Will not stay running?

1999 OLDSMOBILE 88
203,560 MILES • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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CHRISTINE BRUCE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When it gets turned on, it pops and won’t stay running, I’ve changed to coil packs, spark plugs and wires, made sure they were right, changed the mass air flow censor. It has fuel pressure but still won’t run. I don’t know what to do.
Jun 15, 2025 at 1:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

The first thing to do is check for diagnostic trouble codes to determine possible issues. If you don't have a scan tool, often a parts store will lend one to you.

Next, when you say it pops, do you mean like a backfire? That could indicate a few different things. First, too much fuel, a timing issue, an ignition control module (mounted under the coils), a crankshaft position sensor, or even the harmonic balancer can cause this.

If you have a live data scan tool, I would suggest watching for an RPM signal when cranking to see if it is present. If it isn't or it's erratic, the sensor itself could be faulty.

One other thought, the digital ignition control module can be checked. I know places like AutoZone can test it for you.

Let us know if you can retrieve the codes.

Take care,

Joe
Jun 15, 2025 at 9:57 PM
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