now, I was reading the other thread and didn't want to take that thread over but my girlfriend'* '97 GP has 197,000 miles on it and runs great but has an issue of not much power. I have been able to hold her off with my dad'* '98 Chevy Astro and that shows how slow her car is. Now, I noticed that billboost said that a car should not stall when the oil fill cap is open, but her'* always does. I noticed this way back when I did an oil change for her and thought it was odd but didn't think anything was broken since the car runs decently when the cap is on. What do I need to do to fix this and do you think this is my problem? Thanks!

First stop is check the pcv

which is where? how do I know if its bad?

On the GP GT it would be on the passenger end of the black plastic manifold under the the sensor (map) with teh electrical connector.

Pull it out and shake..it should rattle freely.

I would also do a quick check of the vacuum lines and the T'*. Inspect for any cracks, wiggle them a bit to see if they leak.

Is there a suction when the oil cap is taken off with the motor running that can be heard?
If so, check the PCV for the right o-rings.

http://macgp.clubgp.com/howto/pcv/pcv8-sm.jpg

Just pay me the shipping bro and I will hook you up with a new one for $2.00, I should have a new one in my tool box, if I don't I know I have a few good used ones. 2.00 for a new, and freebie if its used, just pay the shipping. pm me for my paypal and it will be on its way.
thanks
craig

Read This article and check the items you can. Move to more intense testing until you find it. Hopefully you find it more sooner than later.



Document ID# 107105
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix


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Lack of Power, Sluggishness, or Sponginess
Lack of Power, Sluggish or Spongy Checks
Action

Definition: Engine delivers less than expected power. Little or no increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is pushed down part way.

Preliminary Checks
Refer to the Powertrain OBD System Check.
Refer to Important Preliminary Checks.
Refer to Visual/Physical Checks.
Search for bulletins.

Fuel System Checks
Check the system fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test.
Check the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil/Fuel Injector Balance Test.
Check for contaminated fuel. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Testing.
Check items which can cause an engine to run rich (long term fuel trim is significantly in the negative range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0172.
Check items that can cause an engine to run lean (long term fuel trim is significantly in the positive range). Refer to Diagnostic Aids for DTC P0171.

Sensor/System
Using a scan tool, monitor KS system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to Knock Sensor System.
Check the EGR system for proper operation. Refer to EGR System.
Check for a restricted air intake system. Refer to Air Induction System.
Check for proper Boost Control System Operation (if equipped). Refer to Boost Control System Check.

Ignition System
Check for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps:
Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground.
Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; leave the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
Crank the engine while observing the spark tester; a crisp blue spark should be observed.
Repeat the above steps for each coil.
If adequate spark is not present at the coil(*), check for the following conditions:
Coil(*) - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range. Coil Resistance
5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms)

Spark Plug wires - Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range. Spark Plug Resistance
30000 ohms (30K ohms)


Important
Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.


Defective module.
Ignition System Wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
Remove spark plugs and check for the following:
Fouled plugs
Cracks
Wear
Improper gap
Burned or damaged electrodes
Improper heat range or reach
If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical
Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
Camshaft
Cylinder heads
Pistons, etc.
Refer to Engine Mechanical.

Additional Checks
Check exhaust system for possible restrictions. Check for the following:
Inspect exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes.
Inspect mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure.
For possible plugged Three-Way catalytic converter. Refer to Restricted Exhaust System Check and Exhaust System.
Check for proper TCC operation. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch in Transaxle Diagnosis.



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Document ID# 107105
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix

Document ID# 107099
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix


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Visual/Physical Checks
Several of the symptom procedures call for a careful Visual/Physical. It can lead to correcting a problem without further checks and can save valuable time. This check should include the following items:

PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper location.
Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections, as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information label. Check thoroughly for any type of leak or restriction.
Air intake ducts for collapsed or damaged areas.
Air leaks at throttle body mounting area, Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and intake manifold sealing surfaces.
Ignition wires for cracking, hardness, proper routing and carbon tracking.
Wiring for proper connections, pinches and cuts.

Additional Checks

Check for proper TCC operation. Refer to Torque Converter Clutch in Transaxle Diagnosis.


Do you have any additional information on the TCC operation? I sure would appreciate any info you may have to help me fix my "stuttering" transmission problem. Thanks!! Rene
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Document ID# 107105
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix[/QUOTE]