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Question: 1996 Chevy Corsica mileage: 81,000. I swear my Corsica is haunted. This isn't the first incident, but it's the most recent. Perhaps you have a clue as to what's going on. Monday morning, the "service engine soon" light comes on, within 15 seconds of starting the car. At first, there's no noticeable degradation in performance. After it warms up, it seems to be running a bit rough. Also seems to be getting just a bit warmer than normal. Drove it to work this way, but decided when I got there to take it to a shop. I took it to a local shop near where I work. Their computer scanner indicated that the car needed an oxygen sensor and an ignition module. Not knowing what an ignition module was, I remarked that the car started and ran, so I couldn't understand how an ignition module would be the problem. I asked them to replace the O2 sensor and change the oil. When they were done, the car behaved exactly the same - the "service engine soon" light still came on, and it still ran rough. Not wanting to be further taken advantage of at that shop, I took the car to a different shop near where I live, the next day (perhaps that was my biggest mistake). They confirmed that the codes indicated that an ignition module was required. After asking them to make sure it wasn't something simple like a spark plug wire, and after waiting an entire day for them to look at the spark plug wires, I told them to replace the module. They did, and the car STILL did the same thing: service engine soon light is on, runs rough, and the computer codes STILL indicate it needed an ignition module. I had them reinstall the original module and RAN away from their store as fast as I could. I should have known better than to take the car to the same shop anyway, but I never imagined it would really be a tough nut to crack. So, my question is, have you guys ever heard of a similar situation? That is, a computer indicates two parts need replacing, you replace them, and the problem still exists. The code for the ignition module still returns even after being cleared multiple times (and the battery being unplugged). The service engine soon light still comes on, and it still runs rough. Spookier still, the light doesn't always stay on. This evening after work, my wife took the car on a couple errands. After she returned, I took the car out. The 'service engine soon' light DID NOT COME ON for a while. I only drove the car 3 or 4 miles, and just as I pulled up into my driveway, the light came on again. Also, while it was not lit, the car wasn't running rough any more... it seemed to run normally. Spooky, no? Any ideas?

Answer: Your problem is not the ignition module but the ignition system. A faulty knock sensor (part of the ignition system) may be causing your problem. Scanning the computer and reading the data stream will verify this.

Question: 1995 Chevrolet Corsica mileage: 135,000. I am stumped on this one. The car started to have an intermittent start when hot and I found that there was no fuel pressure and replaced the pump. Two days later, something happened but this time I had fuel pressure and spark but no injector pulse. When I grounded the RPM reference wire to the ECU through a test light nothing happened so I replaced the ECU. It started for 30 seconds died and then I had the same problem as before except that when I grounded the purple and white RPM reference wire to the ECU I had injector pulse. So, I then changed the ignition module behind the coil packs but it made no change. What else could it be everything seems to check out fine but no start??? Can you help?

Answer: Your problem sounds like a failing crank angle sensor. Replacing it should fix your problem.

Question: 1996 Chevy Corsica mileage: 91,000. About 2 weeks ago, I was driving home from work at about 10 pm. Then my car CD player starts to turn on then off. It did all the way home. I thought it could be a loose connection or something. So, the next morning I checked the CD player and the amp connections everything seemed fine. I drove to work the next day everything seemed to be ok. Then when I drove home at 10 pm again and the same thing happened. It happened like that for a week. The following week I was driving home at night and my headlights started to dim, then the radio and lights both shut off, then the both came back on. Now this cycle has been repeating itself. Now my radio doesn't stay on for more then a couple of minutes then it shuts off. If you turn the headlights, the radio automatically shuts off. I noticed that when the radio and headlights shut off my seatbelt warning light comes on, and when the seatbelt light shuts off the radio and lights come back on. Also, when the radio and headlights shut off so does the dome light if it's on at the time? This cycle repeats itself the whole time I'm driving now. My uncle thinks it might be the voltage regulator, but I have no idea what is causing the problem. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Electrical problems are nightmares to troubleshoot. About all you can do is to check wiring for damage and or bad connections, especially the ground wires. We do not think the problem is the voltage regulator. However, it would not be a bad idea to have the battery load tested and the alternator output checked.

Question: 1996 Chevy Corsica mileage: 138,000. My coolant light comes on sometimes. Can I just add coolant or do I have to have it flushed?

Answer: The coolant light normally comes on when you are low on coolant. Adding coolant will extinguish the light. If your cooling system has not been serviced (changing the coolant), it should be done now. A cooling system needs to be serviced every two to three years.

Question: 1993 Chevy Corsica mileage: 116,000. We just got this Corsica. It has a 2.8 multi port. It ran fine until last week. It lost power when hot, it ran rough and would not hold speed, when I pressed the gas pedal to the floor. Then when I turned it off it would not start. We let it sit over night and it started and ran for a while then the same thing happened. I changed the fuel filter, no change. I purchased a fuel pressure gage and ran a check on the fuel pressure. The gage read 20 psi with the key on, then 35 to 40 psi when it started. The book calls for 40 to 47 psi. The next day when it would not start. I put the pressure gauge back on the car when it was hot and got what looked like air coming out of the bleed line of the gauge. Then the car started. I keep the bleed valve pressed and still saw what looked like air coming out of the bleed valve, and the gas was hot. Could this be vapor lock and how do I cure it. I checked the computer codes and showed nothing but 12.

Answer: Check the fuel pump intake located inside the gas tank, as it may be loose allowing air to be picked up into the pump.

