Car sputters, lack of acceleration, low idle

Tiny
SATURN1994
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 SATURN SC1
  • 105,000 MILES
When I start my car it has an idle of about 400 rpm, and it shakes from that, when I accelerate it seems okay until I get to 35 mph then the rpm's drop and the car sputters when I’m pressing the gas, it will only very slowly accelerate when I really push on the gas and the cars at 3,000 rpm, then at 55 mph and up it does not shake or sputter when I accelerate, but it still accelerated slowly, also there’s a ticking sound coming from under the hood when trying to accelerate and when I turn off the car and take off the air box there is white smoke coming from the throttle body, I read the obd 1 codes and it came up as EGR system fault, code 32, I replaced the EGR valve because it was faulty, but it still is doing the same thing and same code, could it be the EGR solenoid?
Friday, May 10th, 2019 AT 5:48 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

Based on your description, it does sound like a vacuum leak. First, here is a link that shows how to test for a leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Next, there are two systems this came with. One is traditional the other is electronic. I'm not sure which you are dealing with. Pic 4 shows the standard type. If that is what you have, check for the vacuum leaks as I mentioned. Also, when you removed the EGR, did you confirm the port in the intake was free of carbon? It could be plugged.

Also, I attached a picture (pic 1) of the EGR system. I need you to check those specific hoses to confirm there are no leaks.

Next, on a linear design, the EGR function is controlled by the power-train control module (PCM) based on readings from other components. Pic 2 shows a schematic of how electrically it works. Picture 3 shows where the module is located. The module is what receives the signal from the PCM to open or close the EGR valve.

I need to know if the intake where it mounts was clean, was the gasket replaced, are there any vacuum leaks and any information you think may be helpful.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, May 11th, 2019 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
SATURN1994
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the information, I have the vacuum type EGR, old school type, I do have an electronic EGR solenoid that has vacuum lines going to the new EGR valve and throttle body. I don’t see any worn lines or leaks. I also checked the intake and cleaned everything. Also if you hit the gas hard and the car is at high rev the car would jerk and backfire sometimes. I also tried carburetor cleaner and the seals are newer.
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Saturday, May 11th, 2019 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,119 POSTS
Check to see if there is vacuum to the EGR at an idle. If there is, suspect the solenoid. If there isn't, let me know. The EGR should be closed at an idle. Thus, there should be no vacuum.

Let me know,
Joe
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Saturday, May 11th, 2019 AT 9:15 PM

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