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94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Oddl3all
Anonymous Poster
kickjass@gmail.com
Sep 10, 2009, 5:55 AM
Post #1 of 8
(4197 views)
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94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Hello ARH representatives,
My name is David, and I have a 94' Buick Lesabre (has about 150k miles on it). About 4 days ago on my way to work my engine started to miss and would shut off at low RPM's, not all the time. For example it would miss, miss, miss then shut down or shut down randomly while I was driving (this doesn't happen as often). But in some cases I'll be driving for a half an hour and not have it miss once.
I have to shift (automatic) into Neutral and rev up the engine a little to keep it running. I changed all of my spark plugs thinking one was bad, but it is still having the same symptoms. I took the Buick to a well known, well trusted mechanic to see if he could find the issue. But he wasn't able to get the error codes, he said he didn't have the best equipment to get them. An he could replace valves etc. But it would be throwing money down the drain not knowing what the error is. So I picked up my car today and took it to autozone for a free diagnostics test. The handheld device he used was only coming up with a error, like it wouldn't read. He tried another, but same, handheld device and it would not read. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm stumped
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 10, 2009, 8:47 AM
Post #2 of 8
(4183 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Being a 1994 vehicle it is likely still OBD I (On Board Diagnostics 1) system; most hand held code readers will only work on OBD II systems, 1995 and newer.
On OBD I systems, you can retrieve flash codes from the SES (Service Engine Soon) light; if the system is functioning properly.
Does the SES light come on and stay on, with the ignition switch in the run position, engine off?
If so; jumper the ALDL (Assembly Line Data Link) terminals A & B, turn the ignition to the run position (engine off) and count the flashes of the SES light.
Again if the system is functioning properly the light will flash a code 12, three times; this tells you that the system has entered diagnostics. After the three code 12’s are flashed and if there are any other codes, it will begin flashing them three times each. At the end of all stored trouble codes; the SES will flash code 12 again; this means end of new codes and will begin flashing the other previous read codes again. This cycle will continue until you turn the ignition off and remove the jumper wire from terminals A & B.
A code 12 flashes will look like this.
With A&B terminals jumpered, turn the ignition on; the SES will light and then go out. Then the light will flash on and off; a short pause; then a flash flash; a longer pause off and then it repeats. The signal flash represents 1 the two flashes together represents 2 put together meaning 12.
A code 32 would be flash, flash, flash a short pause then flash, flash then a longer pause and it will repeat three times, before going on to the next code.
The ALDL is under the left side of the dash; the diagram below shows the A & B Terminals.
Dan.
PS:
Now after saying all of this some US built 94 cars where built in the transition time between OBD1 & 2; that even us here in the shop had to have special adapters for our scan tools to get into the system; are you one of these lucky people that owns one?
Canadian "EH"
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Oddl3all
Anonymous Poster
Sep 10, 2009, 9:35 AM
Post #3 of 8
(4178 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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I've had the car for about 3 years, and I have not seen the check engine light on, ever. I will try this method jus for safe measure. I hope this works. Thanks for your advice I will be back with my results, if any.
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Sep 10, 2009, 10:01 AM
Post #4 of 8
(4175 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Ok,
I tried the paper clip method and I could not get any check engine light response. My adapter was different then the one in the picture. My adapter had many, many more connectors. I inserted the clip into the top right two (A&B).
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Sep 10, 2009, 11:52 AM
Post #5 of 8
(4168 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Oh im sorry,
I didn't give you the results of the paper clip test. I did not get a service or check engine light after following the instuctions.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 10, 2009, 12:06 PM
Post #6 of 8
(4166 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Like I asked; are you one of the lucky ones. Your connector probably looks like this one?
If so; then yes; you’re going to have to go somewhere, where they have the equipment to access the computer’s data list and memory. Right now we don’t know whether this is an issue with the electronics or the lack of equipment that is stopping us from accessing computer information?
Now don’t get electronics stuck in your mind set; there are a lot of non computer controlled systems that may cause these problems.
But you’re going to have to find out why you haven’t been able to access the computer data, first.
Once that has happened; then you or whoever will be able too determine, whether this is an electronic, basic fuel, ignition or mechanical issue.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Sep 10, 2009, 12:10 PM
Post #7 of 8
(4160 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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"94 was a transition year for GM and what they did with a bunch of cars is use OBD2 connectors with OBD1 systems. This is a real pain because you can't get flash codes and OBD2 code readers won't work either. Many of these can only be read with a professional scan tool.
You'll have to try it to find out but don't be surprised if they can't read it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Sep 10, 2009, 12:49 PM
Post #8 of 8
(4152 views)
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Re: 94' Buick Lesabre: Stallking & Missing :'(
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Aw man!
That exactly what it looks like. I'll have to call around and find a shop that has a device. Thanks for your advice you have been really helpful.
Thanks again, David
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