91 Grand Prix *check engine code 44* Girl needs HELP?

[amberwind]

About 6 months ago I purchased my car at an auto auction. The car has been running great! Her name is Crystal.... and the only problem I have had was the fuel pump which went out in the first few weeks. Since then I have kept the car serviced and have also had a new fuel filter put in about a month ago.

I started getting a power steering pump leak and had to replace two hoses, the power steering high pressure hose and the return hose. I took the car to PEPboys and they replaced both. But I got nervous when I saw they also replaced the transmission oil cooler hose. I noticed it when I looked under the hood after I got the car back. It is right next to the power steering pump. They told me they replaced it because with the two new hoses this one might go out if its old. Did replacing this hose cause my problems??

Well, I tried to drive home the same afternoon and my car died twice while idling at a stop light. I noticed the needles for the start to jump after about 20 to 40 seconds and the car just dies. I immediately took it back to the shop and they could not find a problem.

The same afternooon I left again down the street, the problem happened again and then my CHECK engine light popped on. It died several times and started back up. But died again once I got to pepboys parking lot. They have now had my car for two days-the check engine light is still on and they dont know why. They cant recreate the failure. But say I have the engine code 44.

I pick my car up tomorrow, and I am afraid to drive it. Please help...

[Chazman]

Code 44 - lean exhaust.

Sounds like they have knocked off, or broken a vacuum line while replacing the hoses.

[amberwind]

I will have them check for it first thing! thank you so much for the reply! Will let you know how it goes...

[amberwind]

I picked up my car today and made one of the mechanics do a test drive with me. They still claim they couldn't find anything wrong.

The car is running great!

I still did not get a clear answer as to what was wrong. But, you may have still been right about the vaccum hose.. what ever caused the code-its cleared now. And the check engine light is still off.

And get this, they waived the $85 charge for the diagnostic and the troubleshooting time... when have you ever known a garage to do that???
~unless it was their fault? Just glad they made good...
Thanks again!

[richtazz]

sounds like Chazman hit it on the head, and they were trying to save face by waiving the diagnostic fee. But at least it shows they aren't trying to rip anyone off by charging you to diagnose their screw up.