2000 Pontiac Firebird 3.8L AT problems

i have a 2000 Pontiac firebird 3.8 engine swap, new rear axle and others installed within the last month and i have been having really bad transmission problems and its getting worse
when i'm at a stoplight and go, it takes forever for it to pick up speed unless you floor it and
i have really bad hot metal smell when i get ou of my car
will i need a new transmission? Also, the service engine soon light flashes like crazy when i take off.

when i'm at a stoplight and go, it takes forever for it to pick up speed unless you floor it and
i have really bad hot metal smell when i get ou of my car
will i need a new transmission? Also, the service engine soon light flashes like crazy when i take off.




When the CE light flashes, that means you have a bad misfire......if it's misfiring bad, no wonder it takes forever to get going....shouldn't be driving it like this, or you will also be replacing a cat....get the misfire fixed......was an engine swap....Possible the wires/coils mixed up?

Recheck all electrical connections.......especially at ICM and injectors....

oh i know it has bad wiring. i have invested $7,655 on replacing stuff. you can easily tell somebody rigged up the radiator fan wire with another. everytime i turn my elec on that my radiator fan come on as well. but i don't want to destroy what i have fixed. i spent over $5,000 getting stuff replaced just last week.

If certain codes are set, the PCM will command the cooling fan on.......have you scanned the vehicles for codes?

5K in the last week? Are you serious? With this engine, this is probably just a base model......it's not worth 5K......

What was the reason for sinking all that money into this?

I wanted this car since i was 12.

I borrowed A CarMD from a Neighbor:


<img align="absmiddle"> Your Vehicle's Health Status <img align="absmiddle"> Powertrain System Results <img align="absmiddle"> ENGINE: There is a problem that has caused your Check Engine light to turn on; service is required. A recommended solution is provided in this report.

EMISSIONS: The United Stated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set guidelines for each U.S. state to follow when conducting an emissions inspection. CarMD follows this criteria to identify if your vehicle is ready for an emissions test. Based on this criteria, your vehicle is Not Ready and will most likely Fail the inspection. In addition, your vehicle's condition could be polluting the environment - please help protect it. Safety Systems Results <img align="absmiddle"> BRAKE SYSTEM: There are currently no Antilock Brake System (ABS) codes stored in your vehicle.

RESTRAINT SYSTEM:There is a pending problem with your vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Proceed with caution or see your qualified repair professional. <img align="absmiddle"> My Cure <img align="absmiddle"> System Est. Parts Cost Est. Parts + Labor More Information <img align="absmiddle"> Engine / Transmission $1,107.24 $1,346.58 <img alt="" border="0" vspace="6"> <img align="absmiddle"> Brake System (ABS) Codes N/A N/A <img align="absmiddle"> Safety System (SRS) Codes N/A N/A <img align="absmiddle"> Test Results Summary <img align="absmiddle"> <img align="absmiddle"> Check Engine Light Status = ON <img align="absmiddle"> Ready for An Emission (Smog) Test? = Not Ready <img align="absmiddle"> (https://mail.google.com/mail/h/ibfhqvxjfw3g/#138061b25b6eb125_Monitor) <img align="absmiddle"> Primary (Check Engine) Codes = P0442, P0300, P0480, P0481, P0756 <img align="absmiddle"> Available Technical Service Bulletins* = 299 <img align="absmiddle"> Secondary Codes = P0300, P0442, P0480, P0481, P0756 <img align="absmiddle"> Available Safety Recalls = 0 <img align="absmiddle"> Brake System (ABS) Codes = None <img align="absmiddle"> Safety System (SRS) Codes = B1001, U1000, U1016, U1040, U1096 <img align="absmiddle"> Vehicle Information <img align="absmiddle"> VIN: 2G2FS22K1Y210000 Transmission Reported: Automatic Year: 2000 Owner Name:0 Make: Pontiac Date of Report: 6/19/2012 1:53 PM Model: Firebird Mileage Reported: 115000 Engine: V6, 3.8L Trim Level: Base

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CarMD tested your vehicle's system and has discovered the following conditions during its inspection:

