1988 Olds Cutlass Ciera 3.8 - Engine Troubleshooting


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1988 Olds Cutlass Ciera 3.8

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting

acemberger
New User

Dec 13, 2010, 2:07 PM

Post #1 of 4 (3795 views)

1988 Olds Cutlass Ciera 3.8	Sign In

I am having trouble starting the engine after it is warmed up. When the engine is cold it starts fine, but after its warmed up and I try to start it, it will start the first time and then stall out after a couple seconds. It sounds like its struggling to stay running but then dies. After that it won't start until the engine has cooled down. There was nothing that led up to this, it just started happening one day. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Dec 13, 2010, 7:37 PM

Post #2 of 4 (3784 views)

Re: 1988 Olds Cutlass Ciera 3.8	Sign In

You should start off with pulling the codes, this one you can ground pins A & B with a paper clip and count the SES flashes...

When it dies, is there a bunch of black smoke coming out the back? If so I would disconnect the coolant temp sensor for computer and jump the 2 terminals with a piece wire, if this makes it run better you probably have a bad sensor or connector...

acemberger
New User

Dec 14, 2010, 11:47 AM

Post #3 of 4 (3772 views)

Re: 1988 Olds Cutlass Ciera 3.8	Sign In

I pulled the code and I had to adjust the TPS. I checked it and it is working right. It also said something about a grounded wide open throttle. I do not know what that means. If you could tell me how to check and/or fix it I would be very greatful.

Also there is no smoke coming out after it dies.

(This post was edited by acemberger on Dec 14, 2010, 11:48 AM)

Sidom
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Dec 14, 2010, 9:51 PM

Post #4 of 4 (3761 views)

Re: 1988 Olds Cutlass Ciera 3.8	Sign In

I wish I could tell you what the problem is & how to fix it. The problem is there is so many things that could cause this it has to be tested out & narrowed down....

The 1st step would be to find out what you are losing when it dies and won't restart. Spark of fuel? Finding that out will cut the huge field in about 1/2 (actually 3/4 if it's spark). So the next time it dies check for spark with a spark tester and then take a fuel pressure reading and also spray some carb clean down the throttle body to see if that gets it to start for a few seconds....

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