Can someone give me an idea as to what may be wrong with my car?

VEE EIGHT

Member

Apr 27, 2009

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Texas

Oct 12, 2009

#1

• Oct 12, 2009

• #1

The check engine light came on last Friday night. The car kinda sputters on idle, as if I had a pair of lopey cams. It only does it on idle and runs fine (so I think) as soon as you give it some gas. Bad thing is that I can't take to my mechanic until early next week

Any ideas?

 

98COBRA281

10 Year Member

Nov 24, 2007

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Port St. Lucie, Florida

Oct 12, 2009

#2

• Oct 12, 2009

• #2

a vacuum leak will make a car sound like it has a cams, check the vac lines that connect to the upper plenuim, the one on the back always seem to be the one to dry rot and crack.........

 

trombonedemon

Well-Known Member

Jun 25, 2009

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U.S.A, U.S.A., U.S.A.!

Oct 12, 2009

#3

• Oct 12, 2009

• #3

Yep,

 

VEE EIGHT

Member

Apr 27, 2009

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Oct 12, 2009

#4

• Oct 12, 2009

• #4

And a vacuum leak would cause the SES light correct?

 

hotdog71

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Dec 8, 2004

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Oct 13, 2009

#5

• Oct 13, 2009

• #5

It always helps if you post the codes?

 

VEE EIGHT

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Apr 27, 2009

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Oct 13, 2009

#6

• Oct 13, 2009

• #6

hotdog71 said:

It always helps if you post the codes?

Click to expand...

I'd like that too but (excuse my noobery), how do I get them?

 

K

Kilgore Trout

Fried or Broiled ?

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Mar 30, 2005

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Oct 13, 2009

#7

• Oct 13, 2009

• #7

AutoZone will pull the codes for free in the parking lot.

 

98COBRA281

10 Year Member

Nov 24, 2007

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Port St. Lucie, Florida

Oct 13, 2009

#8

• Oct 13, 2009

• #8

VEE EIGHT said:

And a vacuum leak would cause the SES light correct?

Click to expand...

yes, it will be a lean code

 

stangman11

Member

Feb 27, 2006

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New Jersey

Oct 13, 2009

#9

• Oct 13, 2009

• #9

It may be your IAC valve if it only happens on idle and besides that the car drives fine. Do you possible hear a whinning noise from your engine bay at idle?

 

VEE EIGHT

Member

Apr 27, 2009

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Texas

Oct 13, 2009

#10

• Oct 13, 2009

• #10

98COBRA281 said:

a vacuum leak will make a car sound like it has a cams, check the vac lines that connect to the upper plenum

Click to expand...

You were right on the money. The rubber hose coming off my PCV had a HUGE tear in it.

Where can I buy a short hose with a small bend like that? Autozone? Will wrapping the hell out of it with electrical tape help temporarily?

 

joshjwc9

Active Member

Jun 12, 2006

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Palm Harbor, FL

Oct 13, 2009

#11

• Oct 13, 2009

• #11

That can work temporarily, but be sure to replace it. You can buy hoses in all sizes and shapes at any local parts stores.

I always seem to check mine whenever I change the oil in my car since it is my DD.

 

98COBRA281

10 Year Member

Nov 24, 2007

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Port St. Lucie, Florida

Oct 13, 2009

#12

• Oct 13, 2009

• #12

VEE EIGHT said:

You were right on the money. The rubber hose coming off my PCV had a HUGE tear in it.

Click to expand...

glad i could help

 

VEE EIGHT

Member

Apr 27, 2009

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Texas

Oct 13, 2009

#13

• Oct 13, 2009

• #13

Alright I replaced the hose (which took care of my surging)....but the SES light is still on?

 

98COBRA281

10 Year Member

Nov 24, 2007

1,348

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Port St. Lucie, Florida

Oct 13, 2009

#14

• Oct 13, 2009

• #14

VEE EIGHT said:

Alright I replaced the hose (which took care of my surging)....but the SES light is still on?

Click to expand...

unplug the battery for a little while, or if you have a hand held tuner, you can clear the codes with that.........

 

VEE EIGHT

Member

Apr 27, 2009

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Texas

Oct 14, 2009

#15

• Oct 14, 2009

• #15

98COBRA281 said:

unplug the battery for a little while, or if you have a hand held tuner, you can clear the codes with that.........

Click to expand...

Yup, that did it! God Im glad that I came to SN and didnt spend $50+ on my mechanic!

Stangnet FTMFW!!!!!!

 

V ocho!!

New Member

Oct 14, 2009

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Oct 14, 2009

#16

• Oct 14, 2009

• #16

i think i have the same problem, where is this vacuum line? upper plenum?

 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician

Aug 14, 2009

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Houston Texas

Oct 14, 2009

#17

• Oct 14, 2009

• #17

V ocho!! said:

i think i have the same problem, where is this vacuum line? upper plenum?

Click to expand...

Don't you already have a thread open on your problem? The symptoms are far more extensive than the ones mentioned in this thread.

Most any engine is covered with vacuum lines. They run all over the engine (mainly on the top). Systems such as PCV, EGR, climate control, and others can be vacuum controlled. A vacuum leak anywhere will affect drivability.

This question is very general. Consider a Chilton’s/Hayes or other service manual. This has pictures and other descriptions that are much more detailed than what can be posted in an online forum.