2000 Pontiac Grand Prix P0418 and P0410 Codes: Causes of Power Loss and Bogging at 2500-3000 RPM
I own a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix SE with a 3.8L engine, and over the past two to three weeks, I've experienced significant power loss and noticeable bogging between 2,500 and 3,000 RPM. The vehicle stalls or hesitates when under load, especially in gear, and fails to shift properly during these conditions. In park, the engine runs smoothly at idle or can be held steady between 2,500 and 3,000 RPM without hesitation—however, driving in gear triggers the issue. I've already replaced a coil pack and addressed a faulty plastic gasket. Given this behavior, I'm wondering whether a malfunction in the secondary air injection system (specifically P0418 and P0410 codes) could be contributing to these drivability problems.
The only fault codes present are P0418 and P0410—no EGR-related errors. For the described bogging behavior, use your OBD2 scanner to check the MAF (Mass Airflow) sensor and fuel trim values. If no scanner is available, inspect fuel pressure and clean the MAF sensor. Note: Avoid using oiled air filters (e.g., CAI systems), as they can interfere with airflow readings.