Crazy 92 Cutlass and some lights flashing.

[HeldtheViolets]

Hi Guys - just a quick question.

I have a 92 Cutlass Ciera (3.3 V6) with 195,000 miles (AND SHE HAS BEEN AMAZING UP UNTIL RECENTLY!) now suddenly after driving for about 5 miles I've noticed that when when driving up a hill she gets a little choppy and then the Service Engine Light & Temperature light flashes. The temperature gauge is not going over the normal 140 that it is generally at so needless to say, I'm confused. Of course when I had my papa drive it around, it didn't do it to him. I had a similar problem to this awhile ago so we changed the plugs and checked the coil pack (which was fine.) I'm really not sure what it could be. Judging from the choppyness (I make up words!) I'm thinking maybe I'm getting air from somewhere or maybe it's the oxygen sensor. I really have no idea. However, when lights in my dash flash at me, I get flustered!

The Service Engine Light is on all the time anyway because I couldn't get the idle control sensor adjusted to the proper amount when I changed it - well, it's between the range but the service engine light didn't shut off. The car worked and I was tired of messing around with it.

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to check if it's a sensor yet because it won't stop raining & I don't have a garage. Plus I am made of sugar and I will melt. ha.

I will probably be checking tomorrow, but I wanted to run this by some of you guys to see if anyone had any similar problems.


I just changed the transmission filter and flushed it. Changed front brakes and rear drums, oil change, new valve covers, air filter & I put $25 bucks of mobil in her! Mechanically, she is sound with only small problems with the transmission (you'd have some problems if you had 195,000 miles on you too!) so needless to say - I'm perplexed. She has always been well maintained from the previous owners and through myself.

Thanks for any of your help or suggestions!

-Elisha