98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

[min301]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

It would smell rich because it wouldn't turn over enough to run, but saturated the cylinders with fuel.
I doubt this has anything to do with the running problem.

[min301]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

Oh, where would I find one of these real scanners?? Also I didnt mean disconnecting the cables would cause a problem, I meant the welding may have caused a problem?

Mac tools, Snap-On tools, OTC, all have excellent scan tools, but expect to pay 3-5k for it, with software, and updates.
Much cheaper(unless your rich) to find a reputable repair facility to do the diag work for you.
Don't go to Autozone, I know they pull codes, but they aren't a registered repair facility, nor
are they liscensed technicians. Far as I know, even them pulling codes would be considered illegal here.

[TheSilverBuick]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

Don't go to Autozone, I know they pull codes, but they aren't a registered repair facility, nor
are they liscensed technicians. Far as I know, even them pulling codes would be considered illegal here.

Me being an experienced Autozoner :-[ Bill (Min301) is right, 99% of the AZ guys can pull a code but still have zero idea of what the true problem is, codes are helpful, but a true live data stream can usually point something obvious out, that is as long as you know what normal values are. That's where an experienced licensed shop comes into play in both costs of the tools and the experience. Never hurts to ask to see the problem first hand once they've narrowed it down, every reputable shop I've seen/been to the mechanics are glad to show the owner's the problem.

As for the legality of AZ checking codes, I thought that was just a CA issue, but I guess it's not surprising other states would have the same issue. For the Do It Yourself'er I think it's a great program, but it's only useful for what it is and AZ (or at least the Store Managers) couldn't keep honest with the parts selling off codes rather the car needed them or not, so it's probably better the way it is. But it's nice to be able to see an Evap Code for free and tighten the gas cap to make it go away than to pay someone forty bucks to do the same. At least you can still borrow the code tool for a hefty deposit. (I worked at AZ when they started the free scan program and scaled it back :-[ and had previous education hanging out with the electrical/line guys at the GM & Ford Dealerships I worked at before)

[73Nova]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

Well the good news about my local Autozone is that my best buddy runs it and he has a guy there that works for him that has been spot on in the past and knows his stuff. Ive been working with him on this and hes stumped. We just filled it up and noticed its been getting crap mileage. Its normally good for 24 or so MPG and right now im down in the mid 14's MPG. Could this be a hit and miss fuel pressure regulator deal? I pulled the vacum line off to see if it was going to leak gas and it didnt, and its bone dry.....

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

2.4 has been a well known throttle body sticky clogger , I don't think that is your problem though

[wrenchn2]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

If the problem started after starter change i would look the wiring harness over. Look at the sensor conections, grounds and pinching of wires in the area around the starter.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

to change the starter on a 2.4 , the crank sensor connector sometimes gets in the way

[73Nova]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

Ill have to check the crank sensor and see if somthing got loosened up.....thanks for the heads up there

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

I was just working on a 02 grand am 4 cyl today ...broken horn ;D

[turbofish38]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

Check your PCV system. A vacuum leak would cause those problems. Lots of hoses on that end of the motor anyway. If you can trace it down to a misfire I'd also check the ignition coil housing.

[SpiderGearsMan]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

2.4 has no pcv

[CTX-SLPR]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

What does it have then? Is the crankcase just open to the throttlebody?

[min301]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

[CTX-SLPR]

Re: 98 Grand Am GT 4cyl problems....

Hey.... now I know something else I want off of one of these cars, though I need the IAC housing off of the 3.4L 60º V6 not the 2.4L, the oil seperator. Sounds like the perfect thing to put inline with my PCV on my Turbo6 to keep from pushing oil into the intake under boost.