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99 Bonneville starts, won't maintain idle

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Old 09-25-2007, 09:46 AM
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Default 99 Bonneville starts, won't maintain idle

It seems yesterday out of the blue, my car no longer wants to stay running. It'* never had a problem before. All I did yesterday was wash it, and let it sit for a few hours. Went to go get a snack, and the car will turn over but will immediately die after a few pathetic seconds of lumpy idle. If I give the car gas as I start it I can keep it running at any rpm over 1000, but the second I let off the gas the car dies. I have noticed the smell of gas in the exhaust, which (from another post topic) leads me to believe the Fuel Pressure Regulator is biting the dust. The car has 95,500 miles and no modifications. I've noticed people state to check the vacuum line to the FPR and see if it smells like gas. I know what it looks like but I'm not sure where it is in the engine bay. Anyone have a pic or can they give a description? Any other ideas or troubleshooting questions let me know. Thanks!
Old 09-25-2007, 01:10 PM
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Your regulator is on the front of the motor right above the valve cover on the metal fuel rail. If you are SC'd it'* to the left (facing car from front) next to the coil packs. If you are NA'd it'* on the other end by the top radiator hose.
Old 09-25-2007, 01:38 PM
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Thanks Bill, I found it. I'm on my way to the parts tor, hopefully it'* the regulator. I don't know any way water could have got in the tank, but it'* certainly not idling for long before it dies.
Old 09-25-2007, 02:14 PM
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That was my seconds thought, water in the fuel. It happens when we have hot days and cool nights.
Check that regulator first for fuel smell.
What car are we talking about anyway. Your sig says the bird is blown.
Old 09-25-2007, 03:29 PM
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99 bonneville. I was just low on gas and it was fairly cool (albeit it the night before not last night). I put a new regulator in, same problem. There goes a non-refundable $75.
Old 09-26-2007, 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by nuclearxp
99 bonneville. I was just low on gas and it was fairly cool (albeit it the night before not last night). I put a new regulator in, same problem. There goes a non-refundable $75.
Ok..next time let'* troubleshoot instead of shotgun a part on. We can save you $75 or more. There was no fuel in the line right?

Reread your original post. Fuel smell in the exhaust? That would mean one cylinder isn't firing but it'* getting fuel. Right? All fuel should be burned when coming out the exhaust.
Old 09-26-2007, 09:01 AM
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Before throwing any more parts at it, try a resistance check on the coils and wires. Pull the plugs and look at how each is burning and add a bottle of quality isopropal gas dryer.
Old 09-26-2007, 09:36 AM
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Dirty idle air control? Perhaps try cleaning the idle air? I don't recall many people here having issues with them, but it could explain why you can keep it running with manual throttle input, why it would die when you lifted, and the smell of unburnt fuel. Just a thought is all. Take it with a grain of salt. (cleaning an IAC is cheap too )
Old 09-26-2007, 10:37 AM
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Dealer verdict: car was losing communication with MAF and the injectors were filthy. Now onto the $4000 i don't have to rebuild the 'bird engine. Anyone wanna buy a bonne??
Old 09-26-2007, 11:19 AM
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I suppose one question that wasn't asked. Did the car have any DTC'*? Has the dealer fixed the issue?


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