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HELP Diagnosing Problem

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  • #1

    HELP Diagnosing Problem

    I need help figuring out what's wrong with my car! It had been running great and then suddenly began running like crap.

    Here's the symtoms:

    rough idle
    exhaust noise (used to be completely silent)
    exhaust smell inside car when starting
    seems to be using a lot more gas than normal
    power is noticeably down
    steady SES light
    flashing SES light when accelerating or under load

    Like I said, all this began at the same time with no warning. The car is a '96 3.8 Firebird with about 85k. I'm pretty sure the exhaust is original. Not sure about the plugs and wires...

    Thanks in advance for any advice.
    HapAFcop<br />1996 Firebird<br />No mods yet...<br />Pics of car: <a href=\"http://hapfamily.tripod.com/Firebird.htm\" target=\"_blank\">http://hapfamily.tripod.com/Firebird.htm</a>
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  • #2
    WOw, exact same problems I am having with my 96 3.8 I dont know gettin it diagnosed on monday so i will find out. Ill be sure to post it.
    <a href=\"http://www.saintsworth.com/z06\" target=\"_blank\">\'02 Corvette Z06</a>

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    • #3
      What a coincidence...

      Be sure to post what you find out

      Thanks
      HapAFcop<br />1996 Firebird<br />No mods yet...<br />Pics of car: <a href=\"http://hapfamily.tripod.com/Firebird.htm\" target=\"_blank\">http://hapfamily.tripod.com/Firebird.htm</a>

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      • #4
        Generally, a flashing SES light indicates a misfire. Check plugs/wires. Run it in a dark garage with the hood up and look for arcing...
        1997 Y87 Camaro with a motor and some stuff.

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        • #5
          Those are the exact symptoms of misfiring. Check the plugs, wires and coils.
          <a href=\"http://www.fatninjas.com/camaro\" target=\"_blank\">\'96 Camaro Convertible</a>

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          • #6
            what they said.

            jeez why do 3.8Ls have so many misfire problems compared to the 3.4L?

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            • #7
              I dunno, when I had a misfire, it never flashed, but it did crap up at open throttle..those plugs are under warranty for a while, so try to take it to a dealer if that's what it is, 70k warranty I think..
              \'97 v6. based out. See sig.<br />\"I\'d rather be rich than stupid\"

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              • #8
                Seems to me I would change the wires and plugs so you know they are good, before you shell out cash for diagnosis.

                You may also have a coil pack that failed.
                1995 Camaro M5 3.4 Quasar Blue Metallic with T-tops.<br />K&N, Jet Stage II chip, Z28 exhaust, 1LE aluminum ds. Need more power!<br />Next: Auburn posi<br />1976 Pontiac Trans Am. Street driven. Has low compression 350 Chevy runs 12.81 @ 104, 1.73 60\'

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                • #9
                  oh yeah definitly plugs and wires, i had the same problem. i would even put money on it that it is cylinder #6 also!!!
                  1997 Firebird Convertable White, with custom Purple pin striping and custom Purple detailing!!!<br />Y87 Performance Package W68 Apperance Package<br />Boydes, aluminum rims 16\" BMR STB <br />SLP Cold Air Intake 3\"hiflow cat 3\" dynomax custom catback, 2.5\" Flowmaster 80. Slp Take off Shocks, Springs And Struts. Transgo shift kit with corvette servo!<br />Sony Explode CD Player Kicker Comp VR 12, and Explode 760Watt amp!!!<br />5% Tint on the side windows, Correction officially 2% on the side windows, or at least that is what the highpo said and 15% on my rear window<br />Yup Purdy Car!!

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                  • #10
                    I already had misfire on cylinder #4 so your WRONG [img]smile.gif[/img] I dont know i'm guessing a rod bearing or something like that. I'll find out monday. Hopefully its not a rod, but highly doubt it cause i can drive my car...
                    <a href=\"http://www.saintsworth.com/z06\" target=\"_blank\">\'02 Corvette Z06</a>

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