A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a hard start on my 1989 Trans Am GTA. At first it would just require one long crank then the engine would eventually come to life and would be fine for the rest of the day unless I let it sit for more than about 8 hours, but now it takes usually 2 or 3 long cranks every time I get in it. As well, I am now experiencing a ridiculously erratic idle where the needle jumps about 100-200rpm's extremely often, and it's getting worse every day, sometimes doing it while I am driving, not just idling. I have brand new injectors with only about 500 miles on them so that shouldn't be the problem. I am thinking of purchasing a new ECM for the car but I don't know if that will help to correct the problem.

I'm putting the car away in my garage for storage for the winter and would like to know what I should be working on during the winter to correct this problem if anyone here can help me.

Thanks

 

Have the computer scanned for any codes. Did you install a new fuel filter when the injectors were replaced? Check the fuel pressure with a gauge, should be around 40 pounds.

 

The fuel filter was not replaced, but the pressure was checked before and after the new injectors were installed and it was adequate. As for the computer codes, I guess Ill have that done in the next couple days.

 

Hey bro. I am still battling a similar problem, and I have cured my erratic idleing long time ago.

Check your negative cable at the block! I am willing to bet that its loose!
Tighten that up, even replace it if you see fit. That should help out with starting.

Tune up too, and make sure all of your wires are correct and the pluggs are good.

Now if that is not the problem check the timing. See if its too advanced, or retarded. I am not sure if its hard start when advanced and very quick start when retarded, or the other way around...

Just check it and see what happens.

 

I had the diagnostic computer checked today, no codes, so I'll go give the negative cable a try.

 

When was the distributor cap & rotor last replaced? Another item to consider. How old is the catalytic converter, when they clog up, they give the type of symptoms you are having. Oxygen sensor too.

 

I went to check the negative cable connection to the block, it was pretty grimy, but otherwise extremely tight, so i cleaned it off, put it back on, and started her up, no difference at all in the RPM's. I heard a faint clicking sound when I had the hood up so I followed the sound to the spark plug wires and low and behold I noticed that a couple of them were sparking off mad amounts of sparks. I wonder if that has anything to do with my problem.....hmmmmmm....? As for the catalytic converter, i bought and installed a brand new Magnaflow catback system, so its not that, but it may be the distributor, because I haven't replaced it and a mechanic told me I should think about doing so in the next year and a half. The Oxygen sensor is brand new.

 

Replace the distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires & spark plugs and I bet your problem will be solved. Try to get an AC/Delco cap & rotor & AC plugs. Use 8MM wires.

 

Hey, Am glad you found what the problem is.

Laters.