1997 Cutlass Supreme Question(s)....

[bfarnsle]

HI all, new to the AF forums... hoping I can get some direction.

I purchased a 97 Cutlass Supreme a few months ago. I was told at the time that it got about 30mpg hwy, less in the city of course. Sadly, our gas mileage has been much less.. approx 16.8 hwy (with a/c) and 19.0 hwy without air-cond.

I had it into the shop. I was told it may be the mass air-flow sensor. It seems like this part is always blamed for these sort of things, but rarely is the problem. They put a new one in, and retested the car with the computer and still found the same results... no readings from the MAS.
Thoughts? Experiences?

Questions:
Is there a way to check engine codes on these cars yourself.. without having a computer to do it.

Any other ideas regarding this problem? EGR valves, etc?

Thanks!
Brian

[SupremeCutlass]

Not for a 97, you need a code reader. With the older models you could just put in a piece of wire and it would read the codes to you.
Keep in mind that the MPG ratings were probably from when the car was new, and that older cars are less efficient. Do you have a service engine soon light on?

[bfarnsle]

Originally Posted by SupremeCutlass

Not for a 97, you need a code reader. With the older models you could just put in a piece of wire and it would read the codes to you.
Keep in mind that the MPG ratings were probably from when the car was new, and that older cars are less efficient. Do you have a service engine soon light on?

-No service engine light is on. When we took it to our mechanic, they said that they weren't getting readings from the MAS. They replaced it with a new one, still no readings. Tried another... still no readings. That is all I know about that.

I definitely don't expect the 29/20 mpg this car got when it was new. but, I do think it should be better than the 19/16 we are getting now.

[jeremy06]

any cuts in the hose, wiring could be grounded out, the basics

[bfarnsle]

Originally Posted by jeremy06

any cuts in the hose, wiring could be grounded out, the basics

How would I tell if the wiring is grounded out? There are no cuts in the hoses.

What about the fuel injectors. If one or more of them weren't working, what symptoms would I see? I read somewhere else that these vehicles are known for injector issues.