LX on hopsis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[93tblx]

My 93 lx wagon is dying on me. When I start it up I have to give it some gas immediately or it will cut off. Then it takes over 30secs to get into 2nd gear (autotrans). When I get to a stop light I have to put it into neutral or it will cut off. Then when the light turns green It takes 30secs to get going. Is my engine or trans dying? or both? By the way the check engine sign is off and on all the time. Is this major or can I fix it myself???

[mightymoose_22]

You will need to retrieve the engine codes causing the check engine light.

To rephrase what you are saying... is the problem that the engine will not idle?

Once it does get up to speed does everything seem fine?

Check for a vacuum leak and try to verify fuel pressure is adequate.

THe slow acceleration may be due to the engine sucking in air or possibly not receiving fuel.

The engine codes may shed a lot of light on the problem... either use a $20 code reader from the parts stor or use a jumper wire and read the codes from the dash light.

[mightymoose_22]

An afterthought...

A favorite place for these engines to develop a vacuum leak is right on top of the intake manifold. Look for the port where 3-4 vacuume lines meet and you will see one of them with an elbow piece... that piece loves to crack open on the back side and suck air. I don't know that it would cause such drastic problems as you describe though.

You may also have a cylinder that is not firing. Check plugs and wires and also do a compression check if you have the tools.