I have a '99 Grand Prix GTP with 60K on it (bought it with 40K on it 6 years ago in '03, to give you an idea of my driving habits). Used it for local driving for the past 6 years and recently in the last 4 months Ive been driving to my new job that is a 25 mile commute each way. Recently my car started to sputter and shake when I accelerated, and at red lights/stop signs or when idling it would sputter, lurch forward, then die out. It would start up again fine. This went on for a while and I figured it was bad gas since I bought gas somewhere new. I had no check engine light come on, and I took it to Autozone, they tried to see if any codes came up but none did. So I bought some Lucas fuel cleaner, changed the fuel filter, and still the problem persisted. Yesterday it decided on the highway at 60 MPH it was going to sputter and die out on me, luckily I was able to get on the shoulder, kick it in neutral, start it back up and exit the damn freeway LOL. FINALLY - My check engine light came on, took it back to Autozone, and it's the MAF sensor. They said they had the part for 180, I was hesitant since I don't have a lot of money and Im going to have my boyfriend get the part at cost and install it himself (he's good with cars and trucks, was a mechanic for years) and I'd pay him back. Now I was reading today that I need an ACDelco MAF sensor - is that true? Is it necessary that I get that particular brand? I know it's a GM brand, does that matter? Or can I get the Cordone (I think that's the name...) brand? I am driving fairly heavily each day now, 50+ miles, but like I said I don't have a lot of money and even at cost the ACDelco MAF sensor is gonna be 150. I also have my supercharger belt removed (it broke, need to get another but for now I have performance shift off and this actually helps me refrain from speeding) - so do I need the ACDelco brand or can I just get an off-brand MAF sensor? I know the car needs this to run, but here's a second part to my question: Do MAF sensors just "go out"? I have never changed out the air filter so maybe that's why? Is this going to be a reoccuring problem or is it a simple fix? I admit I am an ignorant chick when it comes to cars, so any help is appreciated with helping me getting my car running while being cost-effective. Thank you in advance!!
