Oldsmobile/Buick: 1988 Cutlas Cierra Engine, auto part stores, code scanner

Question
Ray,
       I own a 1988 Cutlas Cierra and it's just starting to give me trouble.  It seems to hesitate rather badly at time (upon starting from a dead stop).  My dad is pretty good with engines...has checked most of the obvious stuff but still can't find it... He seems to think that it could be some kind of sensor or computer problem.  Does this seem to ring a bell with you?
Could you please offer some ideas on what electrical or sensor things that he could look for when troubleshooting?
            thanks a lot!
                         ron

Answer
Hi Ron,
Well there are a number of things that could cause your problem. Though if I mention them all, your dad would surely end up pulling his hair out and want to hunt both of us down! Sounds to me that the problem lies in the fuel injection area. Sensors can go out, but determing which one is the trick. There is a throttle sensor and of course the fuel injectors themselves. But that doesn't rule out other sensors under the hood contributing to the problem. You see, some sensors are easy to replace, but some some require using equipment to calibrate. Here's what I would do. You will need to purchase or rent a code scanner designed for your car and hook it up to the connector port under the hood. I believe the 88 Ciera is located on the firewall drivers side. By reading those codes will pin point the problem area quickly. You will need an Oldsmobile electrical shop manual to cross reference. Usually auto part stores like Advanced Auto have an area with a variety of manuals that you can look at for free. If a calibrated electrical sensor has gone bad, you still need the equipment to perform the install and it working correctly. So, you may just want to take the car in to a shop that has the eqipment and expertise and repair quickly saving time and money. Sensors are not very expensive, but they will undoubtly get you on the labor. With that in mind, I'd look to a quality repair shop and avoid the dealer. Hope this helps. Good luck!...Ray