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90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed


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digidad
New User

Jan 30, 2016, 7:39 PM

Post #1 of 8 (2431 views)
90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In

Vehicle is a 1990
Buick LeSabre.
Ran great for a
while. Occasional
minor drop in idle
but nothing concerning.
Recently engine
would stutter when
giving gas at 45
mph+. Maybe twice
during a 20 mile trip. Been like that
for months. Here in
the last month it
idles rough more
often. Acts like its
going to die when accelerating from
stop. Does die
when using reverse
75% of the time.
Added fuel
treatment, no help. Plugs and wires
replaced less than
7 months ago.
Unplugged Mass
air flow sensor and
ran it down the street. Still acting
as before.
Here's the codes I
got from auto
store.
GM 21 thru 26 GM 32 thru 35
GM 41
GM 43
GM 66
Im going to
attempt cleaning the resistors on the
Mass Air Sensor by
dripping some
rubbing alcohol on
them.
Any help much appreciated!


(edited subject line to match what the car is not a Pontiac is now as body of post reads - a Buick - can put it back if wrong now)


(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jan 30, 2016, 11:00 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 30, 2016, 11:17 PM

Post #2 of 8 (2418 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In

? Changed subject line to read "Buick" not Pontiac - let a moderator know if now wrong.
Let's clean this question and find the problem. Codes for 1990 are/were blinking CEL most places don't do that nor give you what they mean. I can dig out the paper book for this if you post just the pertinent ones and know that it just mean that area not specific items in trouble. You can get codes all over these that mean nothing and not a ton of help.
You didn't say but please do. This is a GM 3.8 engine? Miles - overall condition?
If basically a good car and engine now it's age to pay attention to. Rough idle? They did new and too low IMO.
If general sound look hard for vacuum leaks and check out PCV system for these.
Other checks: Motor mounts. Just look at motor with hood open putting it in reverse and forward for motion against some throttle with brakes on hard is easy enough.
Would help more to know more about this car in general and any history at this age. What issues that were common new are now old enough to be on second and third rounds or just a worn out mess now?
More info needed. Codes if not specific #s are not much help. In reading them they repeat - you can do this yourself and car is older than most employees of outlets they would even consider trying yet a year newer than what I drive!


T



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jan 30, 2016, 11:20 PM)


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Jan 31, 2016, 8:57 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2398 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In

dtc 66 doesn't exist

dtc 43 is an electronic spark control circuit fault

dtc 41 is no cam sensor signal. (the magnet probably fell off the cam sprocket)

dtc 32 doesn't exist

dtc 33 doesn't exist

dtc 34 is MAF circuit (probably set because you had it unplugged)

dtc 35 doesn't exist

dtc 21 is TPS signal volt high (did you unplug this one?)

dtc 22 is TPS signal volt low

dtc 23 is MAT (manifold air temp) circuit low

dtc 24 is VSS (vehicle speed sensor) circuit (does the speedometer work?)

dtc 25 is MAT circuit high (did you unplug this one or is it unplugged? the sensor is located near the air cleaner)

dtc 26 is quad driver circuit (usually sets when you have an output device that is shorted out)


You have a lot of codes that could of been set by unplugging things with the key on. You should clear the memory by disconnecting the battery for 10 secs and see which codes come back. Forget cleaning the MAF, because they probably will not fix your issue. How good are you at diagnosing computer circuits and drive-ability issues? Do you have service information and a DVOM?

If your not good at diagnosing stuff like this or don't have the proper information or test equipment, your better off taking it to a reputable shop.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jan 31, 2016, 9:03 AM)


digidad
New User

Jan 31, 2016, 1:19 PM

Post #4 of 8 (2387 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In


In Reply To

Quote
Changed subject line to read "Buick" not Pontiac - let a moderator know if now wrong.


You are correct. My mistake.


Quote
Let's clean this question and find the problem. Codes for 1990 are/were blinking CEL most places don't do that nor give you what they mean. I can dig out the paper book for this if you post just the pertinent ones and know that it just mean that area not specific items in trouble. You can get codes all over these that mean nothing and not a ton of help.



I asked a guy at O'Reilys to see what codes he could get. Kid was probably in his early 20's. I had to Google the location for the connection for him to hook up his computer to it. Also had to suggest using the GM connector seeing as the one he was trying to use just didn't match up. After about ten minutes of mass confusion he gave me the list of codes which I posted.



Quote
You didn't say but please do. This is a GM 3.8 engine? Miles - overall condition?


Yes, its a 3.8. Overall condition? I don't have any information from previous owners. Bought for $200. Sat for a couple years. Speedometer and odometer don't work. A/C don't work and windows go up at the speed of a snail. Honestly, I was surprised that it runs to this day.



Quote
If basically a good car and engine now it's age to pay attention to. Rough idle? They did new and too low IMO.
If general sound look hard for vacuum leaks and check out PCV system for these.
Other checks: Motor mounts. Just look at motor with hood open putting it in reverse and forward for motion against some throttle with brakes on hard is easy enough.
Would help more to know more about this car in general and any history at this age. What issues that were common new are now old enough to be on second and third rounds or just a worn out mess now?

