96 corsica losing power/missing

[jrmoore]

96 with 3.1, 58k. every few weeks will start car and it runs real low on power, as if some cylinders aren't firing. while this occurs hear some clicking-I assume if cyl aren't firing it's some valve noise caused by no combustion-not sure though. Revs up and down don't affect-electrical? First time the car was parked and then it was ok on next start a couple of days later. 2nd time had to drive and it just went away after 10-15 miles (including the noise). Since it's so intermitent tough to diagnose. No engine lights. thanks

[jsgold]

Sounds like a fuel problem possibly. How old is the filter on this car? They really should be changed out every 20K or so. Perhaps you should also check plug wires. An intermittent short will cause problem too, just had this on our 91. You might get a check anyway for trouble codes, as it only has to set once maybe when you did not notice. Get it checked free at Advance or Autozone to be sure. Yours has OBDII so they can check it.

[jrmoore]

thanks. I'll check codes. I guess I was thinking that if it were fuel it would not rev well or idle well. However, I have my doubts the fuel filter has ever been changed so it can't hurt-it was formerly the mother in law car.