Hey, I'm new to this. I've had a 1993 Stealth for three years now. I have wanted this car for a decade and treat it like my baby. But it has started to fall apart and I need help!

It will idle extremely low, less than 100 RPMs, and will often die at stops. I have resorted to driving with two feet - one on the gas and one on the brakes. It's not a stick shift.

The check engine light is on and has been for quite some time.

Worse, the OD switch has always been on. About a month ago, the car would suddenly stop accelerating. I would rev the engine, leaving lights or whatever, and it would sound as if I was doing something, but I would get no where. In fact, the speed would decrease, no matter how hard I pressed on the gas. I would eventually pump it and it would slam, and I mean slam, back into gear but I just could not drive like that.

I switched the OD to off and it drove normal then, but it is starting to show the same symptoms as what happened last time before it happened.

I know this is a lot of info but fixing this car is expensive and I was hoping someone has had the same problem and could diagnose it just by reading it so I could save myself some money!!! I don't want to have to get rid of this! It's my pride and joy! Thanks so much!!

April

I've had something like this happen to me before when I forgot to plug in the MAS, it does throw a CEL and idles like crap. Check to make sure the sensor directly after your air filter is plugged in securely. However it could be a bad intake leak, ICS or TPS problem aswell from what I remember.

Tranny problem doesn't sound good, is the fluid level ok? Someone else will have to chime in on that.

_________________
1991 Stealth RT/TT

April,
First, where are you located? There may be someone close to you that could help by taking a look at it and diagnosing the problems with the engine. The transmission could be your biggest problem. Other things you need to tell everyone is what model stealth, ES, RT?, current mileage, what work have you had done in the past and when. Odds are you need to at a minimum the 60 K service done if not more. The problem could be as simple as new plugs and wires but I think it could be a bit more.

Just my 2 cents

_________________
93 3000 GT VR4

It's a 93 ES, twin dual overhead cams. And has 158,000 miles.

The fluid for the tranny is okay, I've checked it recently. I'm located in Waukesha, WI.

Work in the past has been plentiful. I think I may have been someone jipped when I purchased it at some rundown dealers but I couldnt pass up the deal.

About two months after I got it (2004), it constantly died at stops and in the rain, but it was different then now. I took it in, they thought it was the fuel filter but didnt want to try to remove it cuz it was "too rusted on." So they just cleaned some crap and about ten minutes after I left, it died again. I have learned the tricks to keep it running in the rain. In the winter, it runs like a charm. Weird.

About a month ago, I put in new plugs. I'll be sure to check on what ccrunner 84 said. Thanks for the help!

You really need to find someone with a Datalogger or something that can read OBD1 codes. There is another way to read the codes using a Meter, I'll have to see if I can pull it up.

_________________
1991 Stealth RT/TT

fuel filter rusted out? were they looking in the tank? it's not in there. it's under the hood. shouldn't be rusted that bad unless your car has serious cancer.

I guess at this point start with compression, fuel, and spark. see which one is weak. compression tests are pretty easy. if your ignition system is old, grab a set of plug wires, and some newer coils. If you pick up a fuel filter, and show up to the GB gathering, I will personally change your fuel filter. I don't care how rusted it is, we'll get it changed out.

You don't mind welding near gas fumes do you?

_________________
Bad decisions make good stories.
Look at it! LOOK AT MY @SS AND TELL ME IT'S PRETTY!

If the GB gathering is the same as the upper midwest get together thing, then I DO plan on coming - we'll see if my car lasts that long or can make the trip!

It was the guys at firestone - nothing against them but i am sure they didnt want any problems from their customers if they screwed up.

As to ccrunner, a guy I work with has a machine that he used to hook up to his mom's Stealth to read the codes and he said he would do that for me close to the end of this month. So maybe that will help out in some way.

I'll look into all your recommendations. Thanks so much. Hopefully something will work!

_________________
93 ES Stealth

GB gathering and upper midwest gathering (UMG) are 2 different things. The UMG is in Wisconsin Dells May 18th-20th.

http://www.w3si.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2197

If it craps out in the rain, it very well could be a spark problem...

when was the last time the wires were changed? If it has been more than 60k miles or 3 years, I would try that first. Maybe somebody here has a set of good wires you could try...

Aaron

If you can bring it to the UMG, I can diagnose it for you. First thing I'm going to check are codes for a dieing IAC and pull your auto tranny computer to look for leaky caps.

_________________
06 Blue EVO 9

April,

I live in Greenfield if you want to stop by. I've never met a fuel filter I couldn't change - assuming that's even the problem. Send me a PM if you're interested, and I'll take a look.

-Jeff

How do we get rid of these morons on our site?

I know, hey. Ridiculous.

_________________
93 ES Stealth

Everyone listen up:

Here's the deal -- we're doing everything we can -- really.

Unfortunately, it's complicated, and the fix will be expensive.

We WILL get there, please just be patient and if I miss one, just email me(thanks Curt).

It bugs the sh*t out of me as well, and cureently the battle is VERY time consuming.

But, we do what we can, when we can, because we have to -- for now.

Things can only get better...

Thanks,

SJ

_________________


Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.

http://umg.mn3s.org

http://ummo.boards.net

April, I am also in Waukesha, just over by Carroll College, if you want to bring it over sometime I can take a look at it as well. I know a couple of the guys are talking about heading over here next weekned to work on a few things, so that could be a good time, or if you wanted to stop over duing the week we can do that as well. Let me know.

_________________
1993 3000GT VR-4 (build in progress)
1994 3000GT SL
Lead, Follow, or get out of my way!

Also know as:
"dead weight", "wrong wheel drive noob"

The idle issue, could be an easy fix. First just turn out the BISS screw and see if that fixes it. Read this:
http://forums.mn3s.org/viewtopic.php?t=2301

If that doesn't do it or causes other idle issues, you may need to clean or replace the IAC. New that is $300, used ones could be $50-$60. But first start with the BISS.

later,
Curt

_________________

Minnesota 3/S message board: http://forums.mn3s.org/
Minnesota 3/S Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Minnesota.3S/