1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Check engine light

Old Jan 21, 2007 | 11:48 PM
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Default Check engine light

Random misfires are causing check engine light (according to dealer mechanic). Usually light goes out some time later. Using fuel injector cleaner seems to make the problem less frequent. Replaced the plus and wires. What could be causing this problem? What should I do?
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Old Jan 21, 2007 | 11:51 PM
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What year? What engine? Has it been scanned while driving looking for odd KR?

Maybe the ICM? I'm guessing.
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Old Jan 21, 2007 | 11:57 PM
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96 SSEi, 3.8 super charged...

What is KR?
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 12:04 AM
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Knock retard. When the air fuel mixture starts burning too early before the spark plug discharges, the cylinder will reach max pressure before top dead center. The knock sensors sense knock, and the PCM will do what it can to stop it from happening again short term (and long term be retarding timing in general.

What was the code that set the light?
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 12:16 AM
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Thus a timing problem? I have noticed performance is poor. I thought it was age.

I would have to ask the garage for the codes. My understanding is that there were a number of different codes occuring seemingly randomly.

I can ask for codes info. Would this help?
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 01:09 AM
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No your problem is NOT timing


and getting the code number would help.

also if its a misfire a good place to start would be to replace the plugs and wires
(doing them fixed my car up in a hurry)
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 01:13 AM
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Yes, the actual codes would help as there are several things that could cause your problem. When does the light start flashing? Normal cruise, wide open throttle, slight acceleration? Fuel pressure, coils, ignition control module, vacuum leaks, and corroded battery cables are some possibilities.

What brand plugs did you use?
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 03:17 AM
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Originally Posted by jv2351
96 SSEi, 3.8 super charged...

What is KR?
What grade of fuel do you normally run? Should be using 91 or higher.
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 07:14 AM
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Random or multiple misfires can be caused by
Fuel grade
Pulley size
Spark plug heat range
Loose ground connections
ICM

If you start by looking at your fuel and ensure you are only using premium (highest octane in your area) that'* step 1. Step 2 is ... have you changed anything lately?
Spark plugs fall into the anything lately category. Platinum and or Bosch plugs are known to have issues in our waste spark system that is in our cars. Loose or poor grounds are also a factor that is easily located and remedied. Due to the cost..the last item to usually question is the ICM.
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Old Jan 22, 2007 | 09:10 AM
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Double check the plug wires to make sure they are routed correctly and not touching the oxygen sensor wiring.
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