2004 GP 3800 Series III will stall upon starting unless throttle given?

**six2one** · 07-22-2008

hey everyone! new member on the forums! i have a question for you experts...lets see if you have the same conclusion as me. :-D

ok

i have a 2004 grand prix gt2 with the 3800 series III. it will start up when you turn the key, but only very brief...as in it will stall before it even shows the gauges go into the test mode or whatever. UNLESS i give it throttle. if i do that then it will stay on. it feels like it runs good after that. no other noticeable issues. here is what i know. my car has 115k on it and ive had it since 25k. it came with a k&n...this all started at about 50k..maybe 60k...i took it to a dealer but they just reflashed the ecu or something back when it was in warranty.

i think the k&n just got oil on the MAF or there is something wrong with the idle control motor? am i off base in thinking this may be it?

**02BlueGT** · 07-22-2008

on an 04+ there is no Idle motor, the throttle plate is actuated for idle, try cleaning both the maf and throttle plate, some built up crap in either could cause a problem like this

**GTP00Matt** · 07-22-2008

Originally Posted by 02BlueGT

on an 04+ there is no Idle motor, the throttle plate is actuated for idle, try cleaning both the maf and throttle plate, some built up crap in either could cause a problem like this

Exactly! I have fixed two '04's by cleaning the throttle plate, and others with the MAF

TDCRacing · 07-22-2008

First of all do you have any codes? If not I would try what these guys are telling you and if that doesent work let us know.

**Quicksilver_GP** · 07-29-2008

Also, from what Ive heard revving the engine upon startup is a BAD IDEA. I understand that's the only way to get your car to start but when you give it throttle or rev the engine before it has a chance to build up oil pressure there's a pretty significant risk of throwing a rod through the side of the engine block. Just my .02 from what Ive heard, not trying to bash you, just give you warning. Good luck, hope you get it figured oit!

**Reptile** · 07-31-2008

Reving it slightly isn't going to harm the engine. Good oil = good oil film build up. Now, that said...putting it to the wood when you crank it IS bad for the engine. You've pretty much got oil pressure within a second of starting the engine, but don't pin the throttle.

**Pontiacman** · 08-02-2008

My car does the exact same thing.

**skubasteve!** · 08-02-2008

I was actually coming on here to post this same thread for my girls ride. 04 gp gt, does it about 50% of the time on startup, anyone have results from the methods above? Or a site/diagram explaining how to clean the mass air flow and throttle plate or is a there a write up on here?

Thanks in advance

**Malefic_GP** · 08-03-2008

It could also be the spark plugs or wires. Add some electrical grease to each side of the wires connectors and see what happens. Start up your car maybe 2 or 3 times and see if it's any easier. If not look into getting some plugs. I don't think it could be the wires, but inspected it just in case.

This problem could really be a number of things. This just happened to me when I installed the MSD coils and wires a while back, it just need grease and a throttle and it was fixed and running like new.

**Randy_W** · 08-05-2008

My '05 does it, sometimes it stumbles and continues to run. If it cuts off or stumbles badly it will run very poorly at part throttle, feels like a miss or an obstruction. However if it does this and I cut the key off and restart it and it starts o.k., it will run fine.

**snap on** · 08-08-2008

Im not sure exactally how it stalls but some times if it does not read tach the motor will shut its self off. I would check and make sure that the ecm is reading tach

**5speedcobra** · 08-12-2008

mine does that once in a while, not too often yet. Still in warranty though, should I take it in? Or are they likely not to know what to do.

**snap on** · 08-13-2008

Originally Posted by 5speedcobra

mine does that once in a while, not too often yet. Still in warranty though, should I take it in? Or are they likely not to know what to do.

It falls under warranty. If they are going to charge you anything at all the HAVE to call you and ask your permission. They will look and see if there are any recalls or anything under the SI bullitins retaining to this problem.

**04 GTP COMP G** · 08-13-2008

what do you guys recommend as a good cleaner. will anyting affect the s/c?

**02BlueGT** · 08-21-2008

Standard Throttle body cleaner (carb cleaner is a little more harsh).....I still believe this is due to the Throttle being dirty, and the computer not knowing how to adjust for it

**twoleos617** · 08-25-2008

i have the same problem. this weekend i just replaced the plugs (e3) and wires and a KnN panel filter. still have the problem. next i'm replacing the fuel filter (needs it anyway) to see if that does it.
the throttle plate sticking...I have seen on other vehicles in the past and cleaning them seemed to fix the problem. I'll try that too in the next few days.

**Pontiacman** · 08-26-2008

I sprayed my throttle body today and it was a mess. I bought some STP throttle body cleaner from the Autozone for $2.59, I will let yall know if it fixes the problem.

**Randy_W** · 08-27-2008

I cleaned my TB with carb and choke cleaner and a small brush this past Sunday, mine is completely cured! Starts quicker doesn't stumble, all rough idle and stalling is gone.

TDCRacing · 08-27-2008

Congrats im glad you got it worked out

**02BlueGT** · 08-27-2008

Originally Posted by Randy_W

I cleaned my TB with carb and choke cleaner and a small brush this past Sunday, mine is completely cured! Starts quicker doesn't stumble, all rough idle and stalling is gone.

Hopefully this is the way everyone else can solve the problem