Question: 1996 Chevrolet Corsica  mileage: 120,000.  This problem only happened yesterday.  The car was driven in the morning and had a single hesitation (engine sputtered) while cruising around 30 mph.  I thought nothing of it...possibly moisture in the gasoline.  Later in the day, the car was started and ran great, but would not accelerate in drive or reverse.  The car would pull itself along at idle-speed in both drive and reverse, but whenever the accelerator pedal was pressed, the car would buck and die.  We checked everything that we could find under the hood (vacuum hoses, electrical connections, filters, etc.)  The only thing we could figure out is that it might be transmission related or and electrical problem.   I read the FAQ's on this site.  We recently had the torque-converter lockup solenoid replaced (symptoms were lockup and stalls above 40 mph) and have also had the ignition system tuned within the last 8 months (had shorting in the plug wires).  Today, the car started and drove without a problem.  I'm wondering whether this is related to, the recent heavy rains (and subsequent high humidity) and the electrical system, particularly the on-board computer or control circuits, or possibly some loop back control governing the transmission and acceleration.

Answer:   The first thing we would do is to replace the fuel pump and fuel filter.  If your problem persists, scan the computer for fault codes.

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Question: 1994 Chevrolet Corsica mileage: 127,000.  Recently had to replace both throttle position sensor and air idle control valve.  The car never seemed to reset its idle.  2 weeks later am having same problems as before.  What could be causing the TPS and/or AIC to fault?  I realize a bad TPS will destroy the AIC's.  I am assuming that is what is happening.  Air, electric, and fuel systems are all showing to be code free.

Answer: Replacing the oxygen sensor should fix your problem.

Question: 1990 Chevrolet Corsica mileage: 78,800.  Manual states that transaxle must be removed at same time engine is pulled, when replacing engine.  Is this necessary, or can transaxle be disconnected and left in car when pulling engine.

Answer: On removing the engine from the car, we have found it is easiest to leave the engine and the transaxle together and drop the assembly out the bottom.

Question: 1995 Chevy Corsica mileage: 108,000  Hello. I have a 1995 Chevy Corsica.  Whenever I apply the brakes, my headlights and dash lights get dim.  I have recently noticed that when the brakes are applied or the fan engages, everything goes dim and the car acts as if it is going to cut off.  I would describe it like when you are sitting in your house and you light flicker on and off real quick in a thunderstorm.  Can you please help me with this?

Answer: From what you tell us, it sounds like you may be having trouble with your charging system.  Have your battery load tested and check the alternator output for voltage and amperage.  Also, check the various ground wires throughout the car.

Question: 1994 Corsica  mileage: 197,000.  Coolant fills in the recovery tank but will not return to the radiator.

Answer: Try replacing the radiator cap.  It may be the incorrect one or it could be faulty.

Question: 1990 Chevy Corsica mileage: 107,000.  What would cause a very rough vibration in the steering wheel when stopped and idling in Park, Neutral or Drive?  Traveling down the road, you cannot feel anything.  I have had the motor mounts replaced and adjusted, I have had the tension pulley replaced, and the spring was very weak.  I have had the transmission/torque converter checked, they said it was OK.  What could possibly cause this?

Answer: Your power steering pump may be malfunction under idle conditions, check for proper fluid level and check condition of all drive belts.

Question: 1990 Chevrolet Corsica mileage: 41,000.  Just recently, during the first mile of the day, the car will cut off.   Sometimes, the car will start again and run OK.  Other times the motor will start and run but the car will not go.  I have had a mechanic check it and he can find nothing wrong.  Is this an Y2K computer bug?

Answer: Y2K is not a problem with cars, as they do not have computer clocks.   Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.

Question:  1989 Chevy Corsica mileage: 93,000.  I am able to turn off the ignition and remove the key but the engine stays running. The only way to stop it is to disconnect the battery cables.

Answer: Try replacing the ignition switch.

Question: 1987 Chevy Corsica mileage: 229,300.  After 10 miles, car will stall when coming to a stop. Able to start engine immediately but it will stall when put into gear.  After engine is cool for about 5 minutes, able to take load on engine and drive for a short distance.  Maybe fuel filter needs replaced.  Just got the car.   Previous owner did not experience this problem.  Car sat for 6 months before I got it.  Car also surges a lot when driving a steady speed.  Any suggestions on where to look?

Answer: Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the mal functioning components.

Question: 1994 Chevy Corsica  mileage: 97,233.  Notice a clicking noise check the oil it was fine, had it changed took it in the serviceman cleaned the crankcase then replaced the oil.  He concluded that I need my lifters replace, also he said that my fan wasn’t working.  He quoted me a price of 400 for the engine work; I guess I want to know if this is a reasonable price.

Answer: Yes, It sounds reasonable.

Question: 1989 Chevy Corsica mileage: 78,000.  What would cause the engine to crank and fire?  It will then run for a couple of seconds then quit.  I suspected the fuel pump so I put the pressure gauge on it and it was at the proper pressure at KOEO and did not fall below the minimum KEOR pressure before it quits.   Any ideas would help.

Answer: Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the mal functioning components.

Question: 1988 Chevrolet Corsica mileage: 160,000.  What is the firing order for the spark plugs on this car?

Answer: The firing order for a 3.8-liter engine is 165432 and for a 2.8-liter, it is 123456.

Question: 1990 Chevy Corsica mileage: 125,000. I read one of your ignition questions and it applies to me----However, it is not plain to me exactly how to separate the housing behind the steering wheel to replace the ignition switch. EXACTLY, how do I remove the switch from this car? I am somewhat knowledgeable about cars and I think I can do it if you would explain how.

Answer: The ignition switch on your vehicle is down on the column – drop the column to remove. The switch is separate from the lock assembly and controlled by linkage.

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