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Question: 1986 Chevy Spectrum 4 cyl mileage: 86,000. Same as Isuzu I-Mark Have 1986 Chevy Spectrum, 4 cyl, AT-AC, 86k miles. Local service centers stumped. Been checking off and on since 12/18/00. We have emissions requirements here and vehicle was waived two years ago. It would not pass test and diagnosis unknown. The state will not allow a waiver two periods in a row. In the last year, I had the radiator, heater core, plugs, wires, distributor, cap, rotor, fuel & air filter, O2 sensor all replaced. Vehicle scoped and no answer to symptom of wanting to shut off while idling at a stop. Engine seems to choke & tries to shut off. When given a little gas, it revs up nice and smooth. Only other symptoms are an intermittently blinking check engine light that shows no trouble code and engine runs cool, even though thermostat replaced with 195-degree unit. I was told to go buy another car that passes emissions.

Answer: Your problem may be an idle speed control motor or possibly a partially plugged catalytic converter. The blinking check engine light would indicate a stored fault code. Retrieving the codes of your make and model of car is difficult. A Mitchell, Chilton or Haynes auto repair manual or a manual from the dealer will have an explanation of the fault codes and information on how to retrieve them.

Question: 1987 Chevy Spectrum 1.5 mileage: 164,000. Please tell me if you can where the transmission modulator hose goes. I found the hose that attaches to the trans modulator; I think that is what it's called. It is long and it could go just about anywhere in the engine compartment. The problem is the car wont shift into 3rd gear until 47 mph. I looked everywhere for a place to plug this hose in and I can't find a place to plug it into. I looked everywhere on the intake and found nothing. I would buy the book on the car but it is way to expensive and I want to just fix it and sell it. I appreciate your time and thank you very much.

Answer: A Mitchell1 or Chilton auto repair manual will have diagrams showing the vacuum hose locations. The manuals also give step-by-step instructions.

Question: 1987 Chevy Spectrum  mileage: 97,000. My spectrum will not continue to run once it turns over. I have change the injector pump and check vacuum lines and problems still persist. I believe it is the carburetor. Any suggestions?

Answer: Your car may be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter and air filter. Also, perform a fuel pump pressure test. Clean fuel injection system including throttle bore, idle speed control motor and passages. If problem still exists, scan computer for trouble codes.

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