Cutlass Ceira 94 questions :-)

[ANTVGM64]

Hi there, as someone who knows absolutely very little (nothing) about cars, I just had a couple of questions about my car that I've had a bit.


1) When I drive it it tends to tremor, shake a little bit? and if I put it on cruise control, and or give it any gas, whenever It accelerates it feels like the car is having to "Catch up" if that makes sense, almost like it's skipping. Suggestions?

2) Probally related, but when my car Idles it tends to rumble a little bit, and seems to come from under the car itself, maybe the gas tank?

3) My car makes a loud tapping noise whenever I turn it on.

4) My left blinker has died 6 times in the two years I've had the car. I know the it's a known issue with this particular model, but is there a way to fix it, or would re-done wiring be kind of a waste of money?


5) How much should I pay ball park to maybe fix these issues? as I said, I'm a touch naive and don't feel like getting bent over every time I go to a garage.



Any help that could be provided would be greatly appriciated :-)


Thank you,

[87Cutlass Ciera]

Hi there, as someone who knows absolutely very little (nothing) about cars, I just had a couple of questions about my car that I've had a bit.


1) When I drive it it tends to tremor, shake a little bit? and if I put it on cruise control, and or give it any gas, whenever It accelerates it feels like the car is having to "Catch up" if that makes sense, almost like it's skipping. Suggestions?

2) Probally related, but when my car Idles it tends to rumble a little bit, and seems to come from under the car itself, maybe the gas tank?

3) My car makes a loud tapping noise whenever I turn it on.

4) My left blinker has died 6 times in the two years I've had the car. I know the it's a known issue with this particular model, but is there a way to fix it, or would re-done wiring be kind of a waste of money?


5) How much should I pay ball park to maybe fix these issues? as I said, I'm a touch naive and don't feel like getting bent over every time I go to a garage.



Any help that could be provided would be greatly appriciated :-)


Thank you,

Assuming you have the 3300 engine.
1)Trembling when you drive it. Sounds like you need to get the tires balanced. Catching up... Does it buck, missfire, or does it feel like when you give it gas it's late, like a delayed reaction? Cruise control, on my 87 if I set it it always speeds up like 5km over what I set it at right at the beggining.
2)Rumbling as in how? Is it loud(er than normal)? something vibrating? could be exhaust related.
3)When you turn it on as in just the key on? Or when you first start it up? The only tapping noises I know of when the key is on might be a relay for something, or your injectors, I'm not sure someone else will be able to tell better. (mine makes a buzz sound when