Check engine light-coolant temp. sensor?

[DrtyRat]

So the other day I'm leaving for work and I go to start my car. Car has been difficult to start and has been breaking up @ 4k rpm for quite some time now. I already replaced the cone filter and the maf but still nothing. I did some searching and seems like the prob. is the coolant temp. sensor(or at least that's the next thing on the list). I've already ordered one and will install it when I get it.
Back to the first sentence....So the car starts and I pull out of my driveway. The idle is kinda rough, and as I start to give it gas it starts to break up. I look at the rpms and its breaking up badly @ 2k rpms. Then for the first time ever, the check engine light comes on! I'm curious to know if the coolant temp. sensor could cause all of these problems. I doubt it, but I've also check and I'm getting spark from all the coilpacks and it has been checked for boost/vacuum leaks. What else could be causing this? I've started the car a few times since then and the check engine light hasn't come back on, but the problems persist.
Anyone w/any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

[Nismoknightska-t]

the coolant temp sensor will cause your car to run like shit..
My ka-t was cutting off, I replaced the temp sensor and BAM it ran like a champ..

[dct223]

coolent temp sensor def can make your car run like shit... but the symptoms you described doesnt really sound like a bad coolent temp sensor, but it could be... usually a bad CTS shows signs of proper starting, but once it warms up it runs like ASS and can stall...

if it cuts out at 4k sounds like a maf problem...
what code was the CEL???

[DrtyRat]

coolent temp sensor def can make your car run like shit... but the symptoms you described doesnt really sound like a bad coolent temp sensor, but it could be... usually a bad CTS shows signs of proper starting, but once it warms up it runs like ASS and can stall...

if it cuts out at 4k sounds like a maf problem...
what code was the CEL???

I've already changed the maf w/another and the problem persisted. As far as the CEL is concerned, I didn't get to check it out when it happened, and it only did it once and I haven't seen it come on since. I got my new CTS coming from FRSports so I'll update when it arrives. However, if anyone has anything else to add feel free.

[DJ_Sunrise]

I was having similar problems.. come to think of it, still am.. However, I tightened all the boost clamps and made sure there were no leaks. Also replaced the springs on the coil packs.. Seemed to have helped a ton. 4k is right where a lot of boost kicks in.. Could be a boost leak, or vacuum leak.. I wouldn't rule these out just yet. Best bet is check the ECU.. Wish I still had a stock one. Stupid PFC..

-Bart

[DrtyRat]

Update....
Just replaced the CTS and the car seems to be running better, as compared to the other day. However, when I got on it, same result. Car started missing badly @ 4k. What's the next step here? I checked my sparkplugs the other day and they seemed a little too black on top, but when this first started happening, I changed the sparkplugs and gapped them, and still had the same prob. Should I try to reset the ECU? I don't know if thats the norm when you throw a CEL. If I do need to reset it how do I go about it? I think its to disconnect the battery but I'm not 100% sure.

[all stock]

so you're getting code 55?

check timing?

[benefitx]

i thought 55 was all systems are go

[DrtyRat]

so you're getting code 55?

check timing?

Don't know where you got the 55 from. Maybe I worded something wrong. The only time the CEL light came on was referenced in the first post, it hasn't done that since. I was just wondering if I need to try to reset the ecu, since the CEL came on, and what would be the proper way to do that.

[DrtyRat]

anyone else on this? i'm curious as to whether reseting the ecu is necessary when replacing the cts. also what would be the next logical step? i've already replaced the maf,checked for boost/vacuum leaks, and changed the cts

[DrtyRat]

aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh! stupid cel came on again today! this time i was waiting for the flashes, so i could get the code, and nothing happened. the light just stayed on, I'm ready to push this thing into a ditch! problem is, my mechanic, whose the only one i trust to work on my car, has been so tied up w/his job that he can't fit me in. anyone have any suggestions for me?

[brittney22489]

i have a 96 grand prix 3.1 v6 it will run fine when the car is cool once it gets to running temp it will begin to stall..RPMs jump and sounds like its misfiring..can this be the coolant temp sensor ?

[Vernal]

aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh! stupid cel came on again today! this time i was waiting for the flashes, so i could get the code, and nothing happened. the light just stayed on, I'm ready to push this thing into a ditch! problem is, my mechanic, whose the only one i trust to work on my car, has been so tied up w/his job that he can't fit me in. anyone have any suggestions for me?

If the cel blinks then its a severe problem and your car should leave the driveway til its fixed. I would definately try to catch that code as it might be the missing link. Check your tps and make sure its not a dead spot.

[danceNdrift]

I've been having nearly the same issue as you are. I've heard that the PCV valve can be the culprit. CTS fixed it a bit for me also. I've also heard fuel delivery or a lack there of can also be the problem.

[matts13vert]

what tune do you have?

[danceNdrift]

..........

[nissansrdub]

you checked air with replacing new filter. checked spark already. my guess is fuel. which fuel pump do you have? its condition? fpr?

[danceNdrift]

I just took my car to my mechanic and we discovered that i have a blown intake manifold gasket. check that if you haven't already, that might be the culprit.