1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Turns on for a second then shuts of

Tiny
HARSHBERGERD
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 67,000 MILES
My car has recently been stalling out when I come up to intersections more so after driving the car for a long period of time. Also when I start the car up, it will run for a quick second and then shut off. If I hit the gas before it shuts off it will continue to run but it hesitates and feels like it is going to shut off then kicks back in and back and forth. If there's anyway you can help with this I would greatly appreciate it.
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 11:35 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
I would first clean the mass air flow meter with mass air flow cleaner. How old are the plugs and wires and such? Get back to me with what you find ok.
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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 3:22 PM
Tiny
HARSHBERGERD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I am not sure how old the plugs and the wires are but I bought the car in June and have not replaced them. I normally have all my work done at a garage but dont have the money right so here I am. I doubt this has anythingthing to do with the issue but I just replaced the fuel filter and it was a different number than what was required from my manual. The problem started occuring just days after I changed the oil, air filter, and fuel filter but maybe it has something to do with the colder weather. While driving I have also noticed it jerks when I let go of the gas which is something it never did as well.
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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
After checking the items that racefan asked you to check, would also check my idle air control valve too; also a culprit of these symptoms
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Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 2:07 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Yea I forgot the Idle air control valve (IAC) should be checked. I can get you the procedure on how to check if you like. Just let me know if you want to do this you will need a digital multi meter for this so let me know what you want to do and we will go from there.
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Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 AT 12:09 AM

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