1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass 1999 Cutlass sputters then dies aft

RCALICEA

MEMBER
1999 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I had a flywheel position sensor wiring chewed through by a rodent several months ago and I haven't been able to get the car to run right since. I think P171 is the only consistent code. None of the codes have been helpfull. When the car dies it sputters heavily then refuses to start for several minutes or up to several hours. Then it'll start fine again, run for a few minutes, then do the process all over. When the car will drive, it won't exceed 4,000 RPM (in neutral it will rev to 4,000 then go up and down in RPM's while not exceeding 4,000). The car feels like it is firing at the wrong times when it stalls. I disconnected the spark plugs to isolate that, but the car behaves exactly the same way- even when all the spark plugs are disconnected! The car sputters while trying to start, dash lights blink in sync with the sputtering and all the needles on the dash max out for a moment.

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi rcalicea,

Thank you for the donation.

P0171 is due to system too lean.

Apart from the above code, what other codes have occurred?

A list of the codes might help in determining what to look for.

Since problem started with rodent damage, I would suggest checking for wire damage or contaminated connectors at other areas or around the damaged section.

Check for broken or bad ground wires.

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Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 AT 1:37 PM

RCALICEA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

KHLow2008,

In my original question I meant crankshaft position sensor rather than "flywheel". I finally figured out that one of the connectors on the crankshaft position sensor wiring harness was faulty- the top end. Apparently, the connection was just enough to let the car run, but not enough to send a good signal and would cause the engine to sputter- especially if it reached 4,000 RPM. Once the connector worked itself loose the engine would immediately stall and it would exhibit all the symptoms stated earlier. One of the things I did to isolate the problem was disconnect the PCM. The engine turned normally, just wouldn't catch which meant that the problem was definitely some sort of signal. Then I just started wiggling wires while the motor was running and presto! Sometimes you get lucky.

Thanks for your quick response.

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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 AT 9:53 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Thank you for the input and glad that you have resolved the problem. The input is appreciated as it would be useful for other users who might have similar problems.

Thank you for using 2carpros.

Have a nice day.

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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 AT 10:39 AM