I have a number of things wrong with my car but it only happens when it wants to, it doesn't matter about weather, it doesn't matter how good I am to it, it is on its period every other day with a different problem. For instance one week my car will be idling up at 2,000 RPM when I start it, the next week it will be idling at 300 RPM and I have to rev it up to keep it alive, the cruise control works 1/2 the time. The car is missing very badly. I also have a major lack of power, when I first had my bitch I would stomp it and I could burn rubber into 3rd gear, now I stomp it and I can barely get th tires to make noise, The ride is very rough, due from the missing I think.
My car is a 89 firebird formula 350, TPI. I have checked timing, plugs, wires, o2 sensor( on the one I had before the o2 sensor was dented, would that screw it up??) and probably a coupl eother things but can't remember, I am wondering if anyone can point me to the right directions into getting these problems taken care of. To anyone who replies.... THANK YOU!!!

 

if it is truly a woman I would suggest running as fast and far away as you can because there is no sure fix first thing to do is cover the basics which you have already started. One thing I've seen create many wierd things is a bad connection at one of the battery cables. make sure the cables are tight and corrosion free and make sure the ground is tight to the engine. Your idle problem sounds like it could be the IAC motor. when you say you've checked the plugs wires an o2 sensor, what do you mean? If they are very old, my suggestion is to replace them, even if they apppear good. Same goes for the fuel filter. If you can't remember the last time it was changed, it needs it. These are the #1 most overlooked maintenance item I see. change them every 10-15k miles minimum. Did this all occur at once, over time, after something was replaced, modified or installed or what. How many miles are on it and how often is it driven, any mods? A massairflow sensor can cause many of the problems you are having as well as a TPS. Do you have access to a scanner, how much technical knowledge do you have?

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Kyle Osterholt
Okarche, Oklahoma
ASE Master Certified
86 T/A 383 TPI
89 TTA #1002 T-top/Leather
89 TTA #1358 Hardtop/Leather
80 T/A Pace Car
73 Opel GT

 

Twiz,

I'll agree with SS. Check and clean the IAC. Many erratic idle problems are caused by the failure of the IAC.

Make sure the cooling system is full. If the CTS doesn't get accurate engine temperature data, the mixture and timing can be adjusted all over the place by the ECM.

Your intermittent cruise control problem could be electrical, or could be a symptom of a vacuum problem. Check all the hoses, PCV valve, and EGR valve for sticking.

Scan the ECM for error codes. Even though the MIL lamp may not be lit, some "lesser" error codes could be present, helping to narrow down the problem.

If you have a fuel pressure gauge, how is the pressure at idle? A vacuum gauge would also give you an idea about manifold vacuum. Bouncing vaccum readings can be a sticking or burned valve.

As for the dent in the oxygen sensor, if the sensor isn't working at all, you would eventually get an error code and MIL lamp. If you want to test the theory, unplug the sensor and run the engine until it's warm.

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Later,
Vader
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