Oldsmobile Ciera Check Engine Light On & Runs Bad

Reader Question Hello. I have an 1987 Olds Cutlass Ciera that used to stall only when stopped, but now cuts out whenever I’m not actively pressing the gas pedal.

The check engine light, that the last mechanic to work on my car told me was on only because I needed to change the spark plug wires, comes on within 20 secs of starting car. I also have to gas while starting now to get it running. It may or may not rev high for a time while idling. (I have changed plugs and wires.) Can you point me in the right direction?

Hi there,

First thing you need to do is get the check engine light looked into, that will probably give you the information as to why the engine is dying now.

If the spark plug wires were bad and needed changing, your engine would run bad and “misfire” worse under a heavy load, like heavy acceleration.

I would read the computer codes and see what the computer has been seeing as a problem, check the fuel pump pressure at the engine to make sure your pump is pumping enough fuel to the engine and go from there. This could be something as simple as a dirty throttle body or a dirty MAF – Mass Air Flow sensor that can be cleaned by your mechanic.

Blessings,

Austin Davis