car running weird

[TWO-FOUR]

i have a 93 festiva gl automatic just bought it. started off running fine then when you'd stop it would rev up an down then it would die when you stop so i changed the plugs and oil and valve cover gasket and adjusted the idle now pretty basically same thing just not dieing and the check engine light comes on and off when its on it seems to run pretty fine but when off sputters and doesn't wanna go an smokes a Lil any suggestions on where to start? Thanks

[kzbill]

Check the wires going into the Vane Air flow Meter on top of the air cleaner wiggle the large connector while it is running and see if it makes a diference. could be dirty or just bad connections.

Also may need plug wires and Distributor cap and rotor. that should be done if not new anyway so you know you have good ignition system.

Next what color smoke,...... black=too rich,....... white and sweet smelling=coolant/not a good thing,...... blue=oil/da blues.

[Axlander9289]

May want to check your idle air control motor for proper operation.

[TWO-FOUR]

Checked the air flow meter wires-only dif is when i disconnect it it just acts like it going to die is that a sign that it is still good? just wondering cause was thinking about replacing that as well and the smoke was a blackish color also swapped idle control with another and no difference there either and other then new plug wires,distributor cap and rotor what else could be the cause? Thanks

[festivaWES]

Replace your oxygen sensor. it causing your car to run rich if it's faulty. Run the code at autozone the next time it comes on, they'll do it for free.

[kzbill]

good, smoke is black! thats rich.
OK I found on mine that rich was affected by a bunch of things,

1. Coolant temp sender reads the temp and tell it to richen the mixture.

2. Engine temp too low=coolant temperature sensor or wiring bad or diconnected. (temp sesor located on passenger side of intake manifold next to injector) OEM thermostat is a two stage 88C/195F.

3. A Bad O2 sensor will tell it to run in a preset factory loop which I believe is rich. (please correct if wrong) sensor wiring or connector could be bad. On mine I had a lot of corroded connectors from sitting too long.

4. There is a little Ring terminal connected to a bracket near the thermostat housing that has two black wires in it. Mine was dirty this is a ground for the engine management, dist and fuel inj. I think. clean the ground.

5. Could be a VAF but clean the terminals in the connector first. Get the haynes manual and check all the grounds in the engine compartment and clean them where they connect to the inner fenders.

6.Report back with your progress it helps everyone!

Anyone else, please correct me if I am way off base! thanks

[TWO-FOUR]

Ok so today i replaced the o2 sensor and checked and cleaned most of the wire connections & grounds also cleaned the MAF sensor and the whole time i had the battery disconnected. Upon start up she smoked for a few seconds (white smoke) then stopped and seemed to be running fine check engine light off so i went to take it for a drive first few miles it ran just fine with no light then it would come on and go off for maybe 15 20 miles but still running just fine but then it started acting up the same way it was before so when the check engine light was on it would run just fine but then when it would go off it would run like crap for ins tense if you would step on the gas quick it would bog down like it was just gonna die but then it would start sputtering an kinda take off blowing whitish/Grey smoke till the check engine light would come back on then fine again guess next thing i will try will be the disributor (Or any other suggestions) an just my luck on my way home i ran some mettle thing over and now I'm leaking oil all over GRRR WHAT NEXT :angry4:

[phantorn]

ouch,can you check what code?

[jglutz]

Run the check engine diagonostics....not hard to do.
in the engne compartment between the the ign coil and the brake booster ar some connectors not connected to anything...one is a single contact...if you peel the tape back..its a yellow wire with a green trace.

make a connection between this wire and the battery ground... turn the key but do not start...the check engine light will flash codes....count he flashes...if multiple coeds are stored... they will be flashed in sequence....the computer will wil repeat he flash codes... watch and count carfully...noting an time delay between flashes....post the results and the diagnostics will be simplified.

[TWO-FOUR]

thanks ill try that either tonight or tomorrow and post the #'s

[TWO-FOUR]

it flashed 9 times so whats that?

[FB71]

code 9, faulty Engine Coolant Temperature sensor circuit.

Should be about 3k ohms at 72 degF and 500-1k ohms at operating temp.

[jglutz]

9 = 4 + 5 (that's my wife smart ass comment as i went to grab the book)\

9 is the engine coolant temp sensor. could definintely cause the poroblems your having. Especially if the engine starts and runs only with a little gas pedal.

With the hood up and standing at the front passenger wheel and looking at the engine...then sensor is in the intake manifold wher it enter the block...above the alt.

Be advised...a sensor failure could be a connector or wiring problem or in this case...if the heater core is cloge the sensore will not see the necessary flow of water (the sensor is in the water stream as it enters the heater core in the passenger compartment).

What the flashing light is saying. and it's not wrong...something wrong in that circuit...wiring-connecttor-sensor-water flow. Easiest...if the passenger compartment (floor or defroster) works, its the sensor...not ahrd one to change..just make sure the female threads are clean and use alittle RTV to be sure.

[TWO-FOUR]

so what do i need to do to correct this problem? is it likely theres a bad connection or more likely that its bad sensor and where is it? Its my first festiva and just bought it so dont really know to much about them (YET) finding stuff out quick though

[TWO-FOUR]

Thanks ill try to locate it and replace it hopefully all is well after that