needs new spark plugs

Scanning the system for trouble codes is the first step. Spark plugs could cause it, but there are other possibilities. An engine tune-up might be a good place to start if it has not been done in a long time.

I had this problem. Since the car has an enclosed transmission it needs to be taken to the shop and have a flush done on it with a spark plug change. Here where i live it cost me about $900 to have them do that.

there can be more than one cause for what you are describing, but, just going on my previous experience for the last 30+ years, do this first. plug in a code reader and see what fault codes may be stored, write the code numbers down. If no codes, say that on the updated post. next, try unplugging the mass air flow sensor electrical connector just for a road test. If the problem is gone or almost gone, replace the MAF sensor. If there are codes stored and unplugging the MAF did not change anything, repost with the code numbers you found initially. Unplugging the MAF sensor WILL SET A NEW CODE in memory. That is why I want you to check for codes first, before unplugging the sensor.

First you need to turn your car On. This is not starting the car! Turn the key two "clicks" forward. All the dashboard lights should come on, along with the radio and odometer.

If your GM has the four buttons on the dashboard with all sorts of information:
One button should have a road or "i" on it. Pushing this button will show your mileage, tire pressure, operating temperature, and all sorts of other stuff.
You are looking for "oil life ##%". Once you find this, press and hold the button with the check-mark on it. After 5-10 seconds it should flash "oil life reset". Tada!

If your vehicle does not have the buttons mentioned above:
Turn the car "On" (without starting car!!)
Press the gas pedal all the way to the floor 3 times within 5 seconds. This is trickier than it sounds. It must be pressed ALL the way to the floor ALL 3 times.
Then wait 5-10 seconds. The Change Oil Soon light should blink then go out. If not, turn the car off and go through the steps again.

Several possibilities for the overheating condition; leaking coolant, coolant mixture is incorrect (not at recommended 50/50 water and anti-freeze), faulty thermostat, faulty / clogged radiator hoses, clogged / restricted radiator, faulty water pump, clogged / restricted cooling passages in the engine, radiator fans faulty, faulty radiator temperature switch, faulty radiator fan clutch (if equipped), fan belt stretched or slipping.

Toni,
It is your upper and lower intake manifold gasket this model of firebird has a plastic gasket. When my husband removed the manifold the gasket was deteriorated. Go to O'reilys or autozone and they can tell you what you will need to replace it mine was around $100 for the parts. My husband did the work and it was a lot of work. They should have put a recall on this model and replaced it. Don't drive the car hot or you will have more damage. We went through all of the alternator, water pump, thermostat until finally a person online solved our problem. Good Luck Julie

It's probably low on transmission fluid

If it is not low on transmission fluid then the tranny is junk.

The check engine light doesn't have to be ON to store a fault code.

A. Check the vehicle for fault codes to see if there are any sensors were involved to the malfunction of the engine.

1.Local auto parts stores such as Autozone ( not in California) or Advance Auto parts will scan and retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes ( dtc ) stored in the powertrain control module for free of charge..

2. Amazon.com has the code reader for less than $20.00 dollars.

3.Re-post the dtc's in here " answer question " for further assistance.

Note: we need the dtc's to identify the sensor, there are a dozen different sensors to operate the car.

Visit this site and see all the different sensors.

http://www.freeautomechanic.com/car-engine-sensors.html

Navigate to this site and see the code reader
http://www.amazon.com/.../...imh_gw_p263_d0_i1

So the shift cable has either disconnected or it has broken.