs look like when you pulled them? Im guessing its not tripping the service engine soon light, depending on the plugs I would look into it being O2 sensor, Mass Airflow Sensor, a plugged up catalitic converter, or fuel filter. If you haven't tried it yet the fuel filter would be a cheap try, or pull the O2 sensor(s) to see if its the catalitic converter. Just my thoughts & where I would start, maybe someone more familiar with the 6 cyl can be more help. Read the plugs its always a good place to start.

is it running rich? what did the plugs look like when you pulled them? Im guessing its not tripping the service engine soon light, depending on the plugs I would look into it being O2 sensor, Mass Airflow Sensor, a plugged up catalitic converter, or fuel filter. If you haven't tried it yet the fuel filter would be a cheap try, or pull the O2 sensor(s) to see if its the catalitic converter. Just my thoughts & where I would start, maybe someone more familiar with the 6 cyl can be more help. Read the plugs its always a good place to start.

The plugs actually stay pretty dry. No strange colors or carbon buildup. Just normal wear. Not even any evidence of overheating.

The Service Engine Soon light was coming on and staying on before I replaced the three injectors. Since then, it just flashes when it has serious hesitation issues, then goes off when it smoothes out.

Never thought of the O2 sensor or converter. Not familiar with the Mass Airflow Sensor. Can you tell me where that is? Cheap or expensive to replace? I have a fuel filter that I need to get off my lazy azz and go ahead and replace. Guess I'll need to buy a tool to pull the o2 sensors too.

Course, it might just be cheaper to sell this POS off and pay in the $1500 or $2000 I'm going to be forced to come up with to end the loan.

As for the O2 sensor it would be easier with a socket, but you may be able to do it with a wrench depending upon location.

I am not real familiar with the v6 grand am, but your Mass Airflow Sensor should be between your airbox and intake (usually between 2 flexiable air intake hoses) and it will have a wire that connects to it. Last time I put one on a car (8-10 yrs ago) it ran me around $50, I don't know the exact price. I have heard some talk on here that Mass Airflow Sensors go bad alot, there was also talk that you can clean them for temp relief, just don't use brake cleaner.

stick with it, you will get it.

As for the O2 sensor it would be easier with a socket, but you may be able to do it with a wrench depending upon location.

I am not real familiar with the v6 grand am, but your Mass Airflow Sensor should be between your airbox and intake (usually between 2 flexiable air intake hoses) and it will have a wire that connects to it. Last time I put one on a car (8-10 yrs ago) it ran me around $50, I don't know the exact price. I have heard some talk on here that Mass Airflow Sensors go bad alot, there was also talk that you can clean them for temp relief, just don't use brake cleaner.

stick with it, you will get it.

Thanks Gmack!

I hope so. Gotta get this thing at least sellable. Personally, I wouldnt buy it in it's current condition:

Power seat motor failure (stupid GM plastic worm gear!)
dents in the rear left 1/4 panel (someone hit me)
engine doing whatever the hell it wants (hesitation, etc)
Service Vehicle Soon (daytime running lights failure)
clunking in steering wheel
bald tires (might put some Pep Boys Specials on there to sell with)
burned out light on radio (thanks Thorson Chevrolet in Pasadena!!!)
Dead or slow drivers side seat belt (doesnt like to retract)

Cant wait to see whats next! And so my 22 year love affair with all things GM comes to an end. :disappoin