I would say 'worn out mess' nails its condition. But it gets me to the grocery store and my son to school.



Quote
More info needed. Codes if not specific #s are not much help. In reading them they repeat - you can do this yourself and car is older than most employees of outlets they would even consider trying yet a year newer than what I drive!


Thank you sir for your help! I'm going to try getting a bottle of engine cleaner and spray it around the engine as its running to see if I can find a vacuum problem.


T



digidad
New User

Jan 31, 2016, 1:35 PM

Post #5 of 8 (2385 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In


In Reply To

Quote
dtc 66 doesn't exist

dtc 43 is an electronic spark control circuit fault

dtc 41 is no cam sensor signal. (the magnet probably fell off the cam sprocket)

dtc 32 doesn't exist

dtc 33 doesn't exist

dtc 34 is MAF circuit (probably set because you had it unplugged)

I unplugged it after having codes read

Quote


dtc 35 doesn't exist

dtc 21 is TPS signal volt high (did you unplug this one?)

I only unplugged the MAF

Quote

dtc 22 is TPS signal volt low

dtc 23 is MAT (manifold air temp) circuit low

dtc 24 is VSS (vehicle speed sensor) circuit (does the speedometer work?)

Nope.

Quote

dtc 25 is MAT circuit high (did you unplug this one or is it unplugged? the sensor is located near the air cleaner)


No I haven't but will check.

Quote

dtc 26 is quad driver circuit (usually sets when you have an output device that is shorted out)


You have a lot of codes that could of been set by unplugging things with the key on. You should clear the memory by disconnecting the battery for 10 secs and see which codes come back. Forget cleaning the MAF, because they probably will not fix your issue. How good are you at diagnosing computer circuits and drive-ability issues? Do you have service information and a DVOM?

If your not good at diagnosing stuff like this or don't have the proper information or test equipment, your better off taking it to a reputable shop.

I have very little knowledge about cars and codes. Unfortunately no stores in town can code my car. Maybe i can find a nearby shop that will do it for free. Can't afford having someone do it. Thanks for your post!



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jan 31, 2016, 3:10 PM

Post #6 of 8 (2377 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In

You read codes with a damn paper clip! Nobody can do that - where the heck do you live?
Like this........

Key on run not running. Ground those terminals and voila - it blinks out codes. First that it works then the codes 3 times in a row counting blinks long and short converted to #s.
*********************************
No longer the issue. Seriously consider doing anything but parting out this car and might get more than you $$ back as scrap metal. Brand new unsold cars are salvaged/recycled if that sat unsold for about 2 years OUTDOORS! Engine rusts inside, tires flat + harmed, battery dead, fuel junk and a problem and only maybe will work a while and the list goes on.
Check this link to that but don't click on anything.........

( THAT LINK EXPIRED - SORRY)
Now decide what you want to do as you'll spend a freaking fortune making this a dependable car and might be lucky. To really let a car set that long it really has to be dry, indoor storage, weight off wheels, battery out, oiled up engine, fuel removed and run dry and another long list.
Yes - I've seen people get away with it that know a ton about cars - you said you didn't so that ends that.
All is not lost but would consider as said sell off parts. Whole unrusted doors, interior - door panels or whole doors. Hood, trunk and any bright moldings can fetch something and still get your $$ back.
So if not enough $$ now you've just bought a shovel and dug a hole you'll never afford.
To store a car for this time or even much longer you either have it used periodically or go thru hoops to store it, dry and garaged.
Your call but that list goes on. All the shaft seals to water pump, PS pump, driveshafts probably gun rusted at least and will tear up the seals which is why they salvage brand new car by 2 years IF OUTDOORS UNUSED - SEE LINK,


T
(edited out link - expired. Showed literally millions of new cars lined up to be recycled all over the world)



(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jan 31, 2016, 3:13 PM)


digidad
New User

Jan 31, 2016, 5:07 PM

Post #7 of 8 (2369 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In

Ya.....Thx fer Yer help...


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 1, 2016, 12:18 AM

Post #8 of 8 (2353 views)
Re: 90 Buick LeSabre rough idle and accel - codes listed Sign In

Hey - sorry. Came across a bit hard. You can get out of that car and make a buck for the price you paid.
Was a little while ago took on an '88 Celebrity that ran but decided needed too much in plain parts to be worth it to me personally but had nice tires, wheels, interior etc. It was free from a family kid and running but gave him $300. Got $300 for it and they picked it up or $350 if I could get it there. It ran but didn't have a ride back so lost the $50.
Place was pricing it by the known weight more than some parts too just a plus. That price varies by market for metal and carbon credits too were a factor.
You should be fine. Just decide if you want to sell off some parts for a buck first or not and if not comfortable or the right location to part out a car and make a mess let whole thing go as it is.
**************************
Please note that the $$s spent doesn't assure you a car that's worth it or will work out. If known left sitting for more than a few months start to question why if not used or moved around at all. Leave the real problem but OK possible cars to the folks who are already prepared for all the possible problems or want it for parts for their own.
The lowest price market "cars" are the hardest market out there to win at or just have a usable legal vehicle,


T







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