Just got my Monte and have timing belt and noise questions.

[napatiger]

Damn, I thought by suggesting that paperclip trick I would have posted my first reply that actually helped someone, instead of just asking questions all the time.

[dohcfiend]

i believe you can get an autoxray scanner for about 180+ i paid 180 for mine, but the obd2 version might be a little more but not anywhere near 1500.

rattles can be tough to diagnose do your tune up 1st. might be spark knock.

[wiserocz]

You know I was kind of thinking that it could be spark knock, but for some reason I wanna blame it on the SES light. Here's why when I accelerate it blinks and then the car runs weird.

[Robb235]

Hey, wiserocz, also check out www.mymonte.com

Those people there will know alot about the Monte and could prolly help you out as well.

All I know about the 3.4 DOHC is that it has alot of high end power, but unfortunately it's a b!tch to work on.

[ez112]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4512004118&category=43989

$1500 is an understatement for an excellent scanner. But no novice needs such an advanced scanner.

I would seriously just sugge tyou go to Autozone and have them clear your SES codes. They can give you the codes and you can come back here and post about what they are. We can then give suggestions on what they represent.

And A BLINKING SES!! That means SEVERE MISFIRE! Well at least it did with my car. My Spark Plug wires were bad, and I changed them and WALA Good as new.

It ALSO might serve you well to know that the 1996 Monte Carlo Z34 has two General Motors Recalls: Spark Plug wires coincidently enough (bastards...where was it when I BOUGHT THEM!) And an AIR Pump. You can just go to a dealer and they'll change it out. I would first fix the SES light problem before taking it in, because they might try to BS you in buying something you may not need. You can just pick up the wires for your home changing conveinence and see if it helps, then go to the Zone.

Hope this helps.

[SappySE107]

I would think the blinking SES is misfire or shitload of detonation. If they have those 2 recalls and your car hasn't been done yet, thats a must do. Especially for free wires

[wiserocz]

Okay went to Autozone and they said...

1. Misfire on cylinder 3 -guessing a tune up would fix
2. Coolant temp not reaching optimum temp -temp guage is low hmm dunno on this one
3. o2 sensor bad in front of cat- easy fix
4. some kind of air pump error
5. There was an error that they thought was because someone tried to gas up while the car was running.
6. There was a lean error also.-I'm going to get the fuel filter changed

And I think thats about it.

So...I'm going to kill as many birds with one stone as I can. I figuire get a tune up and the 02 sensor and see where that goes. The other codes may be flukes. To be safe I think I want to get the coolant system flushed and change the fuel filter.

I think I'll just take it into the local shop and get it all done at once since I we're getting near Christmas and I want to get it straightened out before then. I have a pretty honest mechanic who charges only a little more than the part would cost me so I'm going to take er in and avoid freezing my ass off in my garage. I'll also have him take a pass at the timing belt if he quotes me a decent price although I don't think it needs one.

I will keep posting as I make progress getting everything done. I hate looking through forums and everyone asks questions and then people make suggestions but no-one responds and you are left hanging, with no end answer tro the original answer. Hopefully someone can gain from this.

[wiserocz]

How would I know if the recall would affect me. When do they say your car is too old or you have too many miles.

[SappySE107]

They can't say that as far as I am aware. Its a recall. I would go to the dealership or at least call with your VIN and see what they say.

[wiserocz]

Hey I guess its worth a shot. I wonder if I could talk them into into doing the plugs if I buy them.

[WhiteMonteZZZ]

Hey. Just read your post and PMed you. Wanna tell ya about a few things...got AIM?
WhiteMonteZZZ

[WhiteMonteZZZ]

Oh, and your plan of attack so far sounds pretty good. Check on the recall(s), and do a tuneup (plugs, wires, fuel filter, o2 sensor(s), check/change (if necessary) coolant, maybe run a fuel injector cleaner (a good one, not a cheapo one), etc.

[BMFH]

Hello All

Just for compairason sake, Not for the NOVIS Mechanic.

Snap-on MT 2500 Scanner $2700.00

You can find them on ebay for $ 700.00 to $ 1500.00, Just make sure that the cartridges cover the year of your vehicle. They have year specific software group's. You will also need all the cables and adapters that goes with it also. They sometimes come with Asian and Domestic Software, cables and adapters.

Snap-on MODIS 4 trace lab scope & scanner $ 8000.00

The MODIS is by far the very best unit, it gives you live data and actual wave forms for all the sensors and components, and their actual "right or wrong" signature that the computer see's. You Have to see what the Computer see's to determine if it is getting the correct information for it to function properly

I hope this does'nt blow everyone out of the water.

Just one of many reasons why Professional Mechanics get so much money to troubleshoot driveability problems on these late model high tech. vehicles.

Anyone with basic electrical toubleshooting knowledge will best be served by having a good DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter), a logic probe and a Good Set of the Factory Service Manuals to troubleshoot the electronics systems on todays Computerized cars and engines.

DO NOT USE A STANDARD 12 VOLT DC TEST LIGHT, on "ANY SENSOR CIRCUIT", It can damage computer circuits, use it ONLY on systems that you "KNOW" are 12 volt DC circuits, I.E. batteries, starters, lighting systems, relays, air conditioning compressor circuits, horns, fuel pump circuits, Etc. (DO NOT USE IT AROUND ANY OPEN FUEL SYSTEMS OR COMPONENTS, "FOR FEAR OF FIRE")

I know that this probably does'nt help much with your problems, but it will give you some insite as to what todays cars need in order to repair them.

Check ALL the basics and systems first, don't just throw parts at it in the hope that that will fix it, this gets VERY EXPENSIVE FAST, and usually does'nt work to get the car running again.

These engines need the following "BASIC THINGS" before they will start and run correctly: "RPM" indication, ("THE"#1 Sensor, the engine "WILL NOT START" if the computer does'nt see an RPM indication), "Fuel" introduced at the correct time and correct pressure, "Ignition" spark introduced at the correct time and correct voltage, "Air", hopefully filtered, 12 Volts DC supplied to the ECM/PCM/ECU ("Computer"), plus all the sensor outputs needed by the computer for starting and running, (that varies with different vehicles), the engine has to crank at a speed that will allow it to start without drawing the battery too low. Hopefully it will have oil and coolant to protect it after it starts.

Try and find out what the problems are before replacing parts. If you have a buddy with the same type/year of car and are very carefull, you can substute his known good parts into your system to see if that helps your car to get running again.

If you have changed out any parts that did not fix your cars problem, SAVE THEM for future troubleshooting (known good parts?) Remember that ANY AND ALL Electrical parts are "NOT RETURNABLE AFTER YOU BUY THEM", NO TRYZ'S

A good option is to get the vehicle to a garage for a diagnostic inspection and repair estimate, This may hurt a little, but not as much as throwing parts at it and not fixing it. The days of points and a carburator are "LONG GONE" and we can not use a hammer and screwdriver to fix them, so we All just have to Bite the bullet on repairs, even when we do our own repairs, the parts still are not cheap.

I am sorry this got so long, but I do hope it helps someone along the way.

Take Care

John

[ez112]

Damn you don't like working on your car at all, huh? :P

[wiserocz]

Soo I called around and got all sorts of quotes for

1. Spark Plugs
2. Spark Plug Wires
3. o2 Sensor
4. Thermostat

My guy I usually use is booked up for the next week, he's got them spilling into the road so I'm going to do it myself. Other shops quoted me 600 to 700 for the job and theres no way I can sneak that past the wife anyway sooooo. (She says I'm car obsessed, and she is probably right)

Is there a run down on doing this on a 96 Monte anywhere, or is the 92 to 95 instructions accurate. It would be great if someone else has some pointers for the 96. I thought my Achieva with the 3300 was tight this sucker is TIGHT.

I figuire I need to take off the intake unless I grow liquid arms, so I will need two intake gaskets, spark plugs, wires, o2 sensor and a thermostat. Is there anything else I need other than a about 10 ready heaters for my garage?

Is there anything else I should change while I'm ripping my newly aquired monte apart?

Here's the stinker I have to move the IROC out to get the Monte in, but the good news is I have 2 spare vehicles to take me to work while I do this so I can take my time. Guess what I will also have my digital camera standing by taking some pics as I go just so you all can see me f this up and maybe post it later for some other 3.4 newbie to get into. I'm going to try and check out the timing belt and clean out the dirt while I'm screwing around.

So calling all 96 Monte Fans she is going under the knife. I'll probably start the project Friday giving me a decent weekend of tinkering.