2000 Trans Am no acceleration

**ixgotxjuice** · 10-06-2012, 07:42 PM

I have a 2000 trans am and when i go to take off it isnt wanting to go. like i can put my foot all the way down on the accelerator and i just barely go and my rpms dont even rev. sometimes after awhile it will start going but once it seems like it changes gears it bogs down again and after a second or 2 it will start to go again. it was really bad tonight. i started to go and it didnt want to go and it ended up dying on me. then i started it and it kept not wanting to really go basically little to no acceleration. after i just kept sputtering for a few miles it finally kicked in and i was able to go and get on the highway, then after a mile or so it started messing up again and i had no more acceleration and had to sputter my butt home the rest of the way. any help would be nice. i have recently changed the fuel filter, plugs and plug wires.

**Lsfan** · 10-06-2012, 08:02 PM

Any codes?

**ixgotxjuice** · 10-06-2012, 08:32 PM

none of my check engine lights are coming on or anything.

**Lsfan** · 10-06-2012, 08:55 PM

I had a similar problem with a mustang. It ended up being a faulty computer. Hopefully it's not the same for you. I would try unplugging the maf and see if that shows a difference. Also clean it if its dirty.

**Knight** · 10-07-2012, 06:30 AM

I'd start by checking fuel pressure at the rail. With the ignition on, car not running, you should see around 58 psi. You can pick up a fuel pressure guage at most auto parts stores.

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You should also see the same pressure when the car is running.

**silverWS6** · 10-07-2012, 06:35 AM

Also clean your maf with some maf cleaner, very simple but you wouldn't believe what kinds of crazy things a dirty maf will make these cars do. Does it only start doing this after its hot or even when its cold?

**Smittro** · 10-07-2012, 07:11 AM

How about mods? Still running factory cats?

**ixgotxjuice** · 10-07-2012, 10:25 AM

i have headers on the car, no cats. i have hooked up a gauge to it before and the pressure was right at the fuel rail. it does it when the car is cold and hot too.

**ixgotxjuice** · 10-07-2012, 12:16 PM

ok i unplugged the MAF sensor and its running fine now. so what does that mean exactly? is it the sensor or is it dirty. ive looked at it before i could still see thru it so i dont know if its dirty or not really. also how long can i leave it unplugged if its the sensor itself?

**silverWS6** · 10-07-2012, 12:27 PM

It wont be able to run correctly without the MAF for long, go to a auto parts store and get a maf cleaner spray and spray it in there. Won't hurt to clean your throttle body either. Also have them check for codes even if the SES light is off.

**ixgotxjuice** · 10-07-2012, 01:52 PM

k thanks will try that.

**pajeff02** · 10-07-2012, 05:25 PM

When the MAF fails, the PCM defaults to speed density and estimates air flow into the engine. Odd that you weren't getting a code. Just for giggles, check your "ENG SENS" fuse in the underhood electrical box.

**35th-ANV-SS** · 10-08-2012, 08:56 PM

Subscribed to see the update. I bet your MAF is just dirty. They typically don't go bad...typically.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-09-2012, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by 35th-ANV-SS

Subscribed to see the update. I bet your MAF is just dirty. They typically don't go bad...typically.

On my dd it just failed without warning while on the Interstate. I limped it to a parts store and tried cleaning the MAF 3 times. No luck, ended up having to get a new MAF in order to get home.

**RedFenix_68** · 10-19-2012, 11:51 AM

Like the rest of everyone has said here, sounds like the maf. Be careful it could also be the temperature sensor. Found out mine was coming loose and the temp guage and rpm guage would flare up. on top of that, the car would be hard to accelerate like you said your car was having problems with. and i was so confused at one point the car would either die or would not even start. I took it to a shop saw a "hanging wire" it was the temp sensor not plugged in, it came loose at some point, i plugged it back in and has been fine ever sense...unless it comes undone again haha git-r-done!