Yet another problem...

[stephmac33]

Hello all,
Here I am asking about a new problem I'm having with my 2002 Alero.
Two days ago I noticed the RPM needle bouncing a bit while driving at 50 mph. Really, I didn't think much of it. This afternoon my husband got in it to leave work and it didn't start right away. Once he got it started, it sounded horrible "like an outboard motor" was how he put it. It's having a hard time shifting and accelerating. The rpms rev up to 6 before it shifts. It bogs way down when the blower is set on defrost (which turns on the a/c) and tries to stall. He didn't notice any problems with it before this afternoon. It wasn't making any unsual noises or anything, just the slight "bouncing" that I had noticed but ignored yesterday and the day before.
This is our only vehicle and we're strapped for cash at the moment. I'm hoping someone can give me some idea of what the heck is wrong and how to fix it asap for cheap. Right now, running it off a cliff sounds great, but that's illegal.
This car is going away as soon as we're in a position to get rid of it!! We'll never buy an Olds again!

[mcrosby]

Is your Service Engine or Service Vehicle Soon light on in your dash? If so, go to AutoZone and have them read the code for you then repost your problem.

[stephmac33]

We went to Autozone and had them read it. I don't remember the number but it read "multiple cyclinder misfire". We changed the plugs and put in some fuel injector cleaner. It made it slightly better, but it's still pretty bad. We're thinking the ignition control module, which I have a choice of paying $180 but waiting a week to get the part, paying the dealership about $600 and having a lifetime warranty & my car done in 2 1/2 hours, or paying $375, waiting 2 days for the part, then my husband will have to fix it in the dark, outside in the snowy, 20 degree weather.
We've decided on the dealership, but I'm worried we'll have the work done just to find that the ignition control module wasn't the problem.

[stephmac33]

the service engine soon light is lit and starts flashing when the car is taken out of park.

[maxwedge]

How about this, have someone check this out for a proper diagnosis including the actual codes and save yourself just putting parts in till it is fixed?

[PotIsYourFriend]

It could be something simple to fix or something big... You should take it to a Mechanic shop and "NOT THE DEALERSHIP SHOP!!!!!!!!!!" If you take it to the dealership shop just bend over and take it like a man when you hand them the keys... They are waaaaaaaaaaaaaay overpriced and here in TX (dont know if it's like this in other states) they charge about 50/hour for labor... Not to mention the parts are very expensive and no better than say a part you get from Auto-Zone...


Just take it to a regular shop that can perform a full service and it will be alot cheaper... It may bot be fixed the sameday but atleast it'll get done for cheap.. Where's Bnaylor at?

[maxwedge]

You cannot compare oe parts with parts from AZ, made in Taiwan/China!! OK on AC filters, plugs and such, maybe premium brake pads. Buy reman starters alternators, maf's and such good luck! I am not necessrily recommending the dealer, but certainly in respect to experience with common problems they see on the same cars and the proper diagnostic equipment they "should" be ahead of the independents. Just make sure you ask them to call you for authorization before doing the work. I work with an independent after 25 years in a dealership
environment and we are somewhat handicapped working on all make cars compared to a dealer.

[vamc]

This almost sounds like a fuel injector has gone bad. A code will come up to show this as well.

[BNaylor]

Out of curiosity how many miles on your Alero and what size engine?

Sounds like a possible vacuum related problem to me especially when the HVAC starts acting up. The HVAC system uses engine vacuum directly off the intake manifold for all HVAC controls. You could have a vaccum leak or worse case bad intake manifold gaskets. If you have the 3.4L V6 have your intake gaskets ever been changed per the GM TSB?

You could have engine vacuum tested with an automotive vacuum gauge (0 -30 hg). Nothing less than 15 hg but ideally around 18 - 20 hg.

If you are getting a SES light get it scanned again as others have suggested and post the specific codes so all can weigh-in to assist you.

BTW - Also, I would not rule out the CAT convertor based on the symptoms.

[JohnGTP]

Flashing SES means a missfire. This can also cause the car to shift funny. While it's dark out start the car and pop the hood look in there to see if you can see a plug wire arcing. The things you are describing sounds like a definate missfire.

Start with the easy stuff. Check your plugs and wires first then move to the coils, ign. module, etc.