Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 8/21/2005

Question
Hey Kevin,

I am not sure if you can answer my question or know someone that might be able to help.  That includes anyone els who might happen to read this.  Please get a hold of me.  I drive a 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix.  I recently had the thermostat changed.  It has about 182,000 miles on it.  A while ago I had a refurbished engine put inside it.  That was about five years ago.  But, my problem now is when I go to start it I have to give it gas everytime.  Also, when I come to a stop the engine dies.  When I slow down you can tell that it is going to die.  It does like it is running low on power almost like a toy.  The brake is usually hard and sometimes it doesn't want to turn over.  When you try to restart it everything comes back on including the radio, so I believe that it is still getting power from the battery.  The last time I changed the alternator was about a year ago.  Not much more wore has been done except the trasmission which was about a year ago as well.  I will anser an question you may have. I would appreciate any advice you might be able to pass along to me as well.  Also, my car as a 3.1 engine inside of it.  Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope someone can help me.

Thank You!

Answer
Kyle,
Sorry, but my experience is with vehicles made by American Motors Corporation. I have not worked on late model GM vehicles like your Pontiac. AMC stopped making vehicles in the early 80's, and I work with older AMCs from the 60's & 70's. I would reccommend presenting your questions to a GM expert, be it Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick or Cadillac. Best of luck.
Kevin