firebird running weird

RG501 · #1 05-24-2006, 04:32 PM

i went out and started my firebird (1996 3.8) and it started like it normally does and when i turned out of the driveway, i gave it some gas and it seemed to blog down alittle. but it still shifted normally. its almost like one cylinder isnt doing something right. when i gave it gas, it accelerated but it was kinda jerky. it was weird. this has never happened to me before. what do you think is wrong with it?

FTheMan · #2 05-24-2006, 04:34 PM

Bad spark plug wires or spark plug.

RG501 · #3 05-24-2006, 04:39 PM

ok, i'll have to go down to autozone or something and have them figure out which cylinder it is. when i popped the hood and reved it, it sounded like it was comming from the right side of the engine if your looking at it from the front.

RG501 · #4 05-24-2006, 04:45 PM

is it ok to still drive it like this? cause this is my only car i can drive and i have to go to school and whatnot.

FTheMan · #5 05-24-2006, 04:54 PM

Well yeah it is but it isn't recommended. Needs to be fixed.

CreepingDeath94 · #6 05-24-2006, 07:13 PM

Is the check engine light on? Pretty sure in '96 they had OBDII and if it is misfiring, it should set a code and pop on the SES light...

RG501 · #7 05-24-2006, 09:05 PM

well heres the thing. the check engine light was on. then it turned off after driving it for awhile. it seems to not be as bad as it was earlier. but needless to say, im going to get it fixed as soon as possible. i ran the car up to autozone and they ran the codes and there was a code for random/multiple misfires. he said either my plugs, wires, or fuel injectors were bad. im going to have my friends dad look at my wires and plugs. hes a auto mechanic, so he knows what hes doing.

CreepingDeath94 · #8 05-24-2006, 09:45 PM

More than likely plugs/wires, good place to start. Especially if it hasnt been done yet anyway. Fuel injectors are expensive and usually arent the first thing youd want to change out...plus if hes a mechanic, he should be able to test them for at least resistance and possibly flow test them.

doodad · #9 05-25-2006, 03:35 PM

just keep driving that way if you cant afford to fix.. your car needs basic tune up. change all the spark plugs and wires and distrubitor..

l have been driving my car like 3 months (maybe more) with multiple missfire.. the only thing is, it gives you a little bit bad gas mileage and the car doesnt have the power that it used to have.. but your car will still run and support you.. dont worry about it..

good luck

CreepingDeath94 · #10 05-25-2006, 04:35 PM

Well, its not exactly good for your car to run that way either. It builds up crap from not completely burning the fuel and dumps unspent fuel into the catalytic converter forcing it to work harder and run hotter...so fix it as soon as you can, but don't park it and walk to school in the rain until you have the money to fix it either...

RG501 · #11 05-25-2006, 09:41 PM

yeah, i still drive it and stuff. but when i do, i take it easy on acceleration. i'm going to drive it up to my friend's dad's work and have him take a look at it. if it is a bad wire/plug, im going to have him replace all the wires and plugs. my car has 125K miles on it so i figure its about time for a tune-up. plus i get my pay check this week. so it should all work out.

totallyanonimous · #12 05-29-2006, 08:10 PM

Hi, I've been fixing up my 1980 Firebird and I correctly did the tune up and the firing order is right but somebody messed with it. I need to know how to do the engine timing and get it back on number one piston. It just won't start because the timing is so off.
Just about everything under the hood is new. Carburetor, new water pump, new fuel pump, new power steering, new alternator, new fuel in gas tank, and gas lines.

I guess I just need advice or to know of a good website for my car, as old as it is.
Thanks a lot. I look forward to getting it back on the road and running right.

Andrew (totallyanonimous)

puppy2 · #13 05-31-2006, 01:09 PM

ive had that problem before on my Dodge Dakota, years ago. it was because of a clogged fuel filter. I just got another 1 and away i went no more boggin down when i hit the gas. good luck

Hairytoad · #14 05-31-2006, 11:55 PM

Hey.. i've been having this rough running problem on acceleration so today i changed the plugs and wires.. Gone is all i can say about the problem. Im replacing the cat tomorrow since the misfiring clogged it somewhat and its just really old so that will help it.. But i suggest change the plugs and wires you should be set!

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