1991 Pontiac Sunbird At the end of my rope!

Tiny
CONVERTIBLE GIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 PONTIAC SUNBIRD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 104,501 MILES
I have a 91 convertible Sunbird and it hesitates when I start it! The engine was completely rebuilt at 98K miles, I have recently had a tune up, new plugs & wires, and the timing set at a local franchised mechanic change. It hesitates REALLY bad when I first start the car, but then the car is fine. Could it be the oxygen sensor or the fuel filter? OR could it be the mechanic's fault? I notice it is still idling erratically. The engine light is NOT on, but I can feel the car hesitate and the idling is off. I think the mechanics blow me off because I'm a woman, but I know my car and this isn't normal!
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 AT 10:14 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
First, if the fuel filter was bad, I would think it would happen all of the time. As far as a rough idle, it could be a few things. It may be a vacuum leak, timing (which you had checked) or the idle air control valve (IAC). Also, it could be caused by a bad EGR valve. Does the car run better when it is at normal operating temp? Also, has anyone ever checked fuel pump pressure?

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 1:35 PM
Tiny
CONVERTIBLE GIRL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I think I've had about everything replaced on this car, EXCEPT the fuel filter. Just had the alternator, voltage regulator & battery replaced - the voltage reg. & Alternator were original (!) It seems to be idling a little better, but when started cold, it seems to hesitate. It also seems to run slower when the heat is on. I will ask my mechanic to check what you said. Thanks!
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Monday, March 8th, 2010 AT 1:42 PM

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