1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette Car dieing

Tiny
BDUNCAN86
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,000 MILES
We changed the spark plugs and wires on my mini van and there was an oxygen sensor unplugged which we plugged back in when changing the plugs and wires and it caused the car to run very very rough and die while driving. We disconnected the o2 sensor and it seemed to run fine until I almost got to work this morning and it kept dying on me. Please help what can it be?
Monday, August 11th, 2014 AT 7:45 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
How long since over-all tune-up? Plugs and plug wires are a good start. What about filters, air and fuel. As far as the fuel filter, make sure no pressure on the system before taking any lines loose.

The 02 sensors are part of a tune-up. With the 02 sensor unplugged, the vehicle was probably running in open loop. Open loop doesn't use the 02 signal.

Can you check for applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free. To check codes, yourself, at the least you need an obd2 code reader.

When the vehicle stalls, is it at a stop sign or red light? If so, those are idle issues. Some idle issues can be caused by a leak of some kind like, fuel leak--vacuum leak--egr, something of that nature.

Also, check your idle air system.
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Monday, August 11th, 2014 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
BDUNCAN86
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yes it does die at the stop sign or stop light. We just changed the plugs and wires last weekend. We did not change air filters or anything like that. It seems to hesitate a little when going up hills or at an idle sometimes it idles rough. We plan on changing the oxygen sensor that is closest to the firewall because thats the one that is unplugged. What that cause it to die? Im at a loss I put it in the shop and they didnt even drive my car and couldnt give me any in sight as to whats wrong it. When it dies it allows me to start it right back up with no problems
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Monday, August 11th, 2014 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Other than what I've suggested, I can't think of anything else, at the moment. You might try cleaning the throttle bore and throttle valve, also, clean the iac passages.
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Monday, August 11th, 2014 AT 8:43 AM

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