Okay, my engine light comes on very commonly. When this happens my RPMs do not stay constant, and sometimes they shoot way up to 3000 in an idle. The engine sputters, the RPMs drop to maybe 1000, and it chokes on its own vomit and dies. Then after that the engine takes a few seconds, maybe 15, to start up again, releasing a cloud of black smoke. It gurgles a lot too, with an almost diesel sound to it. I was told that its probably O2 and coolant sensors needing to be replaced. But what if it is more than just that? Where can I get my car tested for error codes, and how much does this usually cost?

BTW where are the o2 and coolant sensors located, how much do they cost, and can I replace them myself fairly easilly?

Thanks you guys, F-Body Network is down and nobody can answer my questions there anyway!

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1992 Pontiac Firebird
- 5.0L V8 TBI
- Automatic Trans

 

Get a chilton or haynes manual and a paper clip...thats all you need to read trouble codes if you follow the instructions.

The O2 sensor is located on the driver's side exhaust manifold, the Coolant sensor is located on the front left side of the intake manifold...just left of where the upper radiator hose connects to the intake.

Bad sensors or cat conv can cause the problem you are having....but my guess is your fuel pump is starting to fail. Suggest you check the fuel pressure both in idle and while driving to rule this out.

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92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, 3.42 gears w/Torsen posi

 

Also, each sensor probably runs about $20....coolant sensor is a piece of cake....O2 sensor can be difficult if you don't have the right tools due to its location...you may need to get at it from underneath the car

 

The dealership's can test it for you, not sure on the price, I've heard as high as 70. Or basically most repaire shops like Firestone and Tune-Up places also offer it.


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EVILFACE

88 Camaro
Stock 305 TBI Auto,Flowmaster, Full 3" Exhaust, B&M Megashifter, K&N Open Element
Runs A Blistering 16.5 @ 81.5 mph

http://www.evilface.com/evilscamaro.htm

 

Evilface, that makes me sad to see your best time is 16.5, with the same engine as me. You even have high modifications! What's the estimated 1/4 mile for a stock 305 TBI?

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1992 Pontiac Firebird
- 5.0L V8 TBI
- Automatic Trans

 

Well my times is cause of no traction, lots of spin off the line, and my first and only time at a strip. If I can hook em, i think I should be getting around mid 15's. Traction bars may be in order hehe.


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EVILFACE

88 Camaro
Stock 305 TBI Auto, Flowmaster, Full 3" Exhaust, B&M Megashifter, K&N Open Element
Runs A Blistering 16.5 @ 81.5 mph

http://www.evilface.com/evilscamaro.htm

 

I', thinking it's a TPS thing. I took mine into chevy with the same but less severe symptoms. TPS. AND IT'S BROKEN AGAIN! WTF?

 

Or you can check this link and forget the partial DTC lists given in those manuals:

GM Error Codes.pdf

Paper clip sold separately.

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Later,
Vader
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"Fear is how I fall, Confusing what is real..."
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