93 quad 4 missing

[joslinm]

Have a 93 GA with the quad 4 in it. It has an intermittent miss. So bad that sometimes you don't dare take it on the street. Seems to run worse the more gas you give it. If you let up on the throttle a bit, it runs better. I've had problems with the throttle position sensor in the past. Not sure if it's that this time. It has a code 66.

ECM computer problem-internal reset occurred
3-2 Control solenoid circuit fault(4L60-E)
A/C pressure sensor circuit out of range

the AC does not cool, so that may be for that code. I don't know what the other 2 mean. has new pugs O2 sensor and fuel filter. any help would be appreciated. thanks

[GTP Dad]

I would change the ignition coil assembly. It sounds like it is going bad and not firing the plugs properly. I had a similar problem on my Ford Escort and once I put new wires on it the problem disappeared entirely. Since your car doesn't have wires then the ignition coil assembly is where to start. The 3-2 Control solenoid circuit is a transmission problem with the shift solenoid in the tranny. As far as the ECM computer problem it may indicate that the computer is failing and you will need to replace it. Purchase a reman unit or get one from a wrecking yard. This can happen sometimes when the ignition goes bad. Change the ignition coil module first and see if the computer still works. Since it reset itself it may not be a problem.

[joslinm]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

I would change the ignition coil assembly. It sounds like it is going bad and not firing the plugs properly. I had a similar problem on my Ford Escort and once I put new wires on it the problem disappeared entirely. Since your car doesn't have wires then the ignition coil assembly is where to start. The 3-2 Control solenoid circuit is a transmission problem with the shift solenoid in the tranny. As far as the ECM computer problem it may indicate that the computer is failing and you will need to replace it. Purchase a reman unit or get one from a wrecking yard. This can happen sometimes when the ignition goes bad. Change the ignition coil module first and see if the computer still works. Since it reset itself it may not be a problem.

Since the ignition coil module is not a particularly inexpensive part, is there a way to test?

PS
When the engine misses, I often hear a clicking. Could this be a spark I'm hearing? If so, I can't pin point it.

[GTP Dad]

There is no way to test the system as it is probably a breakdown of the system itself. The clicking you hear is probably one of the plug wires arcing in the housing or the coil shorting against the housing. If you don't have major bucks right now contact a wrecking yard to see if they have one usually you can purchase one from them for about $25.

[Slade901]

Since you got a Quad4 engine, I would second the Ignition Coil Housing which typically costs around $60. This vehicle does not use a spark plug wires instead it uses a spark plug boot about 3 inches long and they easily crack and if they have crack then just replace it. Might as well replace the spark plugs. The next possible problem is the ignition coil and then the ICM (Ignition Control Module).

[joslinm]

took the whole thing apart and did find a small hairline crack in the housing cover near where one of the bolts holds it down. Think this might be the problem? Thanks!

[Slade901]

http://partimages.genpt.com/partimages/72737.jpg
That's the part that usually fails.

[joslinm]

Originally Posted by Slade901

http://partimages.genpt.com/partimages/72737.jpg
That's the part that usually fails.

What usually happens? Does it just crack like a regular distributor cap? Thanks for the help.

[Slade901]

Most of the time, they don't crack. They just fail internally. Probably autozone or napa can test it for you before purchasing a new one.