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Just bought 89 grand am. Owner said that it ran fine except for a few things. It has an hole in the muffler, It runs on three cylinders, and it's been sitting for months.He said it did stop on him, but didn't over heat.. I started the car and it ran for a few minutes and cut off. It didn't want to start so I assumed it was old gas. I changed the spark plugs and two of the coil on plugs because one had no spring in it. Also I added fuel cleaner in it. It ran good for afew days. Then it loss alot of power and wouldn't go pass 50 mile per hour. Now it wont stay on unless I keep my foot on the gas. I jumped terminals A & B like the book says and it said it's a bad oxygen sensor. Please help me with any advice you can give me.
Re: Just bought 89 grand am. Owner said that it ran fine...
An Oxygen sensor sniff for fuel to adjust the fuel to air ratio. When they go bad the run lean all the time. So you don't get sufficient fuel. So if the code read O2 sensor then you should change one or both out. It's not to hard. Thing is there are two O2 sensors on your car. You have an Upstream and a Downstream. The Upstream is not far off the manifold and the Downstream is down the exhaust by the Catalytic Converter. It could really be either one. I put a video up on how to test an O2 sensor. If you don't have the proper gauge then you can rent one or replace one and if need be replace the other. If the vehicle has set for a while and is not performing right it might not be a bad idea to put both on. It's not to hard to change the O2 sensors. You pull the connector off it and put an O2 socket on the end and twist it out, like you would a spark plug. Then replace with a new one. I would start with the one on the exhaust not far off the manifold and then if need be move downstream. Sometimes you have to move a thing or two out of the way to get to that Upstream O2 sensor but it has to be done.
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Question edited for clarity and add some full stops and commas and stuff. That was one of the longest run-on sentences!
Question moved to model category.
Yes, the wires are probably from the o2 sensors on the Catalytic Converter but really could be from anything. Reconnecting them should fix the starting issue.
it sounds like you may have a clogged catylic convertor in your exhaust system. after the car has run for a while look at the convertor under the car sometimes they will get red from the heat. or even the exhaust manifold could be red. this just happened to my suv. to confirm that it was my convertors I drilled a 3/8 in hole in the exhaust before the convertors. then I test drove the car going up a steep hill and the car ran fine no more lack of power and the engine ran smooth. if this is not the problem and you drilled a hole in the exhaust pipe then just go to a muffler shop and they will weld the hole closed for a few dollars. good luck
At that age and the high idling, I would start at the vacuum lines. They are cheap to replace and sometimes they get splits along the length that are hard to see.
rpm will drop when u pull a spark plug wire, i'm assuming this does not happen when u pull # 4 plug wire. This tells me # 4 jug is dead, no compression and not firing.
With all the stuff going on...seems to take me to the battery and the power distribution box near the battery. Ensure all the battery connections are clean and free of any dirt or corrosion.
A little bit of corrosion will block 12vdc either completely or in part.
That positive battery post (+) provides power to the computer which in turn can make things pretty flaky if it doesnt get its power.
Not to mention, the power distribution box provides power thru relays to the fuel pump, ignition system, the starter and a host of other "car bodily functions"...
I'd have that section of the car gone over with a fine tooth comb...so to speak.
What a funny set of events.Of course the tail pipe is clear(you would have checked that)The only other thing it might be is the cat/converter is blocked.New muffler is allowing a heap of air through and it suddenly clears and the bang.They do block up so it may be worth getting it checked.Hope this helps
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