93 Grand Am 2.3 problems

ccnova · 01-31-2009, 03:50 PM

We have a 92 Grand Am 2.3 with 79,000 original miles we bought from the original owner about a year ago. It is promarily driven by my son around town to work and school. A few blocks from home on his way to work it suddenly started missing. He got it back home and parked it. We had changed all fluids etc but had not checked the plugs yet. Pulled the plugs and I am pretty sure they are originals gap had grown to .048 from factory .035. Replaced them same problem. Replaced the ignition cover on advice of parts store same problem. Pulled plugs again and both plugs on pass side were wet as though not firing. replaced coil to those 2 plugs same problem but those two plugs were glazed over bad so tried two more new plugs. When started it seemed to run fine but like it was flooding a little with a little blue tail pipe smoke. Raised up the rpm a little and it seemed to smooth out. Then all of a sudden it just died like it lost all spark. very suddenly. Started it back up and it would idle and shake then the rpm would drop till it almost died then raise up again tdo this 2 or 3 more times and then die. It will start back up again but just do this all over. Any suggestions? any help is appreciated.
Thanks for the help,
ccnova

xeroinfinity · 02-01-2009, 01:21 PM

Check for trouble codes. then post the codes and we'll see what going on.
It wouldnt probly hurt to change out that other coil if you havnt already.

But a loose of spark could be the crank sensor. If it is it should have thrown a trouble code.

If you need help checking the ODB I codes check this link.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=525205

ccnova · 02-01-2009, 01:32 PM

The code reader I have works on my 97 suburban but not the Grand Am. I have heard there is a way to get the codes by jumping terminals? Is this true and if so how do I do it?
Thanks for the help
ccnova

ccnova · 02-01-2009, 03:21 PM

Sorry, my bad

I didnt scroll all the way down on the link you provided or I would have seen the instructions. Thanks again for your help. I should have time after work tomorrow to check it out and post the codes. Again sorry for missing that in your original post.
Thanks,
ccnova

ccnova · 02-05-2009, 05:28 PM

OK finally got to try and pull the codes but had no luck. I followed the steps in the link and the code 12 came up three times and then paused and then repeated code 12 over and over. Also when I have a and b jumped together with the key on the cooling fan runs? Is this normal? I ahve also tried disconnecting the battery for a minute to see if anything "resets" but no luck. Any more help or suggestions will be appreciated.
Thanks,
ccnova

xeroinfinity · 02-06-2009, 05:10 PM

Well if you havnt replaced the other coil Id try that, and the connecting boots if you didnt previously.
IF no luck with that, I bet your injectors are dirty/clooged or faulty.

ccnova · 02-06-2009, 06:11 PM

I have a question about the coils. We seem to be having trouble with cylinders one and two not firing. But I am told that one coil fires one and four and the other fires two and three is this true and if so would that rule out the coils?
Thanks for all the help.
ccnova

xeroinfinity · 02-07-2009, 10:38 AM

I believe thats right, 1-4 2-3 or 1-3 2-4, but not 100% certain off hand. The top of the coils should be makred what they are. Thier are quiet a few parts in this system that can effect driveability. So if thier are old & new partsinstalled it can cause other things to not work properly.

Are you sure they are not firing, or just getting soaked in fuel then fauling out ??
That would indicate a clogged/bad injector(s).
You can test the the injectors to see how well they are working....check this link for some guidance on testing injectors.

Good Luck

ccnova · 02-07-2009, 01:36 PM

They may very well be getting fouled.I am not sure if they are firing either. Can I pull the entire cover off and test for spark on each cylinder? Or will I screw up something with the electronics? Or is there another way to check for spark?
Thanks for all the help!
ccnova

xeroinfinity · 02-08-2009, 01:54 PM

You can remove the top cover and lay it on the engine so its grounded.
DONT HOLD IT !!! you will get the @#*&%!@(&^$ knocked out of you, more then house voltage!

But with it laying on top, have someone crank it over while checking for blue spark. A dimly lit area(night time) works best for this.

Good Luck

LMP · 02-08-2009, 08:19 PM

ccnova....if you have time, can you tell me what is the 8th digit of your VIN number and your exact engine type....2.3 SOHC or DOHC..? I think 8th digit should be a D but someone with similar car as you have tells me he has a 3....not listed in GM vin codes... thanks and sorry to disturb the discussion....

ccnova · 02-08-2009, 08:46 PM

LMP, the eighth digit on our car is also a 3 and it is a sohc.
Hope this helps.
ccnova

LMP · 02-09-2009, 07:42 AM

Thanks for confirming...and indeed, although I could not find code "3" in all VIN sites I have visited (except for a code 3 for a V6 in another GM car) , I finally found it in a engine overhaul website as listed for SOHC 2.3 quad 4 in an Oldsmobile listing, obviously common with the Grand-Am and some other models...........and the D is for the quad 4 DOHC

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