3.8 l 1998 chevy lumina starting/runing issues

[Codyisin]

Ok so the colder it is outside the worse this gets.. sometimes when you start it it wont idle just instantly dies now if you start it with your foot on the gas it will run but you have to hold it at about 3000 rpm's for a good 60 seconds before it will run on its own. no unusual smoke or anything like that from the car.. and sometimes if your in park the rpm's just bounce between 500 and 1000 quite rapidly... and other times its perfectly still... im guessing idle air but wanted a second opion before i spend 50$

[bob442]

the old 3.3's had the same problem with the MAF, ATS, and the IAC not being setup right and being faulty.

[Codyisin]

Whats ats? and if all three were crap were should i start lol!!

i know plenty about the 3.1mpfi but the 3.8l is new to me

also the airbox makes a funny sound almost like its sucking the air thru water or something? NEVER hurd a car do that.. checked the filter its dry check the intake tube its dry opened the buttterfly valve nothing wierd inside there?

[bob442]

just did a quick search, seems like common problem is a fuel pressure regulator failing on the 98 3800's, do that and a fuel filter. I've search some more, and ive read your issue about 5 times and everyone points the finger at it. pull the vaccum hose that goes to it while its running and see if fuel splurges out, if so your FPR is 100% toast. Testing the fuel pressure may not work to diagnose it either.
Its easy to change, it should be right above the oil fill cap. Google " FPR 3800 GM " under IMAGES and its the first picture.
GL and check back

[Jonpro03]

also the airbox makes a funny sound almost like its sucking the air thru water or something? NEVER hurd a car do that.. checked the filter its dry check the intake tube its dry opened the buttterfly valve nothing wierd inside there?

That's just the way they sound.

[bob442]

That's just the way they sound.

Like a boat anchor lol

[Codyisin]

replaced the fuel pressure regulator last night took all of about 5min to complete... unfortunatly it wasnt the entire issue still haveing the issue today... how ever you used to have to keep it reved up for a little bit to get it to idle on its own now you just have to start it with your foot on the gas... so it got rid of having to rev it up