1996 Other Oldsmobile Models Check Engine and idling

Tiny
COLUMBIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 OLDSMOBILE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 67,000 MILES
I have 1996 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight 3800: Miles 67000. It has started giving me Check Engine light and my engine stops sometimes when I am stoped or driving at very slow (in parking lot etc). I just changed my oil as well it didn't help. How do I figure out the the Code? Why does it have such a short idling? And I would appreciate if you have any suggestions for this. Thank you
Sunday, May 18th, 2008 AT 8:54 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Well it sounds like your idle air control valve giving you the problem, but if you want to be sure then take your car to autozone, or pepboys for a free computer scan, yes I said free(lol). And get back to us with the info that they give you from the scan
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 18th, 2008 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
COLUMBIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
I was able to go to Autozone and the person there checked the code and the code he is PO 401. He said it is to do with EGR system not enough fuel. Please let me know what to do next.

Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 25th, 2008 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
P0401 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow Insufficient Detected.
This is what it means. Either your egr is faulty, needs to be cleaned or replaced. Or the egr tube is clogged and needs to be cleaned.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 25th, 2008 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
COLUMBIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Thank you. How much would it cost to get it fixed?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 25th, 2008 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Oh, that will vary, if you buy the part yourself and just pay for labor that may be the cheapest way. If you click on the link below and then click on discount autoparts, in the site menu. You can see your options in prices, we are very competitive with prices. 9 times out of 10, we have the cheaper price for the highest quality items. An egr valve only takes 3/10 of an hour in labor, so thats basically a couple of minutes to do. They would try to make their money with the cost of the part. This is why its cheaper to buy it yourself and find a place to put it on. Its not that hard, very simple, you may be able to do it yourself even. So check out the link at the bottom and click on discount auto parts and browse.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 25th, 2008 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
COLUMBIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Thank you for your reply and suggestion
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 25th, 2008 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Awesome, anytime. If anymore problems occur just come right back
have a great memorial day
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, May 26th, 2008 AT 6:12 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
VIDEO
Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
Instructional repair video
Engine Stalls While Driving
GUIDE
Engine Stalls While Driving
An engine that stalls while driving and then starts back up again, either immediately or after a short time is different from an engine that just wont start or if the...
VIEW MORE