1989 Chevy Celebrity Engine pops sputters and dies

Tiny
KRYPTIC47
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 CHEVROLET CELEBRITY
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My car will start and I will drive for a while then the engine will start to sputter pop and die. I have also noticed when pushing the accelerator it seems to not want to 'go' unless I push down far enough on the accel pedal.

The last time I was inspecting the problem I drove around the block and noticed the battery gauge was jumping erratically (usually the gauge stays fairly constant but it was moving for no apparent reason). When I turned into my driveway the engine died. When I tried to start the engine it makes the same sputtering sound and an occasional pop. It will also have dead spots in the starting where it stops cranking for an instant and starts again with the sounds. I had the car in idle for about 15 minutes before I drove around the block with no problems with the engine. The problem has become more frequent (its been happening for about 2 weeks, but I dont drive too often or very far) since it first began.
I have replaced the spark plugs and wires about 6 months ago. I have also replaced the fuel filter about a month ago. The air filter is new as of this week. All my fluids are filled correctly.

After the engine has cooled down it will start and run normally.
Friday, April 11th, 2008 AT 8:13 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Its sounds like you have a battery/cable problem, please check the battery cables for corrosion and clean or replace as needed, then recheck the charging system. follow this link https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/battery.htm
please let me know how it goes.

:-)
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Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
KRYPTIC47
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Diagnostics showed valve cover gasket, cam sensor and ignition module.
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Saturday, April 19th, 2008 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It sounds like the ignition coil could be shorting out internaly, please check the condition of the coil and ignition module and replace if needed. If the cam trouble code return replace the cam sensor also.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2008 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
KRYPTIC47
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I will start replacing stuff when I get payed this friday.

What will a bad coil look like b4 I do check it
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Sunday, April 20th, 2008 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Remove the plug wires and look for corrosion at the terminals. If corrosion is pressent replace the coil.
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Sunday, April 20th, 2008 AT 10:19 PM
Tiny
KRYPTIC47
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The ignition module fixed the problem. There wasnt corrosion on the terminals so I presume they are still good.
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Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Good to hear, let me know if we can be of further assistance. GM had a problem with modules on that model.
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Monday, May 5th, 2008 AT 8:36 PM

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