QuestionI have an 1994 olds 88 LSS,where should I start. I am a little handy with a ohms meter,also a chilton manual should be arriving soon at my mailbox.Is it possible you can give me tips on what to do,thank you for your time.Ps I just replaced the alternator and the battery is good ,the car starts and it runs, but it iddles at 1000 rpm when check engine light is on.One thing i have noticed when i need to start and give it gas from a stopped position ,it hesitates a little . Could that be a future fuel pump problem?
AnswerHello Walter,
You need to go to this link, which tells how to access diagnostic trouble codes, and some info about what they mean.
Keep in mind though, that if you get a code like "O2 sensor rich", it doesn't mean to go get an oxygen sensor. The sensor could be working perfectly, and is telling you that it is getting a rich reading. Then you need to figure out why.
Some reasons for a rich reading are bad plugs, bad plug wires, dirty injectors, dirty air filter, etc.
You use logic and deductive reasoning. Whatever you do, don't just run out and buy parts just because someone else had a somewhat similar problem. Each of the sensors can be TESTED with a good ohm meter, so follow the instructions. Chilton is a very useful manual, but sometimes looking in a Motors, or Mitchell manual gives some different info.
You can read them in the public library, refference section.
It is just about impossible to predict a fuel pump...they usually work, or quit. There is no sensor for fuel pressure. That takes a different tool, and won't set a code.
Your problem could be a dirty fuel filter, dirty injectors, faulty throttle position sensor, or several other things.
Look in the troubleshooting section.
Good luck,
Van
http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/
