99 montana & service engine soon

[vinbat]

I was driving my Montana today and all of a sudden the SES light came on and the vehicle had no pickup and was sputtering somewhat. Only have 38K on the vehicle and haven't a clue as to what might be wrong. It was running fine until the light came on. Any easy way to find and read the code. I'm guessing the computer went but I'm hoping that it's not that as I know it will be alot of $$.

[umina]

If the vehicle still drives, run it on over to an autozone and they will read the codes FREE!! That should get you started in the right direction. Post back here what you find out and we can maybe help some more.

[tmorris1]

The computer seldom goes out. It is probably something simple like a sensor or dirty injectors.

[vinbat]

Originally Posted by umina

If the vehicle still drives, run it on over to an autozone and they will read the codes FREE!! That should get you started in the right direction. Post back here what you find out and we can maybe help some more.

I have an autozone and called them. They told me there diagnostics may not be as specific as what GM will get off their computer. Since the car is running real poor I am choosing to bring it to the dealer and do the least amount of driving possible. I tried starting it again today (hoping for a miracle ..yeah right ) but same as yesterday. I do notice that the exhaust or something is creating a different odor than usual. I miss my 86' Toyota Camry which I just brought to the salvage yard last week. Had 329K and hardly ever went in for repair. I did most of it myself, but this Pontiac looks like a beast to work on.

[tmorris1]

Is the check engine light solid or flashing?

[GMMerlin]

Until the code is pulled, we really can't tell you what is going on.
From what you are descibing it could be a misfire, but I would wait until you posted the code.

[vinbat]

Originally Posted by tmorris1

Is the check engine light solid or flashing?

it is flashing.

[vinbat]

Originally Posted by GMMerlin

Until the code is pulled, we really can't tell you what is going on.
From what you are descibing it could be a misfire, but I would wait until you posted the code.

It sure feels like a misfire. Almost like a spark plug wire was pulled. No backfiring though. Taking it to the dealer later (if it will make it there)

[umina]

is your oil light on as well? If so, you may have snapped your camshaft and the motor is pooched.

[tmorris1]

If the cam was snapped you wouldn't have the motor running at all. A blinking check engine light means misfire on 1 or more cyclinders. I would bet money that it is a bad spark plug wire or a dirty injector. My 98 does the same thing about once a year, and I have to take it in and get the injectors cleaned. They only charge about $60 and it runs like a new engine when they are done. They claim it is a fuel quality issue, but my F150 runs the same fuel and doesn't have problems. The GM injectors must be more suseptable to fouling.

[vinbat]

Originally Posted by tmorris1

If the cam was snapped you wouldn't have the motor running at all. A blinking check engine light means misfire on 1 or more cyclinders. I would bet money that it is a bad spark plug wire or a dirty injector. My 98 does the same thing about once a year, and I have to take it in and get the injectors cleaned. They only charge about $60 and it runs like a new engine when they are done. They claim it is a fuel quality issue, but my F150 runs the same fuel and doesn't have problems. The GM injectors must be more suseptable to fouling.

turn out to be 2 ignition coils. One for the 1&4 cylinders the other they said was going also so I had them replace the 2&5 coil also. coils were 60 each, set of wires $60 (ouch) (parts & diagnosis 230, labor 275). I at least will know the next time. I had them give me the parts so I can identify what it is next time. Looks like the spark plugs wires are plugged into these in pairs. Thanks all for giving it go. I wouldn't have figured coils. I don't know if it was actually the coils or the tips of the coils that the spark plug wire is attached to. But the dealership wants money so they replace rather than clean.

[tmorris1]

How long ago were the plugs changed? As long as you changed the wires and coil, you miight as well change the plugs, so you whole ignition system is new.

[vinbat]

Originally Posted by tmorris1

How long ago were the plugs changed? As long as you changed the wires and coil, you miight as well change the plugs, so you whole ignition system is new.

They are suppose to be 100K plugs and I only have 38K on the vehicle so I will leave as is for now. Thanks for the recommendation.