I Think She's Dying

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #1 12-03-2008, 01:15 PM

Hey all, long time no see..well my 1995 Cav has over 200,000 miles on her 2.2L engine. The other morning on my way to work..she just lost power..slow acceleration and won't go over 20 going up a hill..the trans seems to pull fine..but i have to listen to the engine and come off the gas for her to shift properly. Took off the catalytic convertor and cleaned it out..helped a little but not much..Check engine light is on..she is idling rough..no overheating yet. BTW had a radiator leak a few weeks ago and poured some stop leak into the reservoir

could this be a result of that?

Any input is much appreciated

Greenblurr93 · #2 12-03-2008, 02:02 PM

get the CEL read, that will probably lead you right to the cause. A sluggish car could just need a tune up... plugs, wires, filters... etc.

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #3 12-03-2008, 02:14 PM

I'm going to a mechanic after work who said he would check it out for me..I'll keep you posted..thanks for your response

Markgc · #4 12-03-2008, 06:39 PM

I would suspect the catalytic converter. Have you ever changed it. My second converter started rattling and suddenly about a week later I lost most power...I was on the interstate and could barely do 50 mph. I went straight to an exhaustplace and had it changed for $100. She's running fine now.

Get someone to rev the car and see how much exhaust is coming out the back.

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #5 12-05-2008, 02:01 PM

Apparently there is something wrong with the computer in my car. no one has been able to pulll the codes off of it..any suggestions?

Greenblurr93 · #6 12-05-2008, 02:05 PM

Sounds like the Computer crapped out. which sent the car into 'limp mode'. which would explain the lack of power, and you should also be getting worse gas mileage. go to a junkyard and see if they have any used ones you can pick up cheap, otherwise a new one will cost big bucks.

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #7 12-08-2008, 08:16 AM

Went to AAA they pulled the codes..a 43 for knock sensor or wiring and a 45 for rich exhaust which comes from the guy taking the catalytic convertor out..and puttin it back in..

Ok so I'm thinking it may be my speed senor or my PCM..any thoughts? If it's the PCM how much do they run and where can you buy them?

Greenblurr93 · #8 12-08-2008, 09:45 AM

removing and installing the cat wont make you're car run rich. the o2 that reads rich/lean is before the cat... the secondary o2 sensor reads catalyst efficiency. and the knock sensor will explain why youre running rich and have no power.... if you throw a knock sensor code. it will put the car in limp mode.
when in limp mode, your car retards timing about 3 degrees and make youre car run borderline flooding rich, which will KILL your power and gas mileage. get the knock sensor fixed and i bet your problem will be fixed.

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #9 12-08-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenblurr93

removing and installing the cat wont make you're car run rich. the o2 that reads rich/lean is before the cat... the secondary o2 sensor reads catalyst efficiency. and the knock sensor will explain why youre running rich and have no power.... if you throw a knock sensor code. it will put the car in limp mode.
when in limp mode, your car retards timing about 3 degrees and make youre car run borderline flooding rich, which will KILL your power and gas mileage. get the knock sensor fixed and i bet your problem will be fixed.

I love you GreenBlurr93

ok my next question I've priced the part and it's 24.99 the real problem is how to locate it and how much would someone charge me to change it..basically how hard is it to get to or is it something that I may be able to do myself?

Greenblurr93 · #10 12-08-2008, 12:05 PM

hmm thats a question i cannot answer as every car locates them different. some are real easy to get to some are a pain. a shop shouldnt charge more than an hour or two of labor, so you're lookin in the range of 100-150 or so, if you bring them the part

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #11 12-08-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenblurr93

hmm thats a question i cannot answer as every car locates them different. some are real easy to get to some are a pain. a shop shouldnt charge more than an hour or two of labor, so you're lookin in the range of 100-150 or so, if you bring them the part

Thanks I'll keep you posted when repair is made..in between paydays so it'll have to wait until Thursday..driving as little as possible just to work and home..until then

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #12 12-10-2008, 04:45 PM

replaced knock sensor..got a little more power but she is still weak..taking her to a friend so he can do a compression test on the engine..will keep you posted

Greenblurr93 · #13 12-10-2008, 05:59 PM

did the CEL go away?? the PCM may need to be reset.

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #14 12-11-2008, 12:24 PM

How do you reset the PCM?

DAUGHTERISIS313 · #15 12-18-2008, 08:57 AM

Still havent been able to rectify this problem. Still setting code 43 haven't been able to go over 50 for the last two weeks. I replaced the knock sensor but didn't gain any more power and the code is still there..

If my engine was dying I would think there would be smoke or something..

I need help...short of spending 180 for a full diagnostic..which i may end up doing eventually

Code 43 ESC module or other sensor wiring short..this is what the code says...HELP

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