1988 Chevy S10...Please take the time to read and respond

[88_S10]

Hi All please give me your thoughts and opinions. I will tell you what it is doing and then I will tell you what I have done to it.

WHAT IT IS DOING
* it takes about 3 turns of the key before it will stay running and not stall out.
* I have no horse power when I step on the gas after it stays started and I get nothing but hesitation and then its like the gas catches and it goes and then it goes back to nothing ( this is a daily occurance for the first 5 minutes I drive it.)
* when its warm and I am crusing down the Hwy, it runs great however sometimes the check engine light comes on and stays on.
* Over the last couple day I have noticed that the oil light flickers on when I come to a complete stop and the engine is hot.

WHAT I HAVE DONE TO IT
*Plugs, Wires and everything else that goes with a tune up
*MAP sensor replaced

Please respond, I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to cars and problems. I would like some imput from you all so I can go back to the garage with some knowledge and a list of possibilites that I can bring up to the mechanic. Thank you in advance your thoughts and opinions are highly regarded

[jackass#1]

need to go to autozone to read your trouble codes. they do this for free. then come back here and let use know the codes and well go from there.

[88_S10]

Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately there is no atozone in Ontario Canada or I would do what you told me. Thank you very much for reading my post. You oranyone else wouldnt be able to list some possibilities of what it could be through your own experiences would you? again thank you and thank you to anyone else that reads and responds to my post.

[Blue Bowtie]

First, you don't need an AutoZone to scan your ECM for error codes. All you need is a short jumper wire or paper clip.

Second, all your symptoms could indicate a lean condition, possibly caused by poor fuel delivery due to a clogging filter, weak pump, damaged pulsation damper, failing fuel pressure regulator, or clogging pickup filter on the in-tank pump.

Scan your ECM and note the error code(s). Test fuel pressure. If I am correct, you have a TBI regardless of whether it is the 151" four cylinder or 173" V-6. It might help to know exactly what engine and transmission you have, however.

[88_S10]

Wow thannks for the info !!!! it is a 2.8 litre 6 cyl. I am actually going to call around tomorrow and find a garage with a scope that I can get it thrown on. Am I wrong in thinking that a code reader or scope will only detect a problem if the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON PERMAMENTLY?????

[Blue Bowtie]

A constant SES lamp means the ECM has stored an error code that has not been repaired (the condition setting the code still exists. You don't need anything but a jumper wire or paper clip to retrieve the error codes.

First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a paper clip to AF members). Form this wire into a ‘U’ shape.

With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash, just to the right of the steering wheel in the driver's foot well area on some models, and on the left on others, depending on the make and year. There may be a small rectangular cover over the access hole in the lower dash trim.



With the ignition turned OFF, insert a tool as described above (paper clip) into the 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL connector:



WITHOUT STARTING the engine, turn the ignition to the "RUN" position. Watch the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) - it will begin to flash. This is also commonly called the "Check Engine", "Service Engine Soon" or "SES" lamp. The first code will flash three times, and will usually be a code '12'. This is encoded by one flash of the lamp, a brief pause, then two successive flashes of the lamp. Each code will repeat three times, so you should see a "Code 12" flash three times. Any other error codes will follow in numerical order, and each code should flash three times. After all codes have been displayed three times, the "Code 12" will again flash three times, then all other codes will follow as described earlier. This cycle will continue until the jumper is removed or the ignition is turned off.

After you have made a note of all error codes, turn off the ignition and remove the jumper immediately. If you forget to remove the jumper and attempt to start the engine with it in place, you could damage the ECM. For this reason you should remove it immediately.

Once you have a note of all error codes, check this file for the decoding:

GM Error Codes.pdf.

[88_S10]

BLUE BOWTIE,
Thats awesome thank you so so much. here is the codes I came up with. 32 which I assume could be 1 of 3 things.

1. BARO sensor unit shorted
2. EGR circuit fault
3. MAP sensor ciruit open

and code 44

1. Oxygen sensor lean error.

Iam off now to find out the price to get this all fixed up. thanks again

[88_S10]

OK, another problem ugh. I have called both parts distributors and dealerships. the dealership has no literature regarding a part called a BARO sersor circuit however he feels that it may be the same as a EFE switch. does this make any sense? or should I be asking for something else????? please help and thanks in advance

[Blue Bowtie]

88,

Here is the situation - It's not really that complicated. The early generations of GM ECMs had a limited RAM and ROM memory capability. Error code designations were common among different fuel system types, even though the components were different. For example, the "32" on a carbureted engine is different than the "32" for a fuel injected engine. In your case, you don't have a carburetor, so you don't have a BARO sensor. The "32" in your case is for a fault in the EGR system. That doesn't necessarily mean that the EGR valve is the problem. A failure in the system can be caused by as little as a vacuum hose off or leaking, the EGR solenoid being unplugged, vacuum switch being unplugged or leaking, or could be a failed EGR valve, clogged EGR passages, a failed EGR solenoid valve, failed vacuum switch, etcetera.

You need to diagnose the problem now that the ECM has pointed you in the correct direction. In this case, solving the EGR fault may very well solve the lean exhaust problem (Code "44") as well.

[88_S10]

Ok, soy I plug the hose for the EGR valve and it still acts up does that mean it is most like the the valve ????? just curious because I was told to do this

[skybolt58]

It may be late on this reply, But I just got a 88 s10 blazer with a 2.8 for my son. I went through all the same problems above, all kind of codes coming up. turned out to be the cat was clogged, check your exhaust, if it is real hot, put a new cat in.