1996 Chevy Cavalier Engine sputtering

CODYCAT91

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

When my 96 cavalier z24 is cold, everything runs great. When it starts to warm up, however, the engine starts to have some problems. When I step on the gas, the engine sputters/flutters. This happens when the gas pedal is pushed down about 1/4-1/2 way or more. If I feather the gas pedal, it goes fine too. This also only happens when the rpm's are about below 3000. Above 3000, it is also fine. It almost seems like it is not getting enough gas when this happens. There are no trouble codes, the MAP sensor is good, TPS good, new coil pack. Any idea's? Thanks a bunch.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Have you checked the fuel pressure? Have you checked the EGR valve to make sure it is working properly?

Let me know.

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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 AT 10:38 PM

CODYCAT91

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3 POSTS

The fuel pressure is fine and the egr valve is good. I was thinking maybe something like plugged injectors or something like that? What do you think? Thanks a lot

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Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 AT 2:20 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

I would think an injector would do the same thing when the engine is cold. I do have another idea. Have you checked the ambient temp sensor? It tells the computer the outside temp and engine coolant temp. From that, the computer determines how rich / lean to make the fuel mixture. If everything else is good, this item could have something to do with it.

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Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 AT 10:06 PM

CODYCAT91

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3 POSTS

The temperature senors are fine. Also, there are no trouble codes on the computer. Any other ideas? Thanks again

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Thursday, November 26th, 2009 AT 2:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

If you are sure the fuel pressure and the ambient temp sensor is good, the next thing I would check is for an intake leak. If you have the 2.8 or 3.1L V6 it is a common problem for them to leak. Have you checked intake vacuum?