<img align="absmiddle"> Primary "Check Engine Light" Code <img align="absmiddle"> This is the code that caused your "Check Engine" light to turn on and it is the primary code that was used to determine your vehicle's cure Error Code: P0300 Definition: Multiple Engine Misfire Detected Layman Description: This fault code indicates the Misfire Monitor has detected that multiple misfires in multiple random cylinders (the misfire is not isolated to a single cylinder) were detected. The vehicle’s computer continuously checks for engine misfires and identifies the specific cylinder or cylinders in which the misfire occurred. The Misfire Monitor continuously checks for engine misfires. A misfire occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder does not ignite properly due to the absence or incorrect proportions of spark, air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Possible Causes:
Base engine mechanical fault that affects one or more cylinders
Fuel metering fault that affects more than one cylinder
Fuel pressure too low or too high, fuel supply contaminated
EVAP system problem or the EVAP canister is fuel saturated
EGR valve is stuck open or the PCV system has a vacuum leak
Ignition system fault (a coil) that affects more than one cylinder
MAF sensor contamination (it can cause a very lean condition)
TSB 03-06-04-030 contains a repair procedure for this code
Condition For Setting The Code: DTC P0101-P0103, P0107, P0108, P0117, P0118, P0121-P0123, P0125, P0336, P0341, P0502-P0503, P1106-P1107, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, P1336 and P1374 not set, engine speed from 550-5850 rpm, ECT sensor from 21-248ºF, system voltage over 10.0v, TP angle steady, and the PCM detected a crankshaft speed change in more than one cylinder characteristic of a misfire condition. Note: If the misfire is severe, the MIL will flash on/off on the 1st trip! Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Primary Diagnostic Codes <img align="absmiddle"> At times, other codes are set and stored whenever a major problem is detected or when an intermittent problem is discovered by your vehicle's On Board Diagnostic system. These codes are usually related to why your "Check Engine" light was set. Below are the additional stored codes: Error Code: P0300 Definition: Multiple Engine Misfire Detected Layman Description: This fault code indicates the Misfire Monitor has detected that multiple misfires in multiple random cylinders (the misfire is not isolated to a single cylinder) were detected. The vehicle’s computer continuously checks for engine misfires and identifies the specific cylinder or cylinders in which the misfire occurred. The Misfire Monitor continuously checks for engine misfires. A misfire occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder does not ignite properly due to the absence or incorrect proportions of spark, air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Possible Causes:
Base engine mechanical fault that affects one or more cylinders
Fuel metering fault that affects more than one cylinder
Fuel pressure too low or too high, fuel supply contaminated
EVAP system problem or the EVAP canister is fuel saturated
EGR valve is stuck open or the PCV system has a vacuum leak
Ignition system fault (a coil) that affects more than one cylinder
MAF sensor contamination (it can cause a very lean condition)
TSB 03-06-04-030 contains a repair procedure for this code
Condition For Setting The Code: DTC P0101-P0103, P0107, P0108, P0117, P0118, P0121-P0123, P0125, P0336, P0341, P0502-P0503, P1106-P1107, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, P1336 and P1374 not set, engine speed from 550-5850 rpm, ECT sensor from 21-248ºF, system voltage over 10.0v, TP angle steady, and the PCM detected a crankshaft speed change in more than one cylinder characteristic of a misfire condition. Note: If the misfire is severe, the MIL will flash on/off on the 1st trip! Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0442 Definition: EVAP System Small Leak (0.040") Detected Layman Description: This fault code indicates the Evaporative System Monitor has detected a small leak has been detected in the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system. The EVAP system helps prevent fuel vapors from evaporating into the air by containing the vapors within a "sealed" (closed) system. As fuel in the fuel tank evaporates, fuel tank pressure vents fuel vapors into the EVAP system, where they are temporarily “trapped.” During engine operation, the "trapped" vapors are fed to the engine where they are burned during combustion. The Evaporative System Monitor checks for proper fuel vapor flow to the engine, and pressurizes the system to test for leaks. Possible Causes:
Charcoal canister is loaded with fuel or moisture
Fuel filler cap is loose, cross-threaded, damaged or wrong part
Fuel tank, fuel filler neck or fuel sending unit 'O' ring is leaking
Fuel tank pressure sensor is damaged, disconnected or it failed
