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2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2dr Coupe

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 2 Door Coupe, Mid-Size
19 mpg city / 29 mpg hwy
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December 3, 2012, 9:35 pm

Irene S
 

Question: Why is my car jerking when I am driving?

My car jerks mostly when I am accelerating and it also happens when I am driving at normal speeds. It is very random. My check engine light is on and the code is P0411. I replaced the relay for the air pump, replaced the shift soleniod, and got a transmission flush. Any thoughts on what it could be? Any help is much appreciated.


December 8, 2012, 4:33 pm

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

P0411 Secondary Air Injection System Incorrect Flow Detected

That code probably won't cause jerking, but it should be addressed.

Here's a link to info about it.

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0411

At 72K miles, I would ask if you have tuned up your vehicle lately? Your description sounds like the ignition system is breaking down under load. Common causes are worn plugs and/or wires. I'd start with tuning it up and going from there.


1/1 users found this helpful.

December 9, 2012, 2:18 am

Irene S
 

Thank you for responding. I took my car to get a diagnostic test and they told me my transmission needs to be rebuilt. The mechanic said it was wearing out internally? I'm not quite sure what that means. I don't want to be out $1400. if that is not the problem. I'm going to look up some info on the ignition system because I do not know what that is or what it does. My car is also not starting the first time I start it, would that be a symptom of the ignition system failing? Any help is very appreciated.


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December 9, 2012, 8:32 am

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

Weak starting definitely could be a symptom of a weak ignition system. It the transmission is bad, you can get this type of symptom as well, but I would make sure your plugs, (and wires if it has them) are in good shape before rebuilding/replacing the transmission.


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