Confusion about EGR and Check Engine Light and Some Incoherent Ramblings
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I just got myself a '92 Firebird at an auction this weekend. Really nice condition, no rust or dents, and looks like the original paint in good condition. Engine runs strong, and it looks like it has a full aftermarket exhaust..nice deep rumble. Killer stereo system. Good tires. Got the thing for $2600, and I thought it was a decent deal with 89,000 miles on the odometer.
When I drove it home, I noticed the speedometer didn't work most of the time much to my despair, and the Check engine light comes on when I hammer it down the highway. It goes away after I drive slower however.
I know nothing about these cars, nor their engines, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
The tech pages on here are way over my head, and I have no idea what an EGR is or what it looks like. I believe that is the cause of the Check engine light coming on based on what I have read, since I'm using an aftermarket exhaust? Would getting rid of the EGR make the light go away? If so, where is the EGR, and how do I disable it?
Would the speedometer problem have anything to do with the little speedometer gears in the transmision not meshing together well?
Also, what weight oil is recommended. Would a thicker oil like 10w30 be better, so the engine would not as likely burn oil?
As a side note, I just love the way this car handles and drives. You wouldn't believe how much fun I'm having right now, coming off a little 4 banger Cavalier. Nothing like that V8 rumble! Women, children and small animals run for cover when they hear me coming up! I finally got a car with some ***** baby!!!
When I drove it home, I noticed the speedometer didn't work most of the time much to my despair, and the Check engine light comes on when I hammer it down the highway. It goes away after I drive slower however.
I know nothing about these cars, nor their engines, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
The tech pages on here are way over my head, and I have no idea what an EGR is or what it looks like. I believe that is the cause of the Check engine light coming on based on what I have read, since I'm using an aftermarket exhaust? Would getting rid of the EGR make the light go away? If so, where is the EGR, and how do I disable it?
Would the speedometer problem have anything to do with the little speedometer gears in the transmision not meshing together well?
Also, what weight oil is recommended. Would a thicker oil like 10w30 be better, so the engine would not as likely burn oil?
As a side note, I just love the way this car handles and drives. You wouldn't believe how much fun I'm having right now, coming off a little 4 banger Cavalier. Nothing like that V8 rumble! Women, children and small animals run for cover when they hear me coming up! I finally got a car with some ***** baby!!!
I forgot to add how I would go about finding out what code causes the Check engine light. I read the tech arcticle, but where do I do it, and what exactly is it? I'm clueless here. Is there a more detailed arcticle/directions somewhere?
Well,
I think I figured most of my problems out by utilizing the search engine. I ordered Chilton's General Motors Firebird 1982-92 Repair Manual http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...068478-7356818
I reckon that will answer most of my questions, and any problems I can't solve I will take to the dealer.
I think I figured most of my problems out by utilizing the search engine. I ordered Chilton's General Motors Firebird 1982-92 Repair Manual http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...068478-7356818
I reckon that will answer most of my questions, and any problems I can't solve I will take to the dealer.
Member
First off let me welcome you to the board
Second, your EGR is on the intake manifold on the passenger's side, near the rear of the engine compartment. It is a round looking thing that will have a hard plumbed vac. line going to it.
It's basic function is to draw in spent exhaust gas into the intake stream to lower emissions and lower head temps to allow a greater amount of advance during highway driving. It requires a certain amount of back-pressure from the exhaust system to operate properly. Your aftermarket exhaust system's reason for being is to lower backpressure and that is why your check engine soon light comes on a highway speeds when EGR is most used.
There are several remedies:
You can disable the whole deal and put in a 160 degree thermostat which will serve about the same function without hurting power by drawing unburnable gasses into the intake stream (this is what I did) and put up with the light...
Or go to your local Auto store and buy a Negitive backpressure EGR that does not need backpressure to operate (this is signified by a "N" in the part number rather than a "p")
I use 5W30 Mobil1 Trisynthetic and have no reason to complain (other than a lighter wallet when oil change time comes )
I'm not sure about your speedo problems...
You can pull the trouble codes by using a paper clip to form a jumper in between the A&B ports (the two uppermost ports on the right) in your diagnostic hook-up which is located under the driver's side dash just to the left of the steering column. After you jump the ports, turn the key to the ON position and the "service engine soon" light will begin to blink. The first code will always be [one flash...pause...two flashes] or code twelve which tells you that you are in diagnostic mode. It will proceed to flash all the codes and then repeat code twelve when it is finished. You will need that manual to tell you what the codes are.
BTW...this is the TBI board and your questions seem to be General Engine Questions. In the future you might get more responses if you use the correct board of dicussion.
I hope this helped...
Second, your EGR is on the intake manifold on the passenger's side, near the rear of the engine compartment. It is a round looking thing that will have a hard plumbed vac. line going to it.
It's basic function is to draw in spent exhaust gas into the intake stream to lower emissions and lower head temps to allow a greater amount of advance during highway driving. It requires a certain amount of back-pressure from the exhaust system to operate properly. Your aftermarket exhaust system's reason for being is to lower backpressure and that is why your check engine soon light comes on a highway speeds when EGR is most used.
There are several remedies:
You can disable the whole deal and put in a 160 degree thermostat which will serve about the same function without hurting power by drawing unburnable gasses into the intake stream (this is what I did) and put up with the light...
Or go to your local Auto store and buy a Negitive backpressure EGR that does not need backpressure to operate (this is signified by a "N" in the part number rather than a "p")
I use 5W30 Mobil1 Trisynthetic and have no reason to complain (other than a lighter wallet when oil change time comes
)I'm not sure about your speedo problems...
You can pull the trouble codes by using a paper clip to form a jumper in between the A&B ports (the two uppermost ports on the right) in your diagnostic hook-up which is located under the driver's side dash just to the left of the steering column. After you jump the ports, turn the key to the ON position and the "service engine soon" light will begin to blink. The first code will always be [one flash...pause...two flashes] or code twelve which tells you that you are in diagnostic mode. It will proceed to flash all the codes and then repeat code twelve when it is finished. You will need that manual to tell you what the codes are.
BTW...this is the TBI board and your questions seem to be General Engine Questions. In the future you might get more responses if you use the correct board of dicussion.
I hope this helped...