Pontiac GTO: P0171 and P0174 Diagnosis

P0171 and P0174 both indicate that there is a lean condition present in your Pontiac GTO.  By themselves, these are some of the most common OBD2 codes.   When they appear together, it indicates that the entire engine is running lean. Definition Both of these codes are generic, which means they have the same meaning … Read more

Pontiac GTO:  Clutch Slipping → Diagnosis

Your Pontiac GTO’s clutch provides a direct connection between the engine and transmission.  Without it, it can’t move at all. This connection requires a tremendous amount of pressure.  This guide is intended to help you determine why your clutch is slipping on the flywheel. Note:  This article is for manual cars only.  Here’s the automatic … Read more

Pontiac GTO:  Engine Sputtering (Causes + Diagnosis)

A sputtering engine can indicate a number of problems.  If your Pontiac GTO has a sputter, it is most likely going to be caused by bad fuel system, ignition system, MAF sensor, or bad catalytic converter.  Your GTO’s engine is a giant pump.  It pulls in air (where it is measured by the mass airflow … Read more

Pontiac GTO:  Brake Pedal Going to Floor Diagnosis

The single most important safety feature in your Pontiac GTO is a good set of brakes.  If your brake pedal is going to the floor, it indicates that there is a serious problem in the braking system.  When the pedal goes to the floor, it’s usually caused by a bad master cylinder, leaking brakes, bad … Read more

Pontiac GTO Shifting Hard: Causes + Diagnosis

One of the most common automatic transmission problems is shifting hard.  If your Pontiac GTO has a hard shifting transmission, it can be uncomfortable to drive and a sign of serious problems. If your car’s transmission is shifting hard, it can cause a harsh ride and lead to potential damage over time. Numerous factors can … Read more

Pontiac GTO:  Warped Rotors → Symptoms & Causes

  Rotors are metal discs that are visible behind the GTO’s wheel. They work together with the calipers and brake pads to slow down your Pontiac GTO. Due to braking friction, rotors have to withstand and dissipate a tremendous amount of heat. This causes the rotor surface to be uneven making the brake pedal feel … Read more

Pontiac GTO: Bad Motor Mount → Symptoms + Diagnosis

While your Pontiac GTO’s engine mounts can last the life of the entire vehicle, it is possible that they will go bad.  Vibration and a clunking sound are the two most noticeable symptoms when driving the vehicle.  There are plenty of visible signs as well. Engine mounts connect the engine to the frame of the … Read more

Pontiac GTO:  Bad ECM → Symptoms + Diagnosis

Your Pontiac GTO’s ECM (Engine Control Module) is its brain.  Just like a human’s brain, your GTO can’t function without it. It is sometimes referred to as the ECU or PCM.  It’s all the same thing. The ECM controls and directs your entire drivetrain (unless there is a serrate transmission controller). When an ECM starts … Read more