Pontiac Sunfire hesitation problems

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Brakes · OH

While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor and hesitated. Abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. This caused the braking system to activate and vehicle skidded while applying the brakes. Consumer drove it to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem.

Filed Jun 9, 2004 · Fuel system · IL

I own a 2000 pontiac sunfire - purchased new. I had no problems until 2003 when my car would deccelerate for no reason while driving at any speed, hesitate while driving at any speed, or, after stopping at an intersection, simply would not allow acceleration. This has happened while trying to go through busy intersections. Very scary. One day in 2003 the car would not start, so I had it towed to a mechanic to research this problem. He replaced my fuel pump but the car was out of warranty, so I paid for this repair along with the tow. It did not take long for the problem to occur again. What is going on? I take good care of this vehicle and, if the fuel pump was the problem, this should not be happening again so soon. Second issue - early in 2004 I noticed the low coolant light coming on and off with no consistency. I checked the coolant reservoir and it was low. I added the proper coolant mixture but it didn't take long for the light to come on and off again - with no consistency. Shortly thereafter the check engine light was coming on and off. I again took it to my mechanic who reset something relating to the check engine light. But the very next day the light was on again. Now, it is always on. Please explain what is going on. I owe one more year on this vehicle and can't afford to have any major problems. The biggest issue is the hesitation and stalling of the car at anytime. There is no warning - it just happens. This is a disaster waiting to occur. My children ride in and drive this car. I don't need this worry on top of everything else. One more thing, about 1 year ago the air conditioner started malfunctioning. Not sure if it is related to the other complaints. It only works if you have the fan on the 3rd or 4th mark. If you put it on the 1st or 2nd mark, it will work (but not to capacity) only while the vehicle is moving. If you stop, it stops.

Filed May 27, 2004 · GA

My incident is not a failure, but a constant problem. Since I bought the car used in december of '03, there has been major hesitation when idle or accelerating. In february of '04 my fuel pump died, leading me to assume this was the problem. I purchased a new fuel pump and installed it. I just had to replace my fuel pump again because I was beginning to hear a high-pitched squeal from the pump and the hesitation had worstened (may '04). These problems are still there, leading friends to believe that this is a head/head gasket problem instead of a direct fuel system problem. My car has already stalled in traffic due to this on 4 different occasions (all within less than a week since the fuel pump repairs). I am now not able to use my car for more than small round trips out of fear of my car stalling and leaving me stranded.

Filed Apr 15, 2004 · Visibility · KY

I have a 2002 sunfire that I purchased on february 28, 2002, and it has already been in to be worked on several times. Both window motors have been replaced, the rotors have been replaced, the passenger seat had to be replaced due to a broken support in the back, the passenger side door lock had to be replaced, the cigarette lighter fuse had to be replaced, and the trunk latch had to be replaced because the trunk would not shut. Runs good but has had so many problems that I would definitely hesitate before buying another pontiac.

Filed Oct 30, 2002 · Engine · NJ

The antifreeze light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated, consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and the problem was diagnosed as a bad head gasket. Ts

Filed May 6, 2002 · Engine · CT

There's a hesitation when braking, also, there's heavy white smoke coming from exhaust. Took to dealer, and dealer stated an oil leak was causing the problem. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jun 28, 2001 · Engine · NJ

Severe engine hesitation after accelerating with a cold engine.

Filed Apr 6, 2001 · Engine · TN

Problem with car stalling, hesitating, and idling rougly. Started about a year ago. Was having this problem and received technical bulletin # 00032. Took car in. One spark plug wire was replaced. A month later same problem. Another spark plug wire was replaced. Now, about eight months later...same problem except seems to be more extreme. Replaced all spark plug wires on my own, but still having problems. This has been an on going problem for over a year and the dealership still has not been able to fix the problem. Have become very disgusted with the dealership and no longer want to take my car there. Please give me some information on how I can fix this problem. Obviously, this is in other cars to or they would not have sent out the technical bulletin. And plus, I read many complaints of the same problems on your complaint page. Any assistance will be well appreciated. Thanks. *ak( dot number: )

Filed Apr 6, 2001 · Engine · TN

Problem with car stalling, hesitating, and idling rougly. Started about a year ago. Was having this problem and received technical bulletin # 00032. Took car in. One spark plug wire was replaced. A month later same problem. Another spark plug wire was replaced. Now, about eight months later...same problem except seems to be more extreme. Replaced all spark plug wires on my own, but still having problems. This has been an on going problem for over a year and the dealership still has not been able to fix the problem. Have become very disgusted with the dealership and no longer want to take my car there. This also seems very dangerous to me because I never know when my car might stall or hesistate. Please give me some information on how I can fix this problem. Obviously, this is in other cars to or they would not have sent out the technical bulletin. And plus, I read many complaints of the same problems on your complaint page. Any assistance will be well appreciated. Thanks.( dot number: )

Filed Apr 6, 2001 · Engine · TN

Problem with car stalling, hesitating, and idling rougly. Started about a year ago. Was having this problem and received technical bulletin # 00032. Took car in. One spark plug wire was replaced. A month later same problem. Another spark plug wire was replaced. Now, about eight months later...same problem except seems to be more extreme. Replaced all spark plug wires on my own, but still having problems. This has been an on going problem for over a year and the dealership still has not been able to fix the problem. Have become very disgusted with the dealership and no longer want to take my car there. This also seems very dangerous to me because I never know when my car might stall or hesistate. Please give me some information on how I can fix this problem. Obviously, this is in other cars to or they would not have sent out the technical bulletin. And plus, I read many complaints of the same problems on your complaint page. Any assistance will be well appreciated. Thanks.*ak( dot number: )