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90 Lumina Runs perfect but dies and doesn't start intermittenly
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lukebrubaker
User
May 14, 2009, 1:19 PM
Post #1 of 4
(2257 views)
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90 Lumina Runs perfect but dies and doesn't start intermittenly
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1990
Chevy Lumina
3.1
180,000 miles
Hello,
I am at my wits end with this issue and I am tired of putting money in this car without the problem being fixed. This car runs great when it wants to but unexpectedly dies and then does not start until it sits for a while. After changing the fuel filter and checking pressure, and other areas I decided to take it in to a shop. They said the problem was a fuel injector that was shorting out and they had to unplug it to get it to even run. They charged me $140 for another injector and gasket plus labor. I thought excellent now it is fixed. I drove it 100 miles to chicago and drove around a little while I was there for about 3 days and then made it back no problem. I drove it another 30 miles the day I returned to see my mother. It died about 10 miles on the way back while it was idleing. I waited a day and tried it again and got it another 10 miles before it died while doing about 50 mph... So I waited another day and then finally got it the rest of the way back to my hometown where I dropped it off at the shop that said it was fixed. Now they are telling me that they have checked everything and they think it is a bad wiring harness or a bad pcm computer. They are telling me to take it to some other place to have it checked and tell me it will cost like 70$. I am so tired of spending money on this without finding out what is wrong. I plan on talking to the owner of the shop tomorrow because the only reason I took it to them was to have it diagnosed and I decided to let them do the repair so I wouldn't have to worry about it. How can I find out what the exact problem is without spending more money and having the same darn problem?
Thanks,
Luke
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 14, 2009, 2:26 PM
Post #2 of 4
(2254 views)
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Re: 90 Lumina Runs perfect but dies and doesn't start intermittenly
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Luke; First, we need to determine if you are lacking fuel or spark when it does die. Those GMs do have injector and harness problems. It's possible that another injector has died. But, if it's spark that is dying, then we'd need to look at other things. (crank sensor, control module, coils, ect.) The injectors and harness can be checked. They need to be checked when the problem arises, as temperature can be a factor.
Did I read it correctly, that the shop wants you to take it elsewhere for diagnostics, then bring it back to them for repair?
Loren
SW Washington
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
May 14, 2009, 6:05 PM
Post #3 of 4
(2251 views)
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Re: 90 Lumina Runs perfect but dies and doesn't start intermittenly
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Lauren,
When I was working on it before when it was not starting we checked the fuel pressure while trying to start and it was to haynes spec. When it isn't running it sounds like it is fireing for 1-2 seconds and then nothing.. Also the mechanic said that he checked the crank sensor and it was fine. Yes that is what they told me. They said I needed to take it somewhere else for the diagnostic and that he would replace the harness but it would be allot of work. I think he wants to charge me more and I am very frustrated because they charged me $140 for a new injector, gasket and labor but I am still having the exact same problem as before. He said that when he unplugged the bad injector the car started and ran. Well he replaced it and now it is running fine(as of right now) but it is still dieing and unreliable so I can't trust it. I am going up there to talk to the owner about the diagnostic end.. I feel like they should at least take care of that somehow since it is still doing the exact same thing.
Thank You very much!
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 15, 2009, 4:36 PM
Post #4 of 4
(2241 views)
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Re: 90 Lumina Runs perfect but dies and doesn't start intermittenly
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Luke; It is very possible that it was a 'shorted' injector, to begin with. The way these are wired, it can take out two more at the same time. It's also possible that you've got another one 'lying down'. BTDT. I always 'recommend' replacing all of the injectors at the same time, just because of scenarios like this. But, it's always up to the customer to make that decision. Just like lifters. Do you go in and replace the one that's making noise, or do all of them at the same time?
I'm not 'insinuating' that it was improperly diagnosed, but it is possible. We mechanics, don't have some magic crystal ball or a magic machine that tells us exactly what the problem is. Sometimes, it's an educated guess. I'm sure, if they can get it to 'act up' they'll be able to find the problem.
If the engine is dying at stops, this could be just a dirty/sticky IAC problem. Very possible that the injection system needs to be cleaned. This would include cleaning the IAC, throttle body, MAF sensor (if equipped), and the injectors.
Remember, you can catch more flies with honey, than you can with vinegar.
Loren
SW Washington
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