My '89 Firebird has been stalling recently when I make turns after the car has started. Once the engine warms up its ok, but lately throttle response has been lacking and this problem is like ridiculous. I just had the oil changed like 300 miles ago so I don't know what the problem is. Anyone care to shed any light on the subject? Thanks.

 

I take it you have an auto. How many miles are on the car and when was the last time it had a tune-up. The problem could be anywhere from clogged fuel filter to bad plugs. if you can give anymore detail we can probably give you an answer. What rpm does the stumble occur and at what RPM. Lots of little details.

 

Yeah I probably should have mentioned the mileage etc. It has 88K on th clock right now and I have no idea when the last tune up was. The stumble is happening at low RPMs (like below 1500). I'm assuming your answer is going to be that I should get a "tune-up" but this term is somewhat ambiguous to me. What specifically should I have done? Thanks.

 

it sounds like you have a typical fuel filter problem. It is probably old and clogged and needs to be replaced. That is one thing that is included in a tune up, here are some others.

Check timing
Change Plugs
Changes Wires
Inspect cap and rotor for corrosion
Check to see if thermostat is working properly
Check the serpentine belt

Now not all these can cause a stumble but I would change the fuel filter (15 minute job) and change the plugs and wires. How long and how many miles have you put on the car? My geuss is that it is just time for some maintance.

 

Yeah I forgot to mention that I've had the car for around 2 years and it had 78K when I got it. Thanks for the info, I'm going to change the filter this weekend and see if that solves the problem.

 

Lright so I went and got the feul filter and now I have no idea how to put it in! lol Does anyone know where I can find something that would tell me how to do this or can anyone write up a quick description of the install? Thanks a bunch.

 

Its right under your driver side seat under the car. You just need a couple of box wrenches and maybe a set of pliers. If you crawl under there I think you will see what you have to do. If all esle fails you can buy a Haynes manual at autozone for 15 bucks or whatever and it will tell you.