Fuel tank vapor line(s) is clogged, damaged or disconnected
Purge valve vapor line is clogged, damaged, or disconnected
Purge solenoid or Vent solenoid has a small leaking (sticking)
PCM has failed
Condition For Setting The Code: DTC P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116-P0118, P0125, P0443, P0449, P0452, P0453, P1106, P1107, P1112, P1114, P1120 and P1221 not set, engine started, ECT and IAT sensors from 39-86ºF and within 16ºF at startup, BARO sensor more than 75 kPa, fuel level from 15-85%, and the PCM detected the EVAP system could achieve vacuum, and the PCM detected the EVAP system achieved proper vacuum, but a vacuum decay condition was detected during the EVAP leak test. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0480 Definition: Cooling Fan Relay 1 Control Circuit Malfunction Possible Causes: Fan control relay control circuit is open or shorted to ground Fan control relay control circuit is shorted to system power Fan control relay power circuit is open (check Cool Fan 1 fuse) Fan control relay is damaged or has failed PCM has failed
Condition For Setting The Code: Key on or engine running; system voltage from 9-18v, and the PCM detected the Actual state and Commanded state of the Fan Relay 1 control circuit (Low Speed Fan) did not match for 30 seconds. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0481 Definition: Cooling Fan Relay 2-3 Control Circuit Malfunction Possible Causes:
Fan control relay control circuit is open or shorted to ground
Fan control relay control circuit is shorted to system power
Fan control relay power circuit is open or shorted to ground
Fan control relay is damaged or has failed
PCM has failed
Condition For Setting The Code: Engine started, engine running, system voltage over 10.0v, and the PCM detected the Actual state and the Commanded state of the Cooling Fan Relay 2-3 control circuit did not match for 10 seconds. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0756 Definition: Shift Solenoid B Performance or Stuck Off Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> <img align="absmiddle"> Secondary Diagnostic Codes <img align="absmiddle"> Secondary codes indicate that there was an intermittent problem discovered by your vehicle's On Board Diagnostic system. They are codes that could be affecting your vehicle's performance and /or could potentially set your Check Engine light on. Error Code: P0300 Definition: Multiple Engine Misfire Detected Layman Description: This fault code indicates the Misfire Monitor has detected that multiple misfires in multiple random cylinders (the misfire is not isolated to a single cylinder) were detected. The vehicle’s computer continuously checks for engine misfires and identifies the specific cylinder or cylinders in which the misfire occurred. The Misfire Monitor continuously checks for engine misfires. A misfire occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder does not ignite properly due to the absence or incorrect proportions of spark, air and fuel in the combustion chamber. Possible Causes:
Base engine mechanical fault that affects one or more cylinders
Fuel metering fault that affects more than one cylinder
Fuel pressure too low or too high, fuel supply contaminated
EVAP system problem or the EVAP canister is fuel saturated
EGR valve is stuck open or the PCV system has a vacuum leak
Ignition system fault (a coil) that affects more than one cylinder
MAF sensor contamination (it can cause a very lean condition)
TSB 03-06-04-030 contains a repair procedure for this code
Condition For Setting The Code: DTC P0101-P0103, P0107, P0108, P0117, P0118, P0121-P0123, P0125, P0336, P0341, P0502-P0503, P1106-P1107, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, P1336 and P1374 not set, engine speed from 550-5850 rpm, ECT sensor from 21-248ºF, system voltage over 10.0v, TP angle steady, and the PCM detected a crankshaft speed change in more than one cylinder characteristic of a misfire condition. Note: If the misfire is severe, the MIL will flash on/off on the 1st trip! Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0442 Definition: EVAP System Small Leak (0.040") Detected Layman Description: This fault code indicates the Evaporative System Monitor has detected a small leak has been detected in the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system. The EVAP system helps prevent fuel vapors from evaporating into the air by containing the vapors within a "sealed" (closed) system. As fuel in the fuel tank evaporates, fuel tank pressure vents fuel vapors into the EVAP system, where they are temporarily “trapped.” During engine operation, the "trapped" vapors are fed to the engine where they are burned during combustion. The Evaporative System Monitor checks for proper fuel vapor flow to the engine, and pressurizes the system to test for leaks. Possible Causes:
Charcoal canister is loaded with fuel or moisture
Fuel filler cap is loose, cross-threaded, damaged or wrong part
Fuel tank, fuel filler neck or fuel sending unit 'O' ring is leaking
