96 Lumina with misfire problems

[richtazz]

normally a wiring problem will not resolve itself with RPM. Has any one ever tried doing a compression test on the cylinder with a miss? A leaky cylinder head gasket will cause the same issues with a miss that you are describing, and will resolve itself as RPM increases due to less time for compression to leak out due to faster piston movement as RPM's increase.

[kevinb70]

Originally Posted by richtazz

normally a wiring problem will not resolve itself with RPM.

In this case it does. The 7x Crankshaft position sensor is mainly needed for low speed revolutions up to 400RPM, and then after that the 24X i believe is mainly used to control spark. A faulty 24X sensor, on the other hand, will not be evident until you go over 400RPM....

[richtazz]

I will keep that info in the old noggin, as I have yet to run into that one.

[ashypete]

Sir:
I have a 1993 Lumina and had the same problem. If I were you I would go buy a $3.00 spark plug and plug your # 6 hole with your old plug. Than attach the spark plug you bought to the wire for the # 6 cly. and ground that plug with a jumper wire. Now start your car, and see if you have spark to that plug. If not it is either your coil pack, or ignition control module.

[ashypete]

In all of you notes you haven't said anything about your coil pack on the #6 cly. Also if it isn't the coil pack get the ignition control module checked. You problem sounds like ignition to me.

Harry

[kevinb70]

problem fixed yet? Been wondering on this one...

[phastjoe]

Karen, is the problem fixed? I had similar odd trouble with a 96 Olds 3.1 and may have an easy fix. Let me know. Joe

[KarenC]

I don't have jackstands nor do I think I can get the wheel off without an airgun (had to call someone for my last flat - I'm assuming I'd have the same problem with that wheel)

I'm looking for someone around here that has some equipment and expertise that I could barter for - will either find someone or it won't get fixed most likely. Right now it's running okay, and I'm getting used to the hesitation. But your description is so close to what I'm experiencing that I think you're right that there is most likely a problem there.

The only thing I'm not clear on is why the injectors keep failing. All but one have been replaced by a dealer that gives a lifetime warranty on replacement injectors, so he's getting no money when I have to take it in and I doubt he would put crappy injectors in there. The fuel filter has been replaced twice in the last 20,000 miles.

I will probably have to replace the car before winter. If anyone is in the Chicago area and wants it for parts, let me know, because I know I won't get anything in terms of trade in value.

Karen

[kevinb70]

you can alternately check that sensor wire by just taking off your coil packs, ignition module and reaching in from above with a 1/4" rachet and 10mm socket. You will have to feel around for it. I had already put my car on jackstands and pulled the inner fender panel off because initially I was going to inspect the 24x at the crankshaft damper... but my problem was the 7x on the firewall side of the engine... if you have a small arm, you can lie on top of the engine, left hand can reach teh sensor by reaching below the alternator... or your right arm reaching behind where the ignition module bolts on.

use a thumb to unsnap the sensor lead and it will pull right off. check the wire first, and replace it if it has melted... if it is the wire, you wont even have to unbolt the 7x sensor because you will have found your problem.

worth a check! And I am so glad I finally resolved a problem that has plagued me for over 6 months...