Thread: Car Still Running Rough *FIXED*

No misfires.
Long-Term FT: Hit as low as -14.1 while driving, don't think it ever got above +8.
Timing: 25* idling in drive, 32-36* at low speed, low-rpm, 17-18* at WOT.

Not sure then...ever replaced the following?

Fuel Filter?
PCV?
Spark Plugs?
Plug Wires?
ICM?
Coils?
Vac lines?
Checked the Rubber "T" fittings around the top end?
Cleaned the IAC/TPS/MAF?

None of the above. Only thing I have done is ran with the MAF unplugged and that seems to have done nothing.
Probably about time to do most all that though, 70k motor, I've had it for maybe 10-15k miles so i've gotta be right around 85k on it...

It probably just needs a tune up then brutha.

When you change the plugs/wires/FF/PCV...sand down the coil terminals a little bit to clean them...and then remove the ICM and have it tested at your local auto parts store to make sure it is in good working order. I'd also unplug the battery when you do that...because I've grounded mine out and it was a nice 150 dollar fix for stupidity.

Any recommendations for parts? Particularly plugs? I'd just go with 104s but I still have a stock pulley and no headers.

And what should I clean the sensors with?

Lifetime warranty plug wires...from your local auto parts store.
Autolite 605's...gap them at .050"
Whatever fuel filters/PCV valves they have there...
Testing the ICM is free...

Advance won't test ICM. At least, not the one I usually go to. I'll have to call around.

Could just need cleaned too.

I've seen plenty that are just full of dirt and grime.

When you remove the coils (5.5mm bolts btw...tiny bastards...just a clean towel to wipe it off and the bottom of the coils. Like I said before...clean the coil terminals as well.

Will do. And O'Reilly's does ICM testing, whew. I'll have to wait a bit before doing anything, don't have another car to drive atm...

I know it has been over the weekend...any updates broham?

Been working mostly.
Haven't really changed anything. It did it again once yesterday.
Also yesterday: unplugged battery temporarily, when attempting to plug it back, it was sparking heavily and once connected, the relays would click, then power down, then click, then power down, until i unplugged it again, and during all this, when started would just die. I left it off, made a couple calls, plugged it in for ****s in giggles. No heavy sparking, no relay clicking, started normally, ran normally.

All this has led to me thinking my problem is something electrical. The biggest change I made when I slapped on the new alternator, was I left off a ground strap I had put on a few months prior. Makes me wonder if I have any faulty or weakening engine grounds.

Going to start keeping the scanner plugged in and recording data, also considered the possibility of the ignition switch or even the alternator. Symptoms aren't an exact match, but it can't hurt to investigate.

A long shot here, but check you PCM plug in's.

Today at school we were working on a riviera and the connectors in the back of the pcm were coming loose and casuing tons of problems. I smacked the glovebox (where the pcm is) and the car almost died, smacked it again, car died. Cleaned the connectors and plug it back in and tighten it all down and runs great. Might be worth a look.

Considering the PCM controls a lot of essential function (such as A/F, relays, idle, etc) and considering my problem is related to what seems to be electrical in some way, controlling the engine... it may very well be. I'll take a look and report back. Thanks!

Okay, so, still having troubles. To sum up what I know so far:

- Once in awhile, the car will act like it's being choked for fuel, acceleration will be rough, as well as idling, with the potential to stall at idle.
- Sometimes feels very lacking on power, and shifts hard
- Rarely will drop to idle when stepping on the brake, rather than down to 12-1400 or so
- Frequently idles slightly rough (just a bit, not nearly like when it's choking hard)

What I did:
- The day before this started, I replaced the alternator
- 2 days ago, I put the old one back on, problem continued, and as of today, the old alternator stopped charging, whether it's related, or the alternator suddenly died, I haven't a clue

I've seriously considered the pressure regulator. Suddenly choking for fuel, and at random, isn't normal.

Figured I should update this and say it was the ICM. I replaced that with a used one and my problems were solved. Even survived a 4-hour trip to Nebraska, and the trip back as well.