This sounds correct
Misfiring problems
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die. Detroit
Misfiring problems
Hey everyone,
I have been working on my car as usual, and everything I've tried, it just doesnt work. The car idles poorly, it shakes alot. when I accelerate around 60-70 mph the car shakes ALOT. I replaced some spark plugs and it didnt do anything. I tried unplugging the spark plugs, to see if I could find which cylinder it was, and the car just sounded the same. What is wrong with my car?
Medic
I have been working on my car as usual, and everything I've tried, it just doesnt work. The car idles poorly, it shakes alot. when I accelerate around 60-70 mph the car shakes ALOT. I replaced some spark plugs and it didnt do anything. I tried unplugging the spark plugs, to see if I could find which cylinder it was, and the car just sounded the same. What is wrong with my car?
Medic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
WOW-a little help from you would help us-help you. What year? Any codes?
DO you have the FSMs or Helms? forget the Haynes or Chiltons-there just not reliable for trouble shooting etc. You can get either FSMs or Helms off the internet. I got mine from ebay.
To your problem-I'd check for vacumn leaks first.
Then a complete tune-what's "replaced some plugs"? replace all 8 with new, replace dist. cap, rotor and ohm the plug wires-hope you know how to use a digital Ohm meter. Plug wires should ohm at 5000 per foot. You might also observe the plug wires at night-look for arcing.
Then do a fuel pressure test.
You'll also want to check ignition modul, and pick up coil.
Then we can go on to injectors?
Now you should be able to see the benefits of owning a FSM-cheap, about $100. for both books. Without them you may be trying to find the problem for quite sometime!!
AND BTW-you could have something as simple as a crossed plug wire.
DO you have the FSMs or Helms? forget the Haynes or Chiltons-there just not reliable for trouble shooting etc. You can get either FSMs or Helms off the internet. I got mine from ebay.
To your problem-I'd check for vacumn leaks first.
Then a complete tune-what's "replaced some plugs"? replace all 8 with new, replace dist. cap, rotor and ohm the plug wires-hope you know how to use a digital Ohm meter. Plug wires should ohm at 5000 per foot. You might also observe the plug wires at night-look for arcing.
Then do a fuel pressure test.
You'll also want to check ignition modul, and pick up coil.
Then we can go on to injectors?
Now you should be able to see the benefits of owning a FSM-cheap, about $100. for both books. Without them you may be trying to find the problem for quite sometime!!
AND BTW-you could have something as simple as a crossed plug wire.
Last edited by rick lambert; Apr 30, 2006 at 08:28 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Rick made some good suggestions. I will add to it and say, idle the car and unplug the injectors connectors one at a time not any change (idle should drop with each). While there unplugged use an OHM meter and test the injectors and see what #'s you get. Should be around 16+/- ohm each. With a little more info on what is going wrong we will be able to pinpoint more accurately. What do plugs look like?, what does the exhaust smell like?, gas mileage?, check engine light on?, does it happen hot or cold?, just to name a few.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die. Detroit
Alright, Ill try to clear up most of your questions. I own an '86, and its been throwing code 36 most of the time. I currently took my car into a shop for a different problem, but what is code 36? Where should I start first once I get my car back?
Medic
Medic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Code 36 is a MAF burn off circuit code, probably needs a new relay-HOWEVER, if you replace the burnoff relay-you need to replace the power relay too! both located behind battery. Although it could be a bad or coroded connections or even a bad fuel pump relay-there are step by step trouble shooting steps in the FSMs or Helms, believe me-if you can pay a mechanic once-you would have more than paid for the manuals, and future problems would be easier for you to diagnos.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die. Detroit
See, its been acting very odd lately. The Service Engine Soon light will come on, and then turn off. Come on again and shut off. Its actually quite funny watching it, but what is wrong with it? And what is a burn-off relay? How much will that run me?
Medic
Medic
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Your light is coming on-telling you a code has been thrown.
The relays are about $15. each. You would end up saving money by buying the FSMs-cause you can throw alot of money into throwing in new parts without trouble shooting first!
The relays are about $15. each. You would end up saving money by buying the FSMs-cause you can throw alot of money into throwing in new parts without trouble shooting first!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by Medicman55
See, its been acting very odd lately. The Service Engine Soon light will come on, and then turn off. Come on again and shut off. Its actually quite funny watching it, but what is wrong with it? And what is a burn-off relay? How much will that run me?
Medic
Medic
RACE ON!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,254
Likes: 221
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by Medicman55
Alright, Ill try to clear up most of your questions. I own an '86, and its been throwing code 36 most of the time. I currently took my car into a shop for a different problem, but what is code 36? Where should I start first once I get my car back?
Medic
Medic