Car Problem

**Callme_CO** · 04-11-2008, 08:43 PM

Hey guys i need info about a problem i'm having.

I was driving today and my speedometer started bouncing around. I was on the expressway and was doing about 70 (the speed limit) and it would drop and catch and return to 70. About the time it reached 70 it starts all over again. This doesn't start up until about 10-15 mins into the ride. I also notice that the car acts funny when it drops like it revs up almost like it reads it out of gear. Anybody know what it could be. I'd take it to get looked at but i just dropped 500 into it and i'd like to know what it is before i drop more into it.

**Fivetears** · 04-11-2008, 09:59 PM

Year Make and Model would be very helpfull.

**Callme_CO** · 04-11-2008, 11:00 PM

Sorry forgot that info.

Pontiac Sunfire 2001 120,000 plus miles

**Fivetears** · 04-11-2008, 11:04 PM

Loose grounding circuit is possible too. All it takes is a tech forgetting to tighten a ground wire on a harness (or a dishonest tech to loosen one up... to bring you back for a stab in the wallet. What was the $500. maintenance action you just had done?

**Fivetears** · 04-11-2008, 11:06 PM

Engine type/model number?

Originally Posted by Callme_CO

Sorry forgot that info.

Pontiac Sunfire 2001 120,000 plus miles

**Fivetears** · 04-11-2008, 11:17 PM

Autozone can drop your OBD CEL codes for free. Sometimes this is very helpful.
Do you have a CEL on?

**Callme_CO** · 04-11-2008, 11:54 PM

Not sure about the engine type will get that for you when i can but the check engine light is on and i dropped 500 for a new feul pump and some minor maintenance

**Fivetears** · 04-12-2008, 03:38 AM

OMG

the pump is $241 out the door and includes a new sender assembly and strainer. I paid $260 for the one in my 2000 WJ Jeep at the dealership. Installed in under one hour last month. Wholly Cow. In either case, take your car to the nearest reputable facility that will drop your CEL codes for FREE; AutoZone. Tell me what you find out. I'll watch the thread over the weekend.

Originally Posted by Callme_CO

Not sure about the engine type will get that for you when i can but the check engine light is on and i dropped 500 for a new feul pump and some minor maintenance

Here's your engine possibilities:
4 Cylinders 4 2.2L SFI OHV Most 2001 Sunfire's
4 Cylinders T 2.4L SFI DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) on a few.

**Fivetears** · 04-12-2008, 03:50 AM

If the technician did the job safely... he/she would have disconnected / reconnected your car battery. Check the negative terminal post connection and associated grounding wires that may be attached to the battery terminal post. The connection should be clean, tight and free from corrosion; no white / greenish powdery crud. Your problem may be something this simple. Worth a look.