Transmission Fluid and blown Bright

I've got a 1990 olds 88 that i got from a little old lady who drove it (literally) on sundays to church, groceries, and doctors. I got it with 33k. Anyway, it now has 40k and it has had rather rough shifts (mainly from park to reverse and from park to first) and slower speed pick-up than when i first got it.

Is this the result of a bad Cam sensor (i know mine is bad, i just havn't had the time to replace) or do i desperately need to get new transmission fluid?

I assume the latter, but should i just drain it, replace the filter (there is a filter, right?) or have it flushed at a radiator shop? I've heard that if it is flushed once, then the tranny will have to be flushed very frequently. Since my car just now has 40k on it, flushing it often would be a big hassle.

Also, resulting from a wreck, i had to replace all my front end--including my lights. I got all my spare parts from an 1985 98, but the lights had different connecters (a result fromt he '87 update?). Well, all my lights now work except for my left bright. The original light worked fine for all of 20 seconds before it quit, but i assumed it was because it was an old bulb (donor car was sitting in field for 5 years) or my bad wiring. But i replaced and got the same result. I am totally stumped as to why one light would burn out while the other bright has worked just fine ever since i rewired the lights...

Just curious....
--Thanks

I would do a complete tune up tomorrow which would include:

Checking ATF level while in park after you drive it around for a bit.

also good idea to replace:
Change Spark Plugs (use ONLY DELCOS)
Change Spark Plug Wires
Clean MAF Sensor
Replace Air Filter

Just to rule out those items for problems

Why do you think your cam sensor is bad?????

Also it is a good idea to only replace parts from a 87-91 olds 98/88

Plugs, wires, air filter are new as of 33k when i got it, and as far as i can tell they aren't bosch...cleaning the filter wouldn't hurt though...

I know it's the camshaft b/c i've had the guys at autozone check the error code on two occasions --MEM CAL sensor--Autozone guy said it was teh camshaft sensor. Also, the check engine light came on and my fuel economy dropped after i hit a chunk of a blown-out semi tire--i assume i broke the sensor loose then.

I've heard the MAF mentioned a lot, but what does MAF stand for and where is it in the engine?

When i wrecked, i needed lots of parts really fast and the only available parts car was the 85 98.... the only parts i really needed were the hood, bumper, raiator mount, and lights.... I had a hard time finding dead 88's or 98's with much demanded parts like lights at the local junkyards, so i just rewired them...grr....

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think MEM CAL might be relating to the ECM or more specifically the prom on the ECM.

My GM FI book says code 41 can be a bad MEM CAL unit, but could also be set if the ECM doesn't see a camshaft sensor signal for more than 1 second. I think there may be a piece that rides on the end of the camshaft inside the timing chain cover also.

MAF means "mass air flow sensor" or "air flow meter" it would be located in the hose leading to the throttle plate assembly.

yeah the magnet in the timing chain cover may be broken off.

Umm....Ok.... I guess it is time that i get a chilltons since i dont know where any of these parts that you've described are :confused:

Any pictures of the location of the MAF/Throttle plate assembly? Or in what general direction are they and what do they look like?

Code 41 was what the autozone guy got. I also replaced my O2 at the same time, retested but still got the code 41.

I've searched to forums for the mem-cal sensor and i've come up with this thread: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=184401

Is the MEM Cal sensor what is causing my car to jerk when i shift? Or do i need to replace my transmission fluid anyway (another thread says every 30k to 40k and i figure the fluid in mine is factory :rolleyes: ) ALso, when replacing the fluid, should i just drain it, replace filter, and replenish w/ new or have it flushed out?

The transmission problem sounds like it could be a solenoid (PCS) or something similar, but that is usually when shifting thru the gears. You said it was when moving from park to drive or park to reverse. This could also be a worn piston seal in one of the clutch drums in the trans, too. But, as they say, you should always have the engine running properly before pointing a finger at the transmission.

If you need the magnet on the end of the camshaft you're probably talking about $500 - the timing chain cover has to come off - my father-in-law just had it done on his 89.

I guess its a matter of choice on which way to change fluid, on my daughter's car she had the flush done and a filter.

Maybe you can get an honest shop/technician to drive this thing and evaluate the condition of the trans -

I'm having a lot of my family coming up to my house for my graduation. I'll have my dad and probably my g/f's dad check it and see what their opinions are.

In any case, i think i ought to invest in a chiltons....isn't the other kind of book a hayns? or something like that... is one publisher better than the other?

Well, i'll keep playing with it... is the MAF located in the tube running from the air filter?

Whenever i do figure it out, i'll probably get help from one of my mechanic buddies and fix the mem cal at home...or is this not a home project?