Very Strange Problems

[Redline]

Ok, I have suddenly been having a very strange problem. I have a 95 MTX and I will be driving along, and all of a sudden my check engine light will come on, my tach will stop working, and then the engine will start jerking and shaking the whole car.

I have tried stopping and pulling over and restarting, but the car usually doesn't want to restart. It will act really weird when it turns over, almost like the timing is all messed up. If I wait for a few minutes, it will eventually start up and be fine. Sometimes it will start with no tach and a check engine light.

I was just driving tonight when it happened again. I put it in neutral and it coasted along fine (no tach and a check engine light but no jerking). I tried putting it back in gear a couple times and eventually everything started running normal. A few miles later this happened again and I coasted a bit and finally it started running normal when I put it back in gear. Since, it has been running fine but I need to figure out what this is so I can fix it! Thanks for any help!

 

[Mr Anonymous]

That check engine light is trying to tell you something. You just have to ask it. There are links in my signature to sites with easy DIY instructions on how to read your codes with something as simple as a paperclip or short piece of wire. No other special diagnostic equipment is required.

Off hand, it sounds like it could be a CPS problem.

 

[93_blk_blk_mtx]

I've had this same problem, your IRCM (black box above the radiator)/fuel pump relay is about to quit. I would double check and pull some codes just to confirm.

 

[Redline]

Ok, well I checked my codes and here is what I got:

KOEO
117 - ECT indicated 254degF. Circuit grounded.
211 - PIP circuit fault.
214 - CID circuit failure.
219 - SPOUT signal defaulted to 10 degrees BTDC / SPOUT circuit open.
542 - Fuel pump secondary circuit failure.

KOER
167 - Insufficient throttle position change during dynamic response test. (I prolly didn't goose it enough)
219 - SPOUT signal defaulted to 10 degrees BTDC / SPOUT circuit open.
412 - Cannot control RPM during self-test high RPM check.
521 - PSPS circuit did not change states
536 - BOO circuit failure.

Sounds like it could be a CPS or a CID. From what I have learned in my forum searches, these symptoms could be either one. It might be my IRCM, but I am leaning towards the other two since they seem to me more of a problem and are cheaper to replace! Anyway, any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Redline]

I cleared the codes after I checked them last time. Well tonight when I came back out of Walmart, it didn't want to start. Got it to start and then had the typical no tach and CEL. So when I got back, I ran the codes and this is all I got:

KOEO
114 - ACT out of self-test range.
214 - CID circuit failure.

KOER
136 - HEGO sensor indicates system lean (LH).

I'm assuming that 214 is probably my main problem and the others I don't need to worry about or aren't as important at least. I think I probably need to try replacing my CID. I hope that fixes it. I sure don't want to have to repladce the CPS if thats it!

 

[Sho-Driver]

With the description of your problem, and the codes you received, I would recommend swapping out the CID (cam position sensor).

 

[Mr Anonymous]

When I see 211 and 214 in combination, I'm usually very suspect of a grounding problem first -- usually the DIS is not grounded properly. Check all your grounds to make sure they are clean and tight. The path from the DIS module is critical to good running. Check to make sure that both bolts securing the crossover tube to the surge tanks are intact and tight, and that the ground strap from the rear of the intake to the firewall is good.

 

[Redline]

When I see 211 and 214 in combination, I'm usually very suspect of a grounding problem first -- usually the DIS is not grounded properly. Check all your grounds to make sure they are clean and tight. The path from the DIS module is critical to good running. Check to make sure that both bolts securing the crossover tube to the surge tanks are intact and tight, and that the ground strap from the rear of the intake to the firewall is good.

Ok, sounds like a good idea to me! I'll check my grounds and connections first.

 

[Redline]

Well, last friday I sprayed all of my electrical connections down with electrical cleaner and I unbolted my grounds and cleaned them up. I also took my DIS off and cleaned it up and put some fresh acrtic silver on it. So far no problems so maybe that was the fix! I'll keep my fingers crossed for a while though.

On a side note, I cleaned my MAF as well and WOW! I couldn't get my tires to brake loose before in second and I new other people could. After I cleaned it, I went out driving and it was amazing! Lots of power and I broke loose going into second without even really meaning to.