"Backyard Mechanic" <pettyfog@yaywho.com> wrote in message
news:Xns974F6D0786DDApettyfogery@207.115.17.102...
> "Gerry Pierce" <gpierce123@msn.com> wrote:
>
>> Put new plugs in the day before yesterday. Got done, car ran good for
>> about 15-20 miles. Stopped for a minute to wait on my son, when I
>> restarted, the idle was very rough. When you step on the gas, it is
>> very sluggish and rough, then smooths out as the rpms climb above
>> 1500. I went back, replaced all plug wires (the ones that were in
>> there looked original (had a date on them of 1993) and put all new
>> plugs in again. I still get the same indications. I checked for loose
>> vacuum lines and connections, only one was vacuum on the EGR valve. I
>> trimmed the end, it is now tight and I can see the egr valve diaphram
>> moving open and closed through the little openings in it. It idles in
>> park ok (not as smooth as before) but once in drive, it is rough.
>>
>> Also, maybe related, maybe not. Auto tranny seems sluggish to down
>> shift beyond the first time (step on the gas, it does down 1 gear, but
>> WOT doesn't get any more down shifts.
>>
>> I am at a loss on where to go now. Car ran good up to the point that I
>> shut it off that time. I am a little short on funds, so I would rather
>> not take it into the dealer yet. Any ideas on what to try?
>>
>>
>> Second question, what are the indications of a bad/going bad catalytic
>> convertor?
>>
>
> First get the codes read out.
>
> Is Check engine on?
>
> Second.... the age of car and symptoms point to possible bad Throttle
> Position Sensor...that's a stab at it, of course
>
No check engine light. No smell of gas in the exhaust (re your next post).
Will look up the TPS and see what I can find out, although I wont know what
to do to check it out. May end up taking it in to get codes read.... will
just have to bite the bullet and pay for the diagnostic fee.
Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.
Gerry
