Is it worth it to put more money into the car than what its worth?

**xander37** · 01-14-2012

I recieved a p0300 code on my 99 grand prix 3800 gt. I replaced the spark plugs and wires($150.00). I then replaced all of the coil packs ($80). Replaced the catalytic converter($250). I've tried stp fuel injector($7) and fuel cleaner. I've had two full diagnostics ran in order to find out EXACTLY what the problems were(both $100) one from tires plus and one from pep boys. All reports back to me were false, stating that it was either the coil packs or the module underneath the coils. Had the ICM tested 3 times and it works perfectly fine. I've even listened to all advice here, thus having exhausted all of my resources. I don't know what to do. I could try replacing other things (fuel injector, fuel filter, air filter) but that would only cover a few things that MIGHT be wrong with it, leaving even more expenses I'd have to deal with (vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure and GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE.) I've been missing a lot of work due to coworkers not able to consistently give me rides and the closest bus being 45 min walking distance away from my work. On top of that I think my boss is getting sick of the same excuse. I don't know what to do.

**Tuner-Extraordinaire** · 01-14-2012

sell it.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 01-14-2012

So did that ICM you got work or did you not try it.

I may have informed your wrong the first time, but that ICM should work, it just need to have that extra bracket unbolted to it.

**16MustangVet** · 01-14-2012

How many miles on the car? for the price of parts for these cars it would be hard to find something cheaper to fix IMO.

**xander37** · 01-14-2012

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

So did that ICM you got work or did you not try it.

I may have informed your wrong the first time, but that ICM should work, it just need to have that extra bracket unbolted to it.

Unbolting it would have voided the return policy warranty, so I returned it and got my money back. I was 99% positive that it was the ICM, trusting the diagnosis of mechanics for a service I paid 100 dollars for. In reality though, it was false. When I found out that auto zone tests ICMs for free I had mine done. It came back as a working module, and I dodged wasting another $140 replacing a working part.

**xander37** · 01-14-2012

Originally Posted by 98GrandPrixIraqVet

How many miles on the car? for the price of parts for these cars it would be hard to find something cheaper to fix IMO.

240k miles unfortunately.

**16MustangVet** · 01-14-2012

As long as the body is fine parts are cheap. Trashed body=ditch the car /END.

**txslow6** · 01-15-2012

When a car starts interfering with your job. Its time to get a new one.

Sounds like you should have taken it to a real mechanic to begin with instead of throwing parts at it. Probably would have been fixed by now. Pep boys and tire place are NOT mechanic places.

**redlinepontiac** · 01-15-2012

if the car was trouble free up until now i would say keep it, but it sounds like its usefulness to you is over, sell it to someone to make a dragcar and move on.

**aussie** · 01-15-2012

I have always messed with cars, and often get asked for adive from others.. so Ill offer this advice...

If your car gets over 100K miles its going to start needing more than just regular service & tunup.
So if you dont have the resources and ability to do your own troubleshooting and repairs, then you need to replace it.

As for your misfire issue, there are other tests that also need to be run before you throw money at it.
at 240K I would seriously suggest a compression test & leakdown test.
You could have poor compression in more than one cylinder - no compression = misfire

Those two tests at a reputable mechanic will run you around $3-400, but the tool to do the job can be bought at harbour freight for $19.99.

**16MustangVet** · 01-16-2012

^^^^ Classic exactly why I say keep the car parts, hell even tools to fix it are cheap considering labor costs!

**thatguy** · 01-17-2012

I just had that code 2 weeks ago. It was injector 6 that went bad. Got it replaced and no more code. As long as you dont have an emotional attachment to the car it would be best to let it go. I had an svt contour I bought for 900 bucks. Spent 6 months fixing it and at least 2k. Drove it for 3 months and the trans went out. Then sold it for 800 bucks. Took a huge hit, but at least I got something for it. I wanted to fix it, but after a lot of convincing from my family and girlfriend I made the decision to part ways with it. And that car gave me money to buy my daytona and become a member of this awesome community. So in short part ways with the car lol