Fuel tank pressure sensor is damaged, disconnected or it failed
Fuel tank vapor line(s) is clogged, damaged or disconnected
Purge valve vapor line is clogged, damaged, or disconnected
Purge solenoid or Vent solenoid has a small leaking (sticking)
PCM has failed
Condition For Setting The Code: DTC P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116-P0118, P0125, P0443, P0449, P0452, P0453, P1106, P1107, P1112, P1114, P1120 and P1221 not set, engine started, ECT and IAT sensors from 39-86ºF and within 16ºF at startup, BARO sensor more than 75 kPa, fuel level from 15-85%, and the PCM detected the EVAP system could achieve vacuum, and the PCM detected the EVAP system achieved proper vacuum, but a vacuum decay condition was detected during the EVAP leak test. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0480 Definition: Cooling Fan Relay 1 Control Circuit Malfunction Possible Causes: Fan control relay control circuit is open or shorted to ground Fan control relay control circuit is shorted to system power Fan control relay power circuit is open (check Cool Fan 1 fuse) Fan control relay is damaged or has failed PCM has failed
Condition For Setting The Code: Key on or engine running; system voltage from 9-18v, and the PCM detected the Actual state and Commanded state of the Fan Relay 1 control circuit (Low Speed Fan) did not match for 30 seconds. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0481 Definition: Cooling Fan Relay 2-3 Control Circuit Malfunction Possible Causes:
Fan control relay control circuit is open or shorted to ground
Fan control relay control circuit is shorted to system power
Fan control relay power circuit is open or shorted to ground
Fan control relay is damaged or has failed
PCM has failed
Condition For Setting The Code: Engine started, engine running, system voltage over 10.0v, and the PCM detected the Actual state and the Commanded state of the Cooling Fan Relay 2-3 control circuit did not match for 10 seconds. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: P0756 Definition: Shift Solenoid B Performance or Stuck Off Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> <img align="absmiddle"> Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Codes <img align="absmiddle"> The SRS is an important vehicle safety system that involves the proper operation of your vehicle’s air bags and seat belts. Always consult with a trained professional to make the necessary repairs. Error Code: B1001 Definition: Option Configuration Error Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: U1000 Definition: Class 2 Communication Malfunction Possible Causes:
Class 2 circuit is open, shorted to ground or shorted to power
PCM ignition power circuit(s) has a high resistance condition
PCM main ground circuit(s) has a high resistance condition
SDM (module) could be shorted pulling the voltage low
Condition For Setting The Code: Modules connected to the Class 2 circuit monitor for serial data communications during normal vehicle operation. Operating information and commands are exchanged among the modules. When a module receives a message for a critical operating parameter, the module records the identification number of the module that sent the message. These Node Alive messages are used for State of Health monitoring. A critical operating parameter is one which, when not received, requires that the module use a default value for that parameter. When a module does not associate an identification number with at least one critical parameter within 5 seconds of starting data communication, DTC U1000 or U1255 is set. When more than one critical parameter does not have an identification number associated with it, the code will only set once. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: U1016 Definition: No Communication With Powertrain Control Module Possible Causes:
PCM Class 2 circuit is open, shorted to ground or to B+
PCM ignition power circuit(s) has a high resistance condition
PCM main ground circuit(s) has a high resistance condition
PCM (module) may have failed and is pulling the circuit low
Condition For Setting The Code: Key on, and a message from a learned ID number was not detected for the five seconds. Modules on the Class 2 circuit monitor for data communications during vehicle operation. When a module receives a message for critical data, the module records the identification number of the module sending the message for State of Health monitoring (Node Alive messages). Once a module learns an ID number, it checks for that module's Node Alive message. Note: Look for this code in all modules. The one without the code is the module that has a problem, and it may have failed. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: U1040 Definition: Loss Of Communication With Brake/Traction Control Module Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) <img align="absmiddle"> Error Code: U1096 Definition: No Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster Possible Causes:
IPC Class 2 circuit is open, shorted to ground or to B+
