So I had a problem with my car running lean. Fixed that! Fine now. However, I thought the cat was plugged from the lean issue because the car seemed doggy and when accelerating heavily it would just sound like it was really struggling, but not want to shift. So I bought a ZZP downpipe with high flowing cat and just had it put on. Problem still occured. I popped the hood and revved the car up quick and noticed that the lower coolant hose collapses on itself.
Is that normal?
Secondly, I believe my thermostat is stuck or at least partially stuck open because on a normal drive the car won't get hardly higher than 2 notches above 160° so I'm sure I probably need to replace that soon. Could either of these things affect the car and make it not want to shift? I'm doubting that.
Thirdly, I do have a small oil leak under the valve covers, or whatever they are called. It seems to like to puddle up in spots by the supercharger snout but I check my oil often and it's remained full. Even after almost 3 - 4k miles. I'm also doubtful that will affect shifting.
Lastly, my dad told me that my uncle had a problem similar sounding to my issue with his Grand Am and unplugged the Mass Airflow Sensor which made his car shift really hard, but shifted non the less. However, made his car idle rough. So I unplugged mine and sure enough, shifts fine, not doggy feeling, no rough idle either. Feels like a monster. Got home after roughly a 15 minute drive and was still running fine. I put it in park and it started to hickup and go from roughly 850 - 1100 RPM and then drop back down to 850 again. Then smooth out and hickup again. So I shut it off. Hopefully Sunday I can get a new Mass Airflow sensor.
Does anyone think there is more issue than just this?
Thoughts?
