melissa7

Hello well today my car has had it's first issue since getting it. Earlier in the day I drove her around she was just fine. A few hours later I went to leave for the store and it took a couple of times to start it. Once started she would die. I kept having to push the gas a lot to keep her running. She was sputtering and once in awhile there was popping noises in the radiator it sounded. It takes holding the gas pedal down a lot to keep her running. She would die if I didn't keep holding it down. I have noticed the past couple of weeks when she's sitting in traffic and I have been driving her for awhile, the coolant temp gets up to 235 degrees, then go back down but to only about 220. Also while sitting in traffic and she gets hot the check engine light will come on. Once I'm driving about 45mph and above she cools down to 182 to 195 depending on the weather. Any suggestions or has anyone had a similar experience? I have no idea what it is.

Vetteman Jack

Moving this over to C4 Tech/Performance.

Kevova

You need to find out what code is causing check engine light. Check coolant level, maybe low. Temperature gauge is working somewhat as it should. The gauge should read approx thermostat opening temperature above 45 mph. Temperature will increase in slow traffic. The cooling fans should come on keeping temp below 226. Do you know when last tune up was? 1985 tune ups were every 30k. Vacuum leaks wil cause rough running.

melissa7

Ok thanks for the info. The codes were 21 and 32. I hope it's an easy fix.

Kevova

21 is tps high 32 is egr fault. I would look at 21 first because tps is a primary input for ecm. To DIY you should get factory service manuals, they will have a the information to repair your car.

melissa7

So far have put a new TPS, then a new EGR Valve. The car cranks over but then dies very quickly. I re checked the engine codes after installing the new parts, and only 12 comes up. I'm wondering if it could be the fuel pump?

aklim

How about something ridiculous and unheard of. Diagnostics as opposed to throwing parts. Let's check different things like Fuel and Spark. Let's check the fuel pressure ESPECIALLY when it is having this issue. How are the plugs? Are the wires leaking? Are they in correct firing order? How is the timing?

fake

What year? How about the fuel filter?Something simple. Check vacuum lines. Is this an OB1 car because the codes will drive you nuts and i had a bad water pump and no codes indicated that problem

TheBlaster9001

Definitely check timing. Popping out of the intake means that spark is way off, of the air/fuel mixture is lean. Make sure you adjust the TPS correctly.

melissa7

So after all it ended up being the Mass Airflow Sensor. She starts right up. Thank goodness!

TheBlaster9001

Awesome! Glad you got it fixed.