Yeh!
Thanks for your time and help.

This is probably the best car forum on the web. I posted on about 5 different forums when I first had the problem and this is the only forum I got a reponse to, so thanks. Knowing the small details really made it easier/less stressful.

We're happy that you're happy! Again, if we can be of any help in the future, don't hesitate to ask.
Loren
SW Washington

I hate to post again....

The car had me at hello just to break me down again today. I can tell the problem is still there. I started the car up again and it had a little miss in it. It wasn't stalling but it was missing differently then it was before. This miss was more of a faster not as serious feeling miss. But after I drove it for about 5 minutes it was fine.

I was planning on changing the oil, distributor caps, and fuel filter myself on friday, payday. And I need to clean the engine vacuum but I don't know how, I googled but to no avail.

What would you suggest I do?
3iz

>>I don't want to sound negative, but I'm not convinced that your problems are over<<
Please, don't take this back to AAMCO. Let's start over. I'm going to go back and read the thread from the start, and will get back to you.
Loren
SW Washington

  Again; These are the things I'd want to check; If you aren't capable of doing these tests yourself, take it to a shop (not AAMCO) that deals with drivability problems. Did you have them replace the EGR valve that they 'sold' you? Obviously, it wasn't the problem. What PCM sensor did they sell you the second time you went back? AAMCO is a transmission shop, and doesn't have a very good reputation with even trans. repairs. (personal opinion)
There are three or four items that are very common for this vintage; Might ask the tech if he has checked them:
1) Mass Air Flow sensor (sometimes you can tap on it lightly with a screwdriver handle, or squeeze with your hand)
2) Ignition control module (most times, these act up when hot. Can apply heat with a heat gun)
3) Crankshaft sensor (same as control module)
4) Faulty injector or harness. (Ohm test cold and hot, ohm test harness)
I assume that he has already tested fuel pump pressure?
Loren
SW Washington

Ummm....

The EGR valve was replaced. Noticed the shiny new part.

The PCM was replaced. He didn't state a certain PCM sensor.

I can't take it two a shop for atleast 6 weeks, bills bills bills. If it breaks, it breaks. But I can repair smaller parts myself.

I did attempt to try the diagnostics you suggested like the mass air sensor etc. but I had no clue where to find all of them. I couldn't find anything on google to help locate the certain parts.

Just whatever AAMCO did solved part of the problem, I just think it is multiple problems. As for the fuel pump, I don't trust that the old fart mechanic "Butch" did a damn thing to my car. So checking fuel pump pressure is out of my reach for now.

I took it to AAMCO again.....lol

I had to! The car was un driveable today, it was missing when I gave the engine any gas. It wouldn't stall but it was like constant, idle, on gas all the time. I'm not going to have them repair anything. He said he would do another free diagnostics so I'm going to see what he has to say. But I'll be damned if I have them throw on another shiny part of uselessness. I also called up AutoZone today for some qoutes on the items you suggested.

Mass air flow sensor: $130ish

Ignition Control module: $30-50ish

Crankshaft sensor:50-70ish

injector: 30ish

Man I really don't have any more money at the momment. I'm so F'd.

An engine that misses for any reason is probably going to trash your converters costing a fortune of course. Find the $ to fix that and not just throwing parts at it. IMO AAMCO is not specializing in fixing more than transmissions so get this to a regular shop asap to properly diagnose and fix. If they tell you the trans job caused this bring that up with AAMCO

Stuff gets unplugged, bumped or whatever as a trans job is invasive but every last connection need be back in place.

Again - converters are at high risk of damage with a misfire!

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston
http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php

Its fixed! for now.......lol

AAMCO found a bad spark plug wire and replaced them all. $53. I had them keep it for two days, it was fixed on the first and on the second day was so they could run it again to check for problems. I borrowed some cash off my pops, which I feel like crap for doing. After $300 of useless crap, the car is running good.
They also changed my donut gasket which got rid of the putter and crappy sound my car had. Now I can't even hear my engine its so quiet. I have to roll my windows down when I start it just so I don't over crank it. I have to step on the gas a little to make sure the engine is running lol. Maybe I'm just not used to a quiet car? But all looks good.

I don't understand why the wires weren't checked first but $400 its still a cheap fix. I mean, I got all the code errors fixed except the crankshaft sensor code. To my knowledge.

Thanks for helping me through this schizophrenic car problem, I know it was a ballpark problem but I thank you for trying.

I'll defiantly come back for any car troubles I have, and let everyone know this is the site to come to.
3iz

Thanks for reporting the fix. FYI - we don't get paid here - all volunteers and site runs on ads!

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston
http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php

Someone has already mentioned about going to a real mechanic - NOT AAMCO. You're lucky you got out as cheaply as you did.

I have had nothing but bad experience from AAMCO, and heard some real horror stories.

Is your car running OK now?

Frankly - I wouldn't take a shopping cart there around me but we shouldn't be bashing a whole chain that isn't right either. Each tech has a responsibility to do the right things IMO.

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston
http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php











(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Nov 16, 2009, 3:59 PM)