Stall,spit,sputter,die,REPEAT

I have a 1990 buick regal gs,when you drive it,it will run good for a while,then it will start acting up.Stalling,spitting,sputtering,then dieing.
Wait a while and it runs fine,for awhile.
Codes I got where as follows, 24,27,28,29,and 43
I took it to a uh errr mechanic,and they could not fix it.
called a friend who works on cars,but lives to far away,said to replace the ECM first.What I want to know is can the code 43 being the knock sensor cause it to run this way also,or do I need to take his advice??????????????
P.S. yes the check engine light is on.
Thanks in advance.
:banghead:

Well, Dont buy the ecm first, ill tell you that..... Way to expensive..... Start cheap, work to expensive............ When my regal threw codes like that, back when i had the same problem as you...... Coil packs.... Id try replacing them first...... and a coil pack plate [if our car has that]. If your car is distribuerterd, Check the cap, rotor, and if possibly, a distributer module......

Bill

*edit* Have you tried looking at the o2 sensors? or the Idle air control sensor? or maybe the Egr valve? Or the mass air flow sensor? Id look at these......
And is your vehicle at an idle? or in a certian gear when it hapens?

I'm not to sure,that's why I posted this.But I'm not sure of anything.I am sure when it does it.You think your riding a wild horse,because it jerks something awful,but never backfires. If it was the coil pack would it not miss like bad plugs or plug wires????.It just bogs down and wont take off and dies,then you have to really crank it over awhile before it ever starts.
I disconnected the battery,and retested the ECM and this time I only received code 43 knock sensor? I did not drive it though. To scared to go to far. :grinno:

To answer your question about the knock sensor the answer is no! Your problem lies either in the fuel or ignition system. Based on your description of the problem it sounds like you need to do some electrical maintenance. First, when did you change the plugs and wires last? Next, the coils could be bad and causing this problem. Next, the ignition module under the coils may have a problem. Next the crank position sensor may be bad. And of course check the problem with the knock sensor. It may just be a loose connection or broken connector. And replacing the ECM first is putting the cart before the horse.

Change the cheap items such as plugs and wires first, if the problem persists then work up from their. But changing the ECM can be costly as one of the bad parts can ruin the ECM and you could be out a lot of money.

plugs and wires are new,as of 1 month after the problem started.no coil pack has been changed.As for the crank sensor,should it show up with the other codes?Also would the coil pack cause the ECM to throw these codes?
I am only going by the codes i received when I tested it.I am not a mech.here is a short summary.

24) Vehicle speed sensor signal showed less than 3 MPH for 2 seconds when engine speed was greater than 3000 RPM and transmission has not been in park or neutral for more than 4 seconds.

27) 2nd gear switch was closed or grounded for 10 seconds when vehicle was in 4th gear, or 2nd or 4th, gear switch was open when engine was first started.

28) 3rd gear switch was closed or grounded for 10 seconds when vehicle was in 4th gear, or 3rd or 4th, gear switch was open when engine was first started.

29) 4th gear switch was closed or grounded for 10 seconds when vehicle was in 4th gear, or 4th gear switch was open when engine was first started.

43) Knock sensor signal was either above 3.5 volts or below 1.5 volts for at least 20 seconds.

Go to a junk-yard. Buy a set of coil-packs and the plate. Put them in, and see if the problem persists....... There's quite the electrical issue going on....... If there is enough of a short, or overload of voltage, anycode can bethrown, at any point..
Bill

I was told this problem could be caused by some sensor in my tranny.
A torque converter lockup??????????
not sure what this is,or where it is located.

The torque convertor lock up solenoid is located inside the transmission and will cost about $500 to have it replaced. This is the solenoid that locks the torque convertor when you reach about 50 mph. It is not a diy job unfortunately.

:twak: :chair:

Read code 24 very slow and try to absorb what this is telling you.


:22yikes:
24) Vehicle speed sensor signal showed less than 3 MPH for 2 seconds when engine speed was greater than 3000 RPM and transmission has not been in park or neutral for more than 4 seconds.


All the other codes you have listed are related to this one. If the engine or trans does not have the right information from the VSS, the trans will shift early or late and could cause shudder when shifting at the wrong speed or RPM. If you go into a higher gear at a low RPM, you would also have ping that the knock sensor detects. (43)
Sounds like the VSS is beginning to go bad and sending faulty speed info to the ECM. You would be surprised how many engine functions are controlled by the ECM based on correct speed info given to it from the VSS!!

:2cents:

I Totally got my 2 cents with Hotz. Something else to think about. "Sounds like the VSS is beginning to go bad and sending faulty speed info to the ECM." If you can, bring your car to an autozone or advanced auto-parts store. theyll test stuff on your car, have them look to see if they can find anything.
Bill

:lol2:

Code 24 2 flashes, pause, 4 flashes Vehicle Speed Sensor

This code can only appear when the vehicle is in motion, if it appears when the car is not in motion, ignore it. Check ECM connections, any other problems should be diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.

In the (lengthy) link below, you will read some troubleshooting information concerning code 43, and what one guy (very detailed) went through, and the cost associated with changing parts to find the problem. This also applies to the Regal. Take your time and follow each post. I missed your post where you said, “It just bogs down and wont take off and dies, then you have to really crank it over awhile before it ever starts.” :uhoh:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=217926&page=1&pp=15&highlight=crank+position+sensor+replacement
Crank position sensor - '95 LeSabre Dies Without Warning