IPC ignition power circuit has a high resistance condition
IPC main ground circuit(s) has a high resistance condition
IPC (module) may have failed and is pulling the circuit low
Condition For Setting The Code: Key on, and a message from a learned ID number was not detected for the five seconds. Modules on the Class 2 circuit monitor for data communications during vehicle operation. When a module receives a message for critical data, the module records the identification number of the module sending the message for State of Health monitoring (Node Alive messages). Once a module learns an ID number, it checks for that module's Node Alive message. Note: Look for this code in all modules. The one without the code is the module that has a problem, and it may have failed. Technical Service Bulettin (TSB) Available? No
What Is A TSB? (http://47.5/Article/TechnicalServiceBulletins) Copyright ©2012 CarMD.com Corp. All rights reserved. Portions Copyright ©2012 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Used under license. <img align="absmiddle"> Vehicle Health Monitor™ Status <img align="absmiddle"> The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set guidelines for each U.S. state to follow when conducting an emissions inspection. CarMD follows this criteria to identify if your vehicle is ready for an emissions test. The table below shows all supported Monitors for your vehicle and the test results. Under the EPA guidelines, your vehicle is considered "Ready" or "Not Ready" based on the following Monitor status criteria: (1) All Model Years 1996 to 2000 must have 2 or less Monitors as "Not Complete"; and (2) All Model Years 2001 and newer must have 1 or less Monitor as "Not Complete". If your test results show that your are "Not Ready" because of an incomplete Monitor, you will need to drive your vehicle for several days and run the test again to ensure that your vehicle is ready prior to scheduling an emissions test. Please be advised that an incomplete Monitor does not indicate that you will fail your emissions test. However, you will most likely Fail your emissions test if these outcomes are present: (1) Check Engine light is ON while engine is running; (2) A primary code is present; (3) a vehicle's Check Engine bulb is not working; and (4) a vehicle's DLC connector is missing, tampered, or inoperable. In this instance, your vehicle will require service prior to an inspection. Monitor Name Monitor Icon Status MIL (Check Engine Light) <img align="absmiddle"> ON Catalyst Monitoring <img align="absmiddle"> Not Completed Evaporative System Monitoring <img align="absmiddle"> Completed Oxygen Sensor Monitoring <img align="absmiddle"> Completed Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitoring <img align="absmiddle"> Not Completed EGR System Monitoring <img align="absmiddle"> Completed <img align="absmiddle"> Freeze Frame Data <img align="absmiddle"> This is your vehicle's operating condition, which was recorded at the time the failure occurred and the Check Engine light was set. This information is valuable when performing the fix yourself or if you are having a professional technician perform the repair. The theory is to recreate these parameters to ensure that the problem was indeed corrected. Parameter Description Results DTC for which Freeze Frame was Stored P0300 Fuel System 1 Status Closed Loop Fuel System 2 Status Closed Loop Calculated LOAD Value 61.18 % Engine Coolant Temp 116.60 °F Short Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1 0.78 % Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 1 -9.38 % Short Term Fuel Trim - Bank 2 -25.00 % Long Term Fuel Trim - Bank 2 -25.00 % Intake Manifold Absolute Pressure 26.65 inHg Engine RPM 3,409.00 rpm Vehicle Speed Sensor 23.61 mph Air Flow Rate Mass Air Flow Sensor 14.25 lb/min Absolute Throttle Position 50.20 %

CarMD? Give me an old fashion code reader......talk about complicating things.......I am not about to read through all that crap to find out what is a hard code, history code or pending code is....

One thing I will agree on....you have a misfire....that is the first thing to deal with.....

As for spending money for sentimental reasons, I can see you wanting a Firebird....but why a 3.8 instead of an LS1, for performance? I would have leaned towards a Formula with a 5.7.....could be had for just the amount of repairs you put in....and it would have been driveable......

However, we guys tend to fall in love with certain cars, no matter what the condition.....don't know how old you are, but it's probably a good lesson learned here.....

Believe me, i would but i have 0 patience to wait any more longer. I thought i was gonna do a 3.8 to 5.7 swap but i just had a 3.8 out of a camaro installed. maybe later i will get it done. but, i i keep telling myself that it would be stupid to go back after i have put in so much money in this car but i enjoy driving it. I have had cars that i had least issues with and i just found them boring but i wanted this.