1994 Oldsmobile Ciera

Tiny
DMLUSHER
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Engine occasionally goes into a mode where it barely idles, stumbles and dies. If I run it for 5-10 minutes, then let it sit for 10-20 minutes, it will run fine. This typically happens when I attempt a cold start on a warm day, particularly in wet weather (I live in southern california, near the coast, so warm day means 70 degrees). It has never happened on a workday morning, when I start the car at 6AM (before the dew condenses - I park the car outside). In this mode, the computer has kicked out cam sensor, cranshaft position sensor, accelerator position sensor and EGR faults at one point or another. I have replaced all of these, as well as the O2 sensor, the coolant temp sensor, the MAF sensor and the MAT sensor. I have also replaced the plugs, plug wires, ignition module and coil packs, and I have had the Pep Boys injector cleaning treatment done. Unfortunately, whenever I have taken it in, they have been unable to duplicate the problem long enough to troubleshoot. I kind of think it has something to do with moisture, but I'm not sure. Interesting point - the problem occurred yesterday (semi-drizzling, after a very wet friday), but today (sunny) it's fine. I went out an poked around a little in the engine. When I disconnected the O2 sensor, the "check engine" light did not come on - I would have thought it should have. Please give me any ideas - I'm pretty much at wit's end.
Sunday, February 7th, 2010 AT 3:46 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Have the codes been cleared?
If not do so and we will go after it when we know what ones are current.

(The o2s do not play into the equation until the engine is warmed and the car has gone into open-loop.)

You can and I suggest the you take a bottle of water and mist particular areas to attempt to create the symptoms. Pay attention to where you spray when the problem begins.
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Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 5:13 AM

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