1996 3.8 v6 problems

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Old 10-15-2014, 09:41 AM
broken96rs's Avatar
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Default 1996 3.8 v6 problems

Where to start. Egr alternator starter three times now. Complete tune up (plugs filters sensors you name it) actually had to get a new computer because there was no power to the fourth cylinder. Needs a trans mount also. My question is what the hell could be wrong? After the new computer it ran great and two months after it ran like it used to. No service engine light is on and it feels like its missing at least two cylinders. Doesn't have any get up and go in first gear and bounces rpm up to 5000 before shifting (automatic) and does the same in second but not as bad. Im not gonna say I'm a skilled mechanic but I've done all the work on this car but the computer (I don't like to mess with wires) my best bud whose a 15+ year experienced mechanic and his co worker who is a 40+ year camaro expert is stumped. Any help will do even if its narrowing down what we've already done to what needs done.
 
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Old 10-15-2014, 10:43 PM
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no sayin it would help your issue but after almost 20 years,,, the ses bulb could be burnt out. have you had it scanned for trouble codes
 
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Old 10-16-2014, 07:57 AM
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The light isn't out after we replaced the computer the light went off and he scanned for codes and the only thing that came up was low compression on the cylinder and it was still within the use able limit
 
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Old 10-16-2014, 07:19 PM
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Scanned for codes and it came up low compression?

It sounds like what you need is a scope. This will give you the live data or what is going on in all the cylinders.

No power to a cylinder sounds like a Ignition module issue not a PCM issue. The PCM supplies a signal to the ignition module about the position of the engine but the ignition module is what fires the plugs at the cylinder.

Setting all that aside, have you tried taping the MAF sensor? Also you want to move the wiring harness around. I had a bad harness to the MAP sensor that caused you exact symptoms. I got lucky I happened to wiggle the wires and the motor stumbled. Soldered in a new pigtail from rock auto and the problem is gone.
 
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