Pontiac: Service Engine Light 1996 Pontiac 3.8L, high octane gas, light flashes

Question
Car: 1996 Pontiac Friebird 3.8L engine. (190,000 miles)

Recently car has begun to sputter and hesitate when going uphill.  Service engine light flashes for several minutes then stays on for several more.  Then it goes out.

I put in super unleaded last night and the engine ran much better but still had some problems.  

Thought it may be a backed up Cat or a bad fuel filter.  Any help is really appreciated!!

Bill


Answer
Well if the light flashes it means that you are doing damage to the converter but that is not the problem. You have a misfire. It could be caused by an ignition OR fuel system problem. Check the plugs, plug wires, coils, fuel pressure, and fuel injectors. You may need a fuel filter but this will not cause a misfire. Also you should NOT use high octane gas in your car. It was made to run on 87 octane.