Hey!

I've recently bought my first project car, a 1988 Trans Am, and I'm planning to work on it over the summer. However, as I start working on the engine, I keep discovering more and more problems. The coolant is disappearing, it's consuming too much fuel, the popup lights aren't working, and there are several other minor issues.

I understand that it's expected for it to be broken, but the problem is that as I start researching these issues, I end up in some sort of loop where I don't really get clear answers on what's wrong. I also don't know where to begin. I've already done an oil change and replaced all the filters. What should I prioritize?

I know my text might be a bit confusing, but what I'm asking is: Where should I start? I have the entire summer ahead of me, but I just need to know where to begin.

Thanks!

+ this is my first time using internet forums, i do apologize in advance

 

Start with where the coolant is going. Fill it and get a pressure tester.
Too much fuel could be a lot of things. No 1 direction to look. Is it running poorly? Etc.
Do a Google on headlights not popping up. Include the word thirdgen and you'll see it's a common problem with these cars. Could be a lot of things.
There are tons of threads where no one says what they found, it can be disheartening but that doesn't mean you can't find out your solution. You have to figure out your problem in the cases they didn't figure out theirs. Learn to be a wrench, the info is out there to teach you what you don't know yet. I'm guessing you know that otherwise you wouldn't have made it a project. It can be done, first steps are the hardest.

 

old intake manifold gaskets leaking coolant into the lifter valley from coolant passage is one thing to check as that is known to happen with the TPI engines.

 

Yes, start coolant, you can't run motor without. Next fuel consumption. And finally lights as you can always figure out other problems during day driving. Get the replacement kit for headlights the plastic wears away. As for coolant your either leaking , easy to see, or burning ,bigger problem.

 

Coolant maybe is being burned up through the intake manifold gasket. I think it can just go into the combustion chamber without getting into the oil supply.

Pop up lights are a common problem. Usually it is the little plastic (?) cams inside the headlight motors that wear out. It is a pita to replace them, but it can be done.

I fixed the pop up lights on 88 GTA. Took me a long time, lots of Liquid Wrench and waiting overnight, small tools, and one pair of plastic cams in a 2-pack from Autozone, which cost less than $10.

Don't be discouraged by getting conflicting answers, or no answers, on the internet.

 

There are usually multiple possible causes of any particular problem; it's up to the person actually working on the vehicle to follow specific systematic troubleshooting steps to find the answer.


Begin by obtaining a copy of the Helms Factory Shop Manual for your specific 3rd gen; they turn up frequently on ebay. Stay away from Chiltons or Haynes books; they often contain incorrect and/or incomplete information, especially where electrical diagrams are concerned.



Welcome to 3rd gen.org.

 

Welcome!

What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. Things will break, fail, degrade, fall apart, information is scattered all over the internet and books, information is inconsistent and sometimes plain wrong. No one as a straight answer. People argue, debate and sometimes will ridicule you. On top of that, parts won't fit or will be plain defective.

Not to worry! This is what being a car enthusiast is all about.

Where to start?
Decode your VIN and RPO codes
Confirm year, model, engine, transmission and rear end.
Confirm that everything is still stock. That means crawling under the car, shoving your head in the engine bay and under the dash.
Learn the basics about your car.
Get yourself a shop manual with diagrams, specially wiring.
Thousands were in your shoes one day.
Just take one problem at the time, research and attempt to fix. Some problems are easy, some are way more complex.
The pop up lights are an easy problem. Look it up on TGO, lots of info.
The coolant disappearing is more complex and concerning. Means it's leaking or getting sucked into the engine.
High fuel consumption can be a lot of things.

Before you post, make sure you have your basics. "1988 Trans Am" means nothing. Is it stock? GTA? What engine (LG4, L03, LB9 or L98)? AT or MT? What rear-end? Options? Any mods? Milage? Etc...

And always remember. We are all volunteers and you (we) are not entitled to anything. People here will help you if you help yourself.

Hope this helps
Good luck in you project

 

Good luck with your project . One thing that you have already noted is that poeple often don't come back and tell the rest of us how they solved thier problems. You have already recieved some good advice but do all of us a favor and when you work thru your fixes , come back and tell us what you found ,how you fixed it and where you got the parts or the info to do the work. The hobby is needs to be fun, so enjoy!

 

Agree, start w the coolant loss.

Most likely suspect is the radiator cap. If it leaks, the system won't hold pressure, and it will boil out of the coolant bottle at odd times. They're cheeeeeeeep and eeeeeeezy, just put a new one on it and move on. 15 - 16 psi, no red lever, get a good quality one like a Stant.

Then the water pump. The seals fail and leak water behind the pulley which then gets slung all over the engine. However when it sits for awhile, the coolant will leak out the weephole and run down the bottom of the lower rad hose. Get up under the front of the car and look up at the hose. If you see a trail running down it, you need a WP.

Next most likely mystery loss is the intake manifold gaskets. Mostly, just steam comes out there, so you won't always see it. It almost never goes into the cyls because it's about 25 easier for it to go either into the oil or into the great outdoors.

Of course it's possible that the radiator or heater core could be leaking but you'd either see it around the rad or smell it in the interior.

People jump right straight to "head gasket" lots of the time for that. I'd suggest holding off on that diagnosis until all else has been eliminated.

 

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who provided their answers. Your input has greatly eased my concerns about this project. However, I wanted to give you a quick update.

I have managed to figure out how to read code with a simple paperclip! It's quite amazing, really. I discovered that there are two codes: 15 + 34. Upon further investigation, I realized that there is an issue with both the coolant temperature sensor and the MAF sensor. It took some time, but I finally found where they are located.
I cleaned them up, hoping it would solve the rough idle and the code problem. Unfortunately, it didn't work.

Now, I'm wondering if there is a way to test if the sensors themselves are faulty or if it could be an issue with the cables? or i missunderstod the codes and looking at the wrong spot

I also took a closer look at the coolant system and found no signs of leaks, which is a relief. However, I noticed that the cap on the coolant reservoir looks quite worn out. Therefore, I believe it would be best to replace the entire container along with the cap.

Also, if anyone knows of a good website that ships to Europe(Sweden), I would appreciate the recommendation.

And thanks again for all the help!

 

+ Its a Pontiac Trans am GTA 5,7 350 1988,

 

Sounds like a beautiful car. How is the paint?

How much coolant are you losing? I go through a pint of coolant every 300 miles or so. I don't worry about it.

Unless you just want to do something, I would not replace the coolant overflow reservoir, if it is not actually cracked or leaking. It is OK if the cap on the reservoir allows air in and out. It is supposed to do that.

 

you're looking in the right areas 15 is coolant temperature sensor and 34 is MAF. Make sure your intake connections are good going to maf. You may have to replace both. It would be VERY helpful to get a laptop and winaldl. This way you can see the actual output of these sensors. In the meantime Try unplugging maf and see if you get a change in motor running

 

Start with code 15, ohm cts and see if it matches coolant temperature assuming the cooling system is full.
probably a bad cts. Once repaired disconnect the battery to clear codes. Then see 34 shows.

 

Hi everyone!

wanted to tell that i solved my codes.

i only needed a new sensor and a relay

now time to fix the leaking coolent

 

coolant temperature sensor ? and what relay

 

sorry i forgot to tell specific.

i changed both the MAF and burnoff relay ”they are right next to eachother on the drivers side.”

and i changed the coolant temp sensor.

Now the rough idle is gone and the codes 15 + 34