We just put in new spark plugs and wires. At first it seemed like we had quite a bit of power, but now its running slower each time I let off the brake and start to go.

As I let off the gas, most of the time it takes awhile to get going. Also going up a hill on the highway it tends to slow down some, not all the time. It just started doing this with in the last couple of weeks.

If anyone has any suggestions on where to start looking, please let me know.

I have a 93 pontiac sunbird, 4 cylinder.

Thanks, JR

did you gap the plugs properly? even those "drop in plugs" should be checked for proper gap.



Eat my shift

what plugs? when was the fuel filter last changed? air filter? tires proper pressure? change gas stations?



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We put in a new fuel filter about 6 weeks ago.

The air filter was put in about 2 months ago.

We did have a problem when we put the new plugs in with the gap. It started running really slow, kinda of like it is now, just after we put them in. Anyway we took them back out and I gapped them correctly. It started running better after that, but about 4 or 5 days later, it started running slow again.

Is it possible for them to get messed up on their own? Should I pull them out and look at them again?

I just didnt know where to go from here to start looking for a possible problem.

Thanks, JR

I ran my actron code scanner again, and it is saying:
Code 34:
Mass air flow sensor-signal voltage or frequency is low during engine cruise
OR
Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor- signal boltage is low during ignition on.



Anyway, how do I locate these sensors to test them.


Thanks in advance for any adivse on finding these sensors!
Julie

MAp sensor is going to be near your throttle body.




Your car may do 13 sec @ 103 mph, but my car does 146db @ 35 hz.

Is there anyway to know what exactly it looks like?

There is so much stuff there, its hard to figure it out.

Thanks, JR

Using Pep Boys parts look up. A 93 Sunbird MAP should look basically like either of the following: (these are aftermarket OE replacements so may not be 100% to detail)



or



Pigtail looks like:



That should help you pinpoint it.




Edited 2 time(s). Last edited Thursday, April 15, 2010 9:23 AM

Thanks for the picture, I found it.

Now my question.

I called about a MASS airflow sensor for my car, and the dealer parts guy said that he didnt show one for my car.

How is it that the code scanner said that could be the problem, if I dont have one. Or since it did say
MASS airflow sensor
OR
MAP sensor

Could that mean in general, and even if I dont have one, it would show that?

That MAP sensor is about $80 and I dont want to buy one if that isnt the problem.

Thanks, Julie

Hello Julie,
I have been reading your post and want to help you solve this problem, first of all, is your check "engine" light on or appearing when the loss of power occurs? If not, that may be an indication your MAP sensor is fine.
Have you replaced the timing belt since you owned your Sunbird? because what you are describing sound alot like symptoms of a bad timing belt and it is one of the first things a person should do when buying a 2.0 as far as I am concerned. I think maintenance schedule says to replace every 100'000km
or 60'000 Miles but don't quote me on that, if you have not already replaced the timing belt now would be a perfect time.
p.s inspect your belt tensioner and idler pulley and make sure everything is free, I can guide you help if you need advice on timing marks and such.

Hey Lewis.
I am not even sure the check engine light comes on. It seemed to when I used the scanner, but I have not noticed it comeing on even when I start the car.

I will check that though.

We have a all in one belt. We have replaced it 2 times in the last 3 years. The first one was the wrong size and we didnt realize it until it broke. We put the second one on sometime last summer.

It is squeeling, and we cannot figure out why. My hubby thought that it was getting wet from leaking antifreeze, but the antifreeze leak was fixed.

Should I start with the belt?

Thanks, Julie

Hi, It sounds like you are talking about the alternator,power steering accessory belt not the engine timing belt.
But if it is squealing you should check the tensioner wheel bearing.

I hope to get to it soon. They guys all went down to Texas for the nascar races, and they will be gone until monday.

Thanks for the advise!
Julie

What brand plugs did you use? Many a person myself included have had problems with some aftermarket plugs. I had your power loss and gap issuses with bousch plugs before. Always use ac delco and check the double check the gap before putting them in. Good luck!

matt k. wrote:What brand plugs did you use? Many a person myself included have had problems with some aftermarket plugs. I had your power loss and gap issuses with bousch plugs before. Always use ac delco and check the double check the gap before putting them in. Good luck!

I concur. Stick with ACDelco or NGK, NGK are quite a bit cheaper and just as good, as they make the Delcos. Stay FAR AWAY from "botch" plugs. As far as the serpentine belt goes, try an Dayco Poly-cog, and replace the belt tensioner. The timing belt is on the inside of the engine. It drives the camshaft which opens and closes the valves.