1996 Chev Cavalier Malfunction - General

Question: My cavalier beats us to death. Upon acceleration it jerks and jumps horribly. The check engine light came on when the problem started and I had it checked out to find the MAP sensor and the TPS codes. I replaced those sensors and drove it about a block and the problem started all over again. I have replaced the fuel filter. I can't seem to get any mechanics who agree on what the problem is. And of course it doesn't always do it when the mechanic is driving. I have noticed the problem gets worse when the A/C is on. If you fully accelerate and get up over 50-60 mph then it smoothes out with only slight surges. PLEASE HELP me find the answer.

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Technican: Hi; Sounds like the ECM (computer) is gone on you. The ecm should change idle speed and constant driving speed by adjusting the fuel to air ratio. .

Owner: You don't think it could be a fuel delivery system problem? Was told the fuel pump strainer could be clogging up. It all started after my daughter almost ran out of gas and put new gas in. Also it is something similar to learning to drive a standard which this car is. When you pop the clutch and it jerks?

Technican: Hi; Have you ran a fuel pressure test on it? It still sounds the computer is not keeping up with it if you replaced the sensors and it drove fine for a while. Try running it and disconnect the water temp sensor. It should do two things. The fan will come on and it should start running rich. Thanks.

Owner: Will an ECM from a 95 work?

Technican: Federal emmissions standards changed from OBD to OBD2 in '96. So you will need a 96 computer. One result of OBD2 is that one scan tool can read codes from any 96 vehicle sold in US. Where did you have the codes read? Not sure if you are aware that Autozone and Advance Auto (may be others) will pull the trouble codes for free. Have the trouble codes checked again. If you already haven't after TPS and MAP replacement. What troublecodes do you have now? Preferably the actual trouble code number (IE- P0300, pP0301). Which engine, 2.2L or 2.4L?

Owner: it is a 2.2L AutoZone is where I had the codes read...and errased...after TPS and MAP replacement. Drove out of the parking lot and it started again and Check Engine light came back on....Went right back to Autozone and had the codes reread and it was still pulling up TPS and MAP

Technican: Most likely a bad computer. Can also be a wiring problem to the computer. IE, damaged connector, bad wire, etc. Can't do anything other than replace parts, uless you have a mechanic look hook it to a scanner (a scanner that shows live sensor data). Because you can view what the sensor voltage is on the scanner, you can also manipulate the voltage at the sensor output wire. This allows you to put a known voltage through the wire and see if the computer reads the same value.

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