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1994 Buick Lesabre Missing and losing power-

Tiny
3IZARRE
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1994 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 152k miles

Hello,

I have a 94' Buick Lesabre 152k miles. I have had it a the mechanics garage for about 5 days now. The well known mechanic has still yet to find the problem.

I need a special adapter for my car to get error codes, but luckily, no one has one! Car X, Auto Zone, Advanced Autos, Macco, Midas and the list goes on.

Whats wrong: Where to start. Ok, the car is two faced some days it would run fine and another day it wouldn't start at all. At first it was just missing and shutting off or stalling when it was idle. Once or twice as I was actually driving, like on the gas. I changed out the spark plugs and fuel filter and it ran ok for about a week then it started up again. I'm telling you this car decides when it wants to mess up thats why the "mechanic" can't fix it. The day I took it to the garage it wouldn't stay running, even in idle. I had to floor it just to get it to stay running and even then it was missing and wanting to shut down. So the next day I went back to the car in the morning and it started right up and drove perfectly to the garage. We have no clue what it could be, and I'm not expecting a correct answer. I just need somewhere to start.

Any suggestions of what it could or would be, will be much appreciated!

thanks for your time.
3izarre@gmail. Com
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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 AT 12:22 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
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Has the check engine light come on?
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
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Now I see what you mean. Your original posting was 8 days prior to when I replied. Sir, we try as hard as we can. We reply to approx 10,000 posting monthly. As mentioned, when any donation (any amount) is made, we reply within 24 hours. However, we always to get to the others as fast as we can. I personally answer nearly 2000 a month, and I finally got back to the Buick LeSabre page. When I came across your posting. We cover nearly every car made so I'm sure you understand how many questions come in from around the world.

The reason I questioned it was because I was thinking we already spoke back and forth and I didn't get an email from you. I go through my email about 10 times per day to make sure I reply to ones I started. Now I realize the 8 day wait was because that was the first time I got to your posting.

I'm sorry it took the 8 days, but we do the best we can. Regardless, if you still have any questions, let me know. Now that we started the thread of postings, I will receive your questions directly to my email which means I will get it most likely the same day you send it or if it's late, the next morning.

Let me know.
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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Well,

Given' my orginal post.

I took the car to AAMCO, they said they did car repairs also and they were cheap. They ran a diagnostics and the EGR vavle popped up, he stated the vavle was stuck and wouldn't move. I didn't get the code, I was excited to get going after about a week in a half without a car. But as soon as I pulled the car out of the lot it started missing/stalling/losing power randomly.

Just to be more clear on the symptoms (missing and jerking randomly, sometimes when I'm going 50mph! Or stalling sometimes when making a slow turn. Red lights are a nightmare, stallinging is almost guaranteed. I can't even shift into Neutral anymore to keep the rpm up, it will still miss) Ysterday morning it acted up so bad. But not later about 2:00pm same day. But today the car only missed once or twice on my way to and from work.

I'm taking it to AAMCO again tommorow to check some smaller parts like Mass Air Flow sensor, Ignition control module, Crankshaft sensor, Faulty injector or harness. The EGR costs me $224, and I don't have a bunch of money to throw into this $500 car.
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
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Based on your original post, I need you to check the new fuel filter to see if it is really dirty again. In the past, I have seen the screen on the fuel pump (in the tank) plug when the pump would run and when it was off, the dirt would settle again and the car would run good for a few minutes and start running bad again when the pump picked the dirt again.

The reason I question this is because you mentioned that it ran good for about a week after replacing the plugs and filter. It is easy to check and free.

Start there and let me know what you find. If it looks good, remove the new plugs and let me know what they look like.

Joe
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Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
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I was wrong about the fuel filter it hasn't been changed, I contacted my old machecanic today, the one who couldn't find the problem to see exactly what he did. He said he checked the fuel pump's pressure and thats all because he couldn't get the error codes. He didn't mention anything about the fuel filter.

I have the car at AAMCO 11/5/09 2:49pm est currently because he they said they would do another diagnostics and a manual inspection for no charge. I waiting to see what they say.

Next time I talk to him, I will have him replace the fuel filter, as far as I know its cheap. I'll report back with any news.

Thanks for your replies and time,

3iz
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Thursday, November 5th, 2009 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
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Let me know what you find. Also, the fuel filter is something you could do. If you want directions, let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 5th, 2009 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
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I know I could,

But my dad would have to show me and hes sick and last time he changed a fuel filter he got gas in his eye and ear. Lol.
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Thursday, November 5th, 2009 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
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Yes, the system is under pressure. You should wrap a shop rag around the line so it doesn't spray everywhere when the line is first opened.
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Friday, November 6th, 2009 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
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Good news,

I got my car back today and no symptoms on the way home, about a 30 min drive. I had them replace the fuel filter and the PCM sensor ($198 total) because they said that was the last code that would make those type of issues on my car. Here are the codes that I had him write down for me (PO341, PO342, PO1670, PO171)

I noticed the brake wasn't shaking anymore while it was depressed and the car jar just seemed more stable.

Hopefully thats all I have to fix at the momment.

Thanks!
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Friday, November 6th, 2009 AT 2:12 PM
Tiny
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I'm glad you got it fixed. Let me know if you have other questions.
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Friday, November 6th, 2009 AT 3:36 PM

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