Forums > Tech Garage > Please help. I need to find out why my car idles and cuts off.

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1. #1 May 13, 2009 at 9:05 pm

   

   FemmeFatale88

   Total posts: 1

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   My 1991 Pontiac Firebird idles when i slow down,then the check engine light comes on, the oil pressure gauge goes all wiggy & it cuts off.
   It has a new battery,starter,altenator and idle air control valve. Also the ecm has been replaced. HELP
    

    

2. #2 May 14, 2009 at 12:37 am

   

   BADDAWG

   Total posts: 191

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   Quote:

   Originally posted by FemmeFatale88  My 1991 Pontiac Firebird idles when i slow down,then the check engine light comes on, the oil pressure gauge goes all wiggy & it cuts off.
   It has a new battery,starter,altenator and idle air control valve. Also the ecm has been replaced. HELP

   
   
   Im no Mecanic ( cant even spell it ) But sounds like Timeing is off . BUt what do I know
    

    

   

3. #3 May 15, 2009 at 3:19 pm

   

   55Stepside

   Total posts: 52

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   It could be the power valves in the carburetor. My neighbor had the same problem and we rebuilt the carb and put new power valves and gaskets on and it ran like a champ. Just a suggestion. Not very expensive either. Hope this helps.
   
   
    

    

   Stepsides Rule

4. #4 May 15, 2009 at 10:58 pm

   

   thejudge

   Total posts: 433

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   if you air is on turn it off and if every thing is ok adjust your idle up a little
   run a vacuum test and look for a vacuum leak possibly a vacuum line is off
   check you air filter it could be stopped up if you have been on a dusty road
   if you have a manual fuel pump check fuel pressure
   most common cause is people set their idle with air off and car in park
   set your idle with car in gear with emergency brake on and air on
   these are just a few quick fixes hope it clears up
   on late model cars could be exhaust sensor if idling to rich
   just send the check to
   Roger
    

    

   MONEY CAN'T BUY LOVE, BUT IT CAN BUY LOADS OF HORSE POWER
   
   PAVEMENT POUNDING GAVEL KNOCKER

5. #5 May 16, 2009 at 10:02 am

   

   JerryandMary

   Total posts: 91

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   It is so difficult to diagnose a problem from afar. You might look into your speed sensor. The vehicle speed sensor is located on your transmission. Failure of this sensor could result in the exact problem that you describe. Like I say it is difficult to tell from here but that is my best guess. Good luck with your car.
   
   Take care,
   Jerry
    

    

   Jerry and Mary Lancaster, Calif.

6. #6 May 20, 2009 at 10:53 pm

   

   grapeape

   Total posts: 15

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   Quote:

   Originally posted by thejudge  possibly a vacuum line is off

   
   
   Exactly what I was going to suggest. Sounds to me like it might be a vacuum leak. But also like posted here as well, hard to diagnose from a far. Good luck with the fix if not fixed already.
    

    

   1998 Corvette - Grape Ape
   

7. #7 May 21, 2009 at 8:41 am

   

   FriedGreenTMate
   r

   Total posts: 30

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   the oil pressure goes all "wiggy"? Dumb question, but have u checked the oil? had it changed lately? Coming up to a stop light all the oil is sloshed to the front and it sounds to me like you are a quart or two low and the computer knows it.
    

    

   

8. #8 Jul 9, 2009 at 6:17 pm

   

   anti_chrysler

   Total posts: 8

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   i'm guessing you have a 2.8 v6? friend had the same problem in his rs, he didnt know what it was so he changed a few things and hoped for the best it worked here's what he did.
   
   new fuel pump + fuel filter
   Fuel injection cleaner
   new plugs& wires.
   but honestly if you have a 2.8 its not worth fixin, do your self a favor and find a nice small block
    

    

9. #9 Jul 10, 2009 at 4:44 pm

   

   FirebirdFest

   Total posts: 7

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   You probably have a timing problem (from one F-body owner to another). If the ECM was replaced, it may need to be reprogrammed/adjusted, and it may be possible that the ECM was from a V8?
   
   As for the last guy...a 2.8 V6 is perfectly worth saving if you're using it as a daily driver. You get better gas mileage and they're just as reliable as any other car. That, and not everyone has the money or time to do a complete engine swap.
   
   If the car runs fine in the upper RPMs, go the vacuum leak route. If it's runs rough or just doesn't act right in upper RPMs, then have the timing checked.
   
   I'm not a mechanic yet, but I had an 83 Trans Am and now an 88 GTA. Both are V8s, but vacuum leaks and timing are two pretty common problems.
   
   GOOD LUCK!
    

    

   Bethany, with my Beautiful GTA...
   
   CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON Firebird Fest of the Carolinas

10. #10 Feb 4, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    

    chumbrother

    Total posts: 290

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    lets start with the first problem, what code is the check engine light spittin out if needed call me, I can help you fix it,.....Mark aka Chumbrother 404-579-7760
     

     

    Same Bat time.....
    Same Bat channel.......

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Forums > Tech Garage > Please help. I need to find out why my car idles and cuts off.