I have an '89 Trans Am with a TPI 305. I bought it in April and about a week after I bought it I have been trying to keep this thing running. The idle is erratic when in drive, where it can fixuate between 50 to 100 RPMs. It knocks at moderate acceleration, and occasionally shuts down when in motion, only to pick up again. When it does that, it won't go past about 1,500 RPMs and stutters really bad when I try. I have replaced the fuel pump, plugs, fuel filter, mass airflow sensor, and pressure regulator. Help??? SES light comes on too, but I have no means to check the codes.

 

"The idle is erratic when in drive, where it can fixuate between 50 to 100 RPMs. It knocks at moderate acceleration, and occasionally shuts down when in motion, only to pick up again. When it does that, it won't go past about 1,500 RPMs and stutters really bad when I try. I have replaced the fuel pump, plugs, fuel filter, mass airflow sensor, and pressure regulator. Help??? SES light comes on too, but I have no means to check the codes."

first check codes:
locate ALDL under driver side of dash. take a paper clip and unfurl it. jump the a and b terminals. key on-engine off the check engine will flash once then twice (code12) it will do this three times. the next code versions will follow.
secondly: the mass air has two relays one is the power relay the other is a burn-off relay $12-14 each.
ya might be tired of the guessing game and may want to seek a professionals opinion.
airdeano

 

yes you do have the means to check the codes. look for the ALDL connecter under the dash right about level with your right knee. it is kind of a big plug in. get a paper clip and stick each end in the top 2 holes. make sure it is in all the way. then turn the ignition on but do not start the engine. the SES light will flash once followed by 2 quick flashes. this is a code 12. it will flash the code 12 three tiems. then it will flash the other codes. for instance a code 32 would be 3 quick flashes- pause- 2 quick flashes. each code is repeated 3 times. there will probably be more than one code. when all stored codes have been flashed, it will flash the code 12 again to tell you it is finished. if you think you messed up, remove the paper clip and turn off the key and try again. the only way to erase the codes is to unhook the battery. let us know what codes you get, then we can help you.

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86 IROC-Z
305 TPI
700R4 W/ shift kit
3.23 gears
T-Tops
maroon with gold stickers and rims/ black interior
43,000 miles
flowmaster exhaust, edelbrock headers, gutted airbox, converter, and MAF, K&N filters.

soon to come are 3.73 gears and subframe connecters.

 

I had similar problems with my GTA, turned out to be the EGR. It has been awhile, but I believe it gave a code 32.

 

Thanks all. I'll try the paper clip thing. I talked to a buddy just after I posted this message, and he is goung to sell me a new set of injectors for $100. I am replacing them because the ijjectors have been in the past going out. That and he has all the gadgets to check the codes. But again, thanks guys!!

 

Also try the burn off relay and power relay, they are like 15 bucks total. And it can't hurt to check it as well.

Good luck

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1989 Trans Am GTA, L98 5.7L TPI, TH700-R4, T-Tops, dual cats, 9-bolt rear, 3.27, Dynomax muffler, K&N
1992 Camaro RS, LO3 5.0L TBI, T-5, T-Tops, 3.08, L69 Dual Snorkel, K&N - Sold

Honda engines ROCK, I have one on my lawn mower but I still have to push it.