1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Logo
Julie Hastings Posted on Jan 07, 2012

1997 Oldsmobile Achieva - check engine light is on and car is running sluggishly...brand new motor installed 6 weeks ago.

Car idles fine and accelerates fine but when trying to maintain constant speed-it chugs. Any ideas as to what is going on?

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

  • Contributor 2 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 21, 2012
Anonymous
Contributor
Level 1:

An expert who has achieved level 1.

Mayor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 2 times.

Joined: Jan 21, 2012
Answers
2
Questions
0
Helped
634
Points
2

What speed are you going when it chugs?
It could be as simple as a bad spark plug or a spark plug wire/boot grounding out.
When spark plug boots get old, the rubber cracks and lets voltage arc out the side and to the engine instead of through the plug.
This will be most noticeable when trying to maintain a speed of over 40 mph, or under mild acceleration.
The reason for being noticeable at this speed/acceleration level is that the transmission torque converter will be locked, transferring the vibration from any engine miss straight through to the wheels.

  • Anonymous Jan 21, 2012

    Also, go to an automotive parts store like Auto Zone and have them read the code set by the computer. That will go a long way in trying to figure out which way to go with the problem.

×

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on May 21, 2009

SOURCE: my 1993 oldsmobile achieva when I slow down sputtthe car cuts off

i have the exact same car. And after a lot of searching, found the EXACT cause for this. Its your TCC switch (torque converter clutch switch). It has somethign to do with your transmission, and kicking the car into overdrive at certain speeds for fuel economy. Anyway, mine would stall out after driving for more than 15- 20 minutes, especially at highway speeds, which when you think about it - is the speed if you had a manual/stick - you would be shifting into the highest gear. Well, this chip or whatever it is basically gets "stuck" in high gear. And when you come to a stop, its like trying to get going in 4th gear on a manual from a dead stop. NOT happening!  I checked with a few people and did some searchign online - and found out all you have to do is unplug the wire leading into your transmission  (not a car guy so I'm not sure exactlyif that's what its plugged to, but on mine ,same model and year as yours, it was blue on the very front on the engine way down dead center almost if you're standing in the front of the car looking down). I believe it was a 4pin connector when you unplug it, but I'd have to go doublecheck. NOthing at all bad happens from donig this - all it does is you lose about 3-5 mpg when you drive. I still get 25-27 mpg. If your car isn't in awesome codition and you dont want the headache of some mechanic taking everything apart to get inside the transmission to replace a dumb chip that just kicks your car into overdrive, I'd go this route. Worked for me.  I have checked all over online - and everyone who had this problem and unplugged it, had no problems ever. NO side effects. One guy says he's run up 100,000 miles since then and still runs like a top! If you need more info or whatever - email me. I dont mind. I'd love to know I'm helping someone out so they dont have to deal with it as long as I did!  [email protected]

Ad

Anonymous

  • 48 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 16, 2008

SOURCE: Power loss / low idle speed

This could be a multitude of things but my first suggestion would be to change the spark plugs. They are cheap and can be bought at any auto parts store.

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Apr 28, 2009

SOURCE: 1997 oldsmobile achieva sl

The way this car was made is for this problem to ONLY be fixed by the dealer! No other repair shop just cost me $700+ dollars. There are no other solutions. Sorry.The dealer will say it's a cluster.It's because of the built in security system, and no it can be removed.

mrmalmo82

  • 5 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 10, 2009

SOURCE: car has no power and sounds like its starving for fuel. please help!

It may not neccessarily be starving for fuel, but may be begging to exhale. Your catalytic converter may be clogged. This will cause a loss of power.

Anonymous

  • 247 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 11, 2009

SOURCE: Oldsmobile achieva 1996 high and low pressure ac recharge

they might be on the compressor itself,with silver aluminum caps on them ,that unscerw ,otherwise follow the lines, they have to be there somewhere

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

1helpful
1answer

The car starts and runs for 2 or 3 sec. then dies

Was the fuel system flushed of all old fuel ? do that. This included the lines and the filter and the fuel injectors. Use a product called "CHEMTOOL" it is made by Berrymans and available at any auto parts store.
0helpful
1answer

What can cause the security light in my car to flash? 1997 olds. achieva

Carry it to the GM dealer! By the time you get through throwing parts at it you will have burnt up the difference in letting them fix it versus DIY.
0helpful
1answer

6 months ago my car started then turned right off. The mechanic said I needed a new ignition. He put a new one in and I was charged $450. Then one month ago it did it again. The mechanic re programed...

Hello: It is possible that the cluster(speedometer, tachometer, temp, gas gage group) has failed. The signal from the ignition (pass lock security system) goes to the cluster, when the cluster receives it then it sends the password to the engine control module which then allows the engine to start and stay running. If you had taken the car to a GM dealer you would not have been charged a second time, sometimes a little more money on the front end is cheaper.......
0helpful
2answers

Why would the engine coolant leak out from under the engine versus at the radiator?

It can come from any of the rubber hoses that link from engine to heater core or a non properly installed hose or the water pump.
Not finding what you are looking for?

356 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Oldsmobile Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Are you an Oldsmobile Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...