From Hastings, Minnesota - 2002 SSEI
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From Hastings, Minnesota - 2002 SSEI
I'm another Minnesotan, been lurking for a few weeks here on the forum since I bought a 2002 Midnight blue SSEI. It'* a nice car, I'm enjoying it so far, never had a Pontiac before. I've been reading the forum to get some tips about troubleshooting a few issues it has. We already replaced the rear passenger side window regulator. The car vibrates when braking, I assume I need new rotors? And brake pads, reading the forum I suppose I should get ceramic? It is getting 21.5 MPG, not what I expected. Husband was positive we were going to be getting great gas mileage with a 3800 engine. The gas mileage isn't better or worse with the quality of gas I put in it. It has about 81,000 miles on it. It'* definately a fast car, pretty fun for an old lady. We have a scan tool, these are the codes:
P0332 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The service engine soon light was on, I cleared it, now it comes on once in a while.
So we're thinking, order the brakes, rotors, 02 sensor, and knock sensor? Probably new spark plugs and maybe wires too. Replace those things and then see if it really needs a new cat? Thinks it'* best to get parts stright from GM or is something else better?
Bonnie
P0332 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The service engine soon light was on, I cleared it, now it comes on once in a while.
So we're thinking, order the brakes, rotors, 02 sensor, and knock sensor? Probably new spark plugs and maybe wires too. Replace those things and then see if it really needs a new cat? Thinks it'* best to get parts stright from GM or is something else better?
Bonnie
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Certified Car Nut
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 11,269
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From: My reclining computer chair
First of all....
Welcome to the family.
You can try www.gmpartsdirect.com for the parts. The prices are a little better but shiping is kinda high.
As for the gas milage,Ei'* are more for the power than milage
BTW,nice color choice
Welcome to the family.
You can try www.gmpartsdirect.com for the parts. The prices are a little better but shiping is kinda high.
As for the gas milage,Ei'* are more for the power than milage
BTW,nice color choice
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True Car Nut
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,459
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From: Sauk Centre, MN
Welcome fellow MN'er!!! 
For the oxygen sensor get the AC Delco and GM part # and search ebay -you should be able to get one there for around $30 to your door -just don't settle for anything but the AC/Delco/GM sensor or your mpgs will drop even lower.
As for the MPG'* the o2 sensor could very well be the cause and I'd suggest sticking with premium unleaded fuel so the PCM can learn the grade of fuel so it can set all parameters for it. If you are constantly switching grades the PCM will not really learn and will be heaving relearn with every tank.
And definitely get the knock sensor fixed or find out why the voltage is low. That too could cause the low MPG'* as it may be reason for the PCM to call for more fuel if it'* getting a Knock reading without any knock.
One thing you may want to do when you get these fixed is to replace the spark plugs or at least check them to make sure they aren't fouled or anything due to the extra fuel being fed into the cylinders.
IF it comes down to having to replace the catalytic convertor you can get a Magnaflow unit on ebay or @ www.justmagnaflow.com for under $60. You would want a 2.5" inlet/outlet without vacuum pipe.
Good luck with the repairs and I hope to see you at one of our MN gatherings.
For the oxygen sensor get the AC Delco and GM part # and search ebay -you should be able to get one there for around $30 to your door -just don't settle for anything but the AC/Delco/GM sensor or your mpgs will drop even lower.
As for the MPG'* the o2 sensor could very well be the cause and I'd suggest sticking with premium unleaded fuel so the PCM can learn the grade of fuel so it can set all parameters for it. If you are constantly switching grades the PCM will not really learn and will be heaving relearn with every tank.
And definitely get the knock sensor fixed or find out why the voltage is low. That too could cause the low MPG'* as it may be reason for the PCM to call for more fuel if it'* getting a Knock reading without any knock.
One thing you may want to do when you get these fixed is to replace the spark plugs or at least check them to make sure they aren't fouled or anything due to the extra fuel being fed into the cylinders.
IF it comes down to having to replace the catalytic convertor you can get a Magnaflow unit on ebay or @ www.justmagnaflow.com for under $60. You would want a 2.5" inlet/outlet without vacuum pipe.
Good luck with the repairs and I hope to see you at one of our MN gatherings.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Purgatory
Welcome to the addiction and...... errr we're nuts.
Do us a favor and take this quote and put it in the 00-05 section. You will get help quicker. -
Do us a favor and take this quote and put it in the 00-05 section. You will get help quicker. -
We already replaced the rear passenger side window regulator. The car vibrates when braking, I assume I need new rotors? And brake pads, reading the forum I suppose I should get ceramic? It is getting 21.5 MPG, not what I expected. Husband was positive we were going to be getting great gas mileage with a 3800 engine. The gas mileage isn't better or worse with the quality of gas I put in it. It has about 81,000 miles on it. It'* definately a fast car, pretty fun for an old lady. We have a scan tool, these are the codes:
P0332 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The service engine soon light was on, I cleared it, now it comes on once in a while.
So we're thinking, order the brakes, rotors, 02 sensor, and knock sensor? Probably new spark plugs and maybe wires too. Replace those things and then see if it really needs a new cat? Thinks it'* best to get parts stright from GM or is something else better?
P0332 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low Input (Bank 2)
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
The service engine soon light was on, I cleared it, now it comes on once in a while.
So we're thinking, order the brakes, rotors, 02 sensor, and knock sensor? Probably new spark plugs and maybe wires too. Replace those things and then see if it really needs a new cat? Thinks it'* best to get parts stright from GM or is something else better?
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Posts like a Camaro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 936
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From: Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Welcome! I maybe since its 4:20am.... but i found it funny that your name is Bonnie and you drive a Bonnie!
***Did anyone mention that we're all crazy???*** have fun!
***Did anyone mention that we're all crazy???***
have fun!
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Certified Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,408
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From: Robbinsdale, MN
Welcome from Robbinsdale!!!
If you or the hubby need to borrow a scanner, and you're ever in the West Metro I don't get "out east" much anymore) let me know. Mine'* pretty much always in my trunk.
If you or the hubby need to borrow a scanner, and you're ever in the West Metro I don't get "out east" much anymore) let me know. Mine'* pretty much always in my trunk.
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Posts like a Ricer Type-R
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 13
FYI, those codes are pointing to your REAR knock sensor and your REAR O2 sensor after the catalytic converter, but if you don't know how old the FRONT O2 sensor is, or you know it'* over 60k miles old, it'* a good idea to change it considering gas prices.
You really should start a new topic for the mechanical issues in the 2000-2005 section, and link it back to this topic.
You really should start a new topic for the mechanical issues in the 2000-2005 section, and link it back to this topic.
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