engine stalls constantly, Firestone told me to replace the PCM?

Question

I have a 89 buick lesabre T-type. I bought this car 2 weeks ago, had inspection done right before I bought it, says nothing wrong with it, test drive was alright and it was also a smooth trip driving it back to town (about 200 miles), no kicks no hiccups no weird sounds.

the problem began showing up 4 days ago when I stopped at a red light, the engine suddenly shutted off and couldn't be started. had to push it off the street and sat there for 10 minutes finally got it started again. After this incident, the car was instantly changed into a "sick old man". I called the guy who sold it to me, he said that's probablly because I filled the car with bad gas..... Just out of safty concerns I had it towed to the Firestone yesterday after it shutted off again right in the middle of an intersaction and almost got hit..... but when I went there this afternoon, I was told everything works fine except the PCM and I'm gonna have to replace it at a GM dealer......

tow fee + taxi + diagnosis = $220 already and did even get a **** done to my car!!! I called dealer they say they do their own diagnosis before replace PCM and that's gonna be another $100......plus a new PCM....I was told it might cost me around $700 to get it done and doesn't guarantee to solve the problems.... I'm just having a hard time to trust these guys and I really don't have that much money to throw away like that.......

I will list all the problems & the diagnosis from Firestone down below, NEED HELP from PRO mechanics or anyone had similar problems before IMMEDIATELY!!

Problems

1. hard to start the car, have to pat the gas a lil' bit and try 5-10 times to get it started.

2. engine always raws deeply while sliding or at stops without even touch the gas pedal, sounds like warming up for a race.

3. engine constantly gives hiccups, especially when letting go of the gas pedal at a speed higher than 40m/h.

4. engine coonstantly stalls at low rotational speed while sliding or at stops.

5. engine stalls whenever I shift gears from D to R or shift backwards.

6. exhaust smells like it contains high level uncombusted fuel.
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Firestone diagnosis

PCM sets multiple codes:21, 23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 43.

TPS has normal closed throttle voltage when the codes set, 0.45v.

fuel presure = good at 41 PSI

TPS good

cleaned idle air control solenoid verified PCM ground

faulty PCM, recommend dealer to repair veh PCM
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I don't know anything about cars, but it seems that they only tested the PCM and TPS on that report?? Did they even check the engine cylinders and the transmission??? IDK.... need directions!! much appreciated!!!

Answer 1

I ran into a similar problem like this at a shop i worked at, and it turned out to be the distributor. I reccomend however, before you take it anywhere else, go get a can of throttle body cleaner, take off the intake boot, open the throttle, and spray the crap out of the throttle body. Firestone said the cleaned the IAC, but not the throttle body, if your throttle body is all gunked up with carbon, your idle air control motor cant keep the throttle valve open when your foot is off the gas, thus cutting the air supply to the motor. (P.S. dont go to firestones, they are rip offs, and they dont have good diagnostic techs)

-Ben

Answer 2

Many of you might remember what I tell anyone that has your type of problems . IT'S THE ETHANOL GAS!!!!!! Many cars made before 2000 have a problem with the ethanol gas. No dealer or gas station repair shop is going to tell you that because they will lose you as a customer. Even here on Answers, you will see me get thumbs down.



So, try this for yourself; Run the gas tank down to 1/4 tank. Pour in a can of Sea foam which you can buy at Walmart and many auto parts stores. Now run the gas tank down to 1/8 tank and fill the tank with 100% non ethanol gasoline. When you see that I am right and the problems dissapear, tell all of your friends.

Answer 3

Not really any mechanical advice to offer, but I will say that I have never had a good experience with a dealership. Perhaps you can get a third party mechanic to handle the job. Often times that alone will cut the fees nearly in half, plus they are less likely to force and/or charge for an independent diagnostic, saving you 100 dollars off the top. Just shop around for a mechanic you feel comfortable with, tell them what's going on and take it from there.



In any case, I don't think this is a Do It Yourself job, but you can probably avoid the dealership.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Watch a few youtube videos on the pcm.Get a repair manual and a simple craftsman tool set. You'll have it fixed in no time.