Hello all,

I have a couple of "issues" with my 2000LS 3.8L, 137K miles. Any advice on any of these is appreciated.

I have an oil leak somewhere from the front of the engine. it is enough to leave stains in the garage, but not a puddle. A few drops at a time. It looks like there is a puddle under the pulleys, along the bottom of the engine.

The low coolant level light comes on, and stays on for quite awhile. Coolant level is fine, and the intake gasket was replaced under a GM warranty a couple of years ago. The coolant was changed last year.

At between 65 and 80 miles per hour, the car shakes. It shakes worse when I try to accelerate. I have had the tires balanced and rebalanced several times. The last time the tire dealer did a test on the tires themselves to make sure there is not a problem whit tire cords, etc. The tires tested fine.
Just for the record, I have not had the struts replaced. Although both front hubs and one half shaft have been replaced.

The acceleration and fuel mileage seem to have gotten worse over the past year or so. Seems sluggish. I noticed this the most after a recent trip where I rented a 2006 Impala with the smaller engine. That car seemed much more responsive and accelerated better than my car with the 3.8.

Every so often the Transmission will shift hard into gear from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. If I turn the car off, and restart it, it will not shift hard for awhile, then it will start again. This is happening more frequently. I tried having the fluid changed, the color is good, and does not smell burnt.

Thanks for any and all input.

The acceleration and fuel mileage seem to have gotten worse over the past year or so. Seems sluggish. I noticed this the most after a recent trip where I rented a 2006 Impala with the smaller engine. That car seemed much more responsive and accelerated better than my car with the 3.8.


Sorry to hear you're having problems. This is the only issue I've really dealt with, and I went through and had my entire fuel system cleaned. Specifically, I went to the Valvoline station and had the complete system done which includes a cleaner added to the fuel AND a cleaner put into the vaccuum system. If memory serves, it only costs about $100 or so.

Another option is to go to the Chevy dealer and have their 30/60k package done. Over here, it costs about $400.

Hope it helps!

Are you getting a Service engine light? The shaking almost sounds like it could be a misfire. As for the hard shifting, that's most likely the pressure control solenoid in the transmission. Very common issue. Eventually, it may shift hard all the time. I think it's between $400-600 to fix that.

The "Low Coolant level" light is probably due to a gunked up coolant level sensor... My 2001 LS is doing the same thing and the coolant level is fine... The sensor is located on the back of the radiator, passenger side, about 6 inches down... If you drain out some coolant, remove the sensor and clean it with some fresh water it should be fine... As soon as the weather warms up here I'm going to remove and clean mine...

All good advice , guys. Action must be taken these things don't just go away.