I have a 2000 Grand Am, 4cyl., 200K miles. While driving above 45mph, it starts to sputter, RPMs drop gradually to zero while I am pumping the gas pedal. I shift to Neutral, restart without a problem, shift back to drive, and go about my business. My speed is usually down to about 35mph.
It has done this while on the interstate rolling at 70mph, and I got it back under power at about 60mph. I tried the cruise control to see if it would make a difference, and it did. As long as I had it on, I could feel a sputtering, but RPMs stayed up. Shortly after I turn off the cruise control, the sputtering starts, and RPMs start dropping. I quickly engaged the cruise control, and the RPMs shot back up over 2K.
I was thinking it might be the fuel filter. I bought the car used with 180K, and not sure if the last owner ever changed it. BUT...the cruise control experiment sent the filter idea out the window. A true filter problem would have had the same results with or without the cruise engaged. (At least that's my theory).
Since i bought the car, I have replaced a coil pak, fresh plugs, air filter, and an oil change less than 500 miles ago. I also replaced the gas cap with a locking cap that doesn't seem to seal like the OEM. My 'check engine' light STAYS on. So, not sure if this issue would cause the light to come on or not, since it stays on. With my schedule, I won't have time to go my AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc until MAYBE Sunday to do a diagnostic.
Thanks for any help provided.
It has done this while on the interstate rolling at 70mph, and I got it back under power at about 60mph. I tried the cruise control to see if it would make a difference, and it did. As long as I had it on, I could feel a sputtering, but RPMs stayed up. Shortly after I turn off the cruise control, the sputtering starts, and RPMs start dropping. I quickly engaged the cruise control, and the RPMs shot back up over 2K.
I was thinking it might be the fuel filter. I bought the car used with 180K, and not sure if the last owner ever changed it. BUT...the cruise control experiment sent the filter idea out the window. A true filter problem would have had the same results with or without the cruise engaged. (At least that's my theory).
Since i bought the car, I have replaced a coil pak, fresh plugs, air filter, and an oil change less than 500 miles ago. I also replaced the gas cap with a locking cap that doesn't seem to seal like the OEM. My 'check engine' light STAYS on. So, not sure if this issue would cause the light to come on or not, since it stays on. With my schedule, I won't have time to go my AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc until MAYBE Sunday to do a diagnostic.
Thanks for any help provided.