My 88 gxe wagon runs great when its cold, but not so good when it warms up.
I recently had a MAJOR problem and, thanks to you guys, I checked the ECU codes and got a MAF error. I replaced the MAF, the O2 sensor and the plugs. When it wams up it idles ok, and has good full throttle reponse, it just has a bad stumble at low to 3/4 throttle. I'm suspiciuos of the coolant temp sensor, but I get no more error codes from the ECU. I also suspect the EGR and the Catalytic perverter. Any ideas?

 

TPS is something I whould check as well....it sounds like you have a problem related to closed loop operation...ecu/maf/some sensor? Good luck. Adjusting your tps is free so I would try that first.

 

Cardana is correct. If you have a rough Idle at hot starts its probably the TPS. It can be adjusted pretty easy. If your car won't start or idles really bad and dies its the TPS. The cable is adjusted so that the rpms at idle are too high, this causes the EGR system to engage. Thats why the car dies at idle. I think the EGR kicks in around 1100 rpm so if your rpms are set high at idle it may be partially engaged. Exhaust gases in your intake at idle equal stalled car.

 

Thank You.
I looked through my crappy chilton book and found no mention of the TPS.
What is the procedure for testing it?

 

Do you know where the throttle cable is and how to adjust the kickdown on it. Because that will save me a lot of typing.

 

Yup,
My book even shows how to adjust idle.

 

It was the oxygen sensor. Don't buy the cheap one!!!

 

Doesn't it feel great to finally figure out the problem! So what brand was the cheap 02 sensor you were using and what did you replace it with? I haven't replaced mine 02 sensor in 120k miles...really need to...along with a lot of other big R and R soon. (clutch and struts)

Al

 

Well my car got a little bit hotter this weekend (dont ask), had to do with first snow/driving like a maniac. Anyway the water temp gauge went up to about 3/4 as opposed to the normal 2/4s. When I tried to re crank the car it would go up to about 1K then drop back down and fall to 0 then die (it has never died before, it usually catches its self). Could my problem be a coolant temp sensor? it seems as if my funny idle on start up is directly related to the water temp....what do you guys think? I really doubt my problem is an O2 sensor. Thanks for any advice.

 

It's possible. Have you tried pulling ECU codes?

S

 

yes, I am just never positive I am doing it right....I think I will try that again because last time I pulled them I think I was getting a code. I will pull those again and let you guys know....I feel like last time I pulled codes the haynes manual told me to take it to the dealer, and did not offer any advice.
*edit*
also the O2 sensor think makes sense to me as well, since I am running the bosch O2 sensor, and it only happens when the car is warm=closed loop....maybe it could be that on my car as well....I really need to pull codes.