Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Car Question?)

98 Cavalier - 2.2 L Automatic with A/C. Under ...
Sent to Car Experts January 15 03:24 PM

98 Cavalier - 2.2 L Automatic with A/C. Under accelleration engine misfires. At night the dash lights have visable flickering, It has been in the shop, technican says his troubleshooting points to either the ign modual, or engine control computer. Both real expensive items. Is there a shop test on these items that can be performed to fault isolate to the failed item. Always hate to waste $$. My only approach would be to swap the cheapest component, which I suspect is the ign modual first. Expect luck to not be with me and the computer would of course be the failed component. Any suggestions.

Optional Information:
1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.2

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
January 15 3:51 PM (27 minutes and 1 second later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

I don't think those two things are related. The misfire would likely be bad plug wires or if you know they are good, a bad coil. You need to identify which clyinders are missing so you can troubleshoot the problem.

The dash lights is likely a connection problem in the dash like the dash cluster or brightness dimmer.



If I was helpful, please click the ACCEPT
button.
Picture
Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
Reply
January 16 11:07 AM (19 hours and 15 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: Both problems surfaced at the same time is why I suspect they are related. cycles of the dash lights varies with engine RPM... No engine codes, have checked wires, plugs, runs smooth except under heavy accelleration, similar to point ign system that has a points or advance problem. Have changed fuel filter. Recent maint was alternator replacement.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 16 11:21 AM (14 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

I still find it hard to believe those two things are related.

Your approach is still too try to determine which cylinders are causing the miss and troubleshoot the cause of that and see where it takes you. You could have a bad plug wire, coil or dirty fuel injecter. It's going to take some diagnostic tools to do some of these tests.

I wouldn't suspect the ignition module or computer would be involved in this failure at all so don't waste your money there.



If I was helpful, please click the ACCEPT
button.
Picture
Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
Reply
January 16 3:36 PM (4 hours and 14 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
Thanks, changed coils, plugs, plug wires...runs a little better... still slight hesitation stumble under highway acelleration... thinking fuel injectors are constant spray?... I'll try can of injector cleaner in the gas tank andnsee how that helps...
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Car Repair