Hey all,

My first post so I hope I am doing this right. Anyway, I need some expert help. I just bought a 1988 Buick Lasabre (all the money we have in the world). Upon bringing it home, it really started hesitating after it was warmed up. I would idle rough a little at a red light or a stop sign and when I would try to go it would hesitate a lot. It would go but very slow for a bit then eventually would reach normal speed with a lot of "bucking" and hesitation. The "Service Engine Soon" light also came on. I am just praying that this is not a big deal and was looking to you all for help and suggestions!!! If I am lucky, it will only be a fuel filter or spark plugs. I don't know a whole lot about cars. I sure wish I did.

Thank you all in advance!!!

Report Post | IP: Logged

I would guess the check engine light knows what's wrong. Here's how to download the codes and what they mean:
http://www.geocities.com/dann8785/serviceenginesoon.html

Hey Yogi,

Thanks for the tip. I will try it on my next day off (Sunday). My big hope is that it is not a transmission problem.

My first guess would loss of the crank or cam signal, the DTC the computer has will determine. If you get a code regarding the O2 sensor, you may have a clogged catalytic converter.


If I could give a little advice tho, any time you buy a used car, replace everything, fluids, filters, plugs and wires and O2. You never know how well the vehicle has been taken care of, and you may catch alot of potential problems at the same time.

I would guess the check engine light knows what's wrong. Here's how to download the codes and what they mean:
http://www.geocities.com/dann8785/serviceenginesoon.html
Does this work on 99 LeSabre's too??

Nope, 99 is OBD 2, and you need a special reader. Autozone could read the codes for you.