Q: My 2003 Pontiac Bonneville will run well for a short time then it will bog down chug and die.

asked by on August 27, 2016

My Bonneville will start and run like a top for a short time then will bog down, chug and die. If I try to start it after it dies, I have to pump the gas to keep it going and it runs badly when I do with huge clouds of weird smelling exhaust. Sometimes if i continue to pump the gas i can get the exhaust to subside and the car to idle normally for a bit until it dies again a short time later and the process starts over. If i wait an hour or two it will start again and run well for another short time. I can hear the fuel pump engage when the key is turned on. I took it to a mechanic and he replaced the mass air flow sensor, but that did nothing except give me a large bill and leave me stranded on the side of the road minutes after leaving the shop.

My car has 152000 miles.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn the high beams on?
When the visibility is poor or you’re in a dense area with a lot of trees or no other lights, you may need the high beams to help you see further in the distance. Use the lever on the left...
Belt squeaking.
A stretched belt or a faulty belt tensioner are the most likely causes. I would recommend having the tensioner checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/loud-squealing-or-squeaking-is-coming-from-timing-belt-inspection) first by a YourMechanic technician. If the tensioner seems to be working properly, the belt is the next likely...
Car turns over but won't start
Hello! I recommend first having the starting system checked to verify the starter and battery are functioning properly. Both components are vital to starting the car. If either or are malfunctioning it will cause the vehicle to experience a no start...
Does a transmission rebuild kit fix transmission slipping and seal leaking?
A transmission rebuild kit will normally include all seals and gaskets as well as other major components that contribute to the overall performance of the transmission. If the part is a wear item or a potential leak source, the rebuilt...
Car will not move after driving for 2 minutes
Hi there. From the description you have provided, there appears to be a problem with your vehicle's transmission. Your vehicle's lack of acceleration (engine revs without motion after 2 minutes) could be the transmission's fluid level being low. A low...
How much would it cost to put a 6.1 or 6.4 hemi in my truck? 2001 RAM 1500
Hi there - unfortunately, this is not a service YourMechanic can offer at this time. Thanks for thinking of us however!
My front wheels are locked when I switched to four wheel drive.
If your transfer case can switch from 2 HI, 4 Hi, and 4 LOW, then there is nothing wrong with the transfer case. There seems to be an issue with the front locking solenoid and it may be stuck in...
Tuning a 2018 Toyota Yaris iA
We can evaluate for you, and thence possibly "recommend", performance enhancements that have either 50-state approval, that is are approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) or are certified as 49 state legal pursuant to Federal EPA requirements. Looking...
2012 toyota highlander limited: Alarm often goes off without reason, even when I am in the car with the keys.
Load test the vehicle battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection). Sometimes when a battery is on the verge of failure, the resulting voltage drop "fools" the vehicle alarm system as this voltage drop is interpreted by the computer as tampering. If the battery passes...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Air Injection Hose
Check your car's air injection hose for signs of damage. If there are idling issues or the Check Engine Light turns on, you may have to replace it.
How Long Does a Throttle Position Sensor Last?
The The throttle body in your car is a rather involved system that is part of its air intake system. The air intake system is responsible for controlling the amount of air that you are letting into the engine. In...
How to Check a Car Fuel Pump
Car fuel pumps transfer gas from the fuel tank to the car engine and can be mechanical or electric. Cars low on gas can cause fuel pumps to overheat.