For the past two months I've had this problem that I can't seem to figure out. I'll break down the symptoms:

-When I turn the key in the ignition on (not starting it), and hear the fuel pump hum, there is a ticking noise similar to that you hear when connecting/disconnecting the battery.

-Somtimes when I start it, it stalls.

-The SES light flickers during this tick. The fan also comes on momentarily.

-It will sometimes sputter and lurch, and almost stall when accelerating, which is then accompanied by the smell of gasoline.

-When I accelerate, there is a rattling sound similar to a rattling exhaust, although that's not where it's coming from.

Anyone know what this could be? It's been driving me nuts and I haven't been able to come up with anything on my Auto-Xray. I checked underneath and didn't see anything loose. The fuel filter is tight. I wanted to get an idea if possible as to what the problem could be so I don't have to take it to a shop.

Thanks

 

Anyone have any ideas on this ?

 

Start checking your relays. The sound you described is reminicent of a faulty relay kicking on and off.

 

Which one should I check? Thanks for the reply.

 

Relays are such funny things. My best advice is that when you hear the ticking, start touching the relays one by one. The relay that's making the ticking sound will cause a vibration you'll be able to feel with your finger that's kinda like someone hitting a thin surface with a pencil that you'll feel with your finger. I hope that makes more sense than I think it does. Start your search with the relays of the problematic systems first.

 

Just a thought, you might want to check your electrical connections to the battery, starter and alternator if the relay idea doesn't pan out. If none of these pans out, drop a line and I'll re-think the problem and see if anything else comes to mind.

 

Well, I just found out it was the MAF. I ordered a new Granatelli MAF from Summit, I'll have it tomorrow. What's strange is, I didn't pull the code (33 I believe) for the MAF malfunctioning when I ran a scan. No codes came up. I'll see how she does tomorrow when I put the new one in.

 

That is strange, but I hope it fixes your problem. Let us know.

 

Well, it's still doing the same damn thing. The new MAF didn't fix a thing. I went out to start it today and when I turned the key, the clicking started and the fan came on and off. Then I started it and she stalled instantly, after the 3rd attempt, I gave up, and I couldn't pull any trouble codes. This is getting frustrating. As for the relays' you were talking about, do relays even go bad, because I've never had one go out on me. I'd like to fix this, because I'd rather not keep taking it to a shop.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Relay's are like any other part, they are subject to death. I've replaced 3 in my car. So to answer your question, yes, relay's defiantely go out.

 

MAF relay. Swap them both for pc. of mind. I had the same thing happen on one of my first cars. No codes either. Everyone thought it was a fuel pump.

 

You had the same problems with your car too huh? Even the fan kicked off and on? Where is the MAF relay located? Thanks again for the help guys.

 

Could also be the ECM seeing a short across the Diagnostic Terminals A&B.
Relays are located directly in front of the driver on the firewall.
I use a long rod, or stethoscope because my fingers don't listen very well.

 

Well the guy from the Pontiac dealership here in town just became my new best friend. He came over on Thursday to llok at my car. Naturally none of the symptoms would occur while he was there. Anyway he took the kick panel off to get to the computer, started the car, gave the computer a couple light taps and she stalled immediately, then the fan kicks on, the ticking etc. Tries it again, same problem. So he got me a new remanufactured Delco computer for like $130 (his cost ) from the dealership and put it in. Problem solved. Bad thing is I had one put in last year, and the warranty is only good for 12 months. Only issue now is there is still this slight rattle under accelleration. I don't know what the hell it is. Anyways, thanks for the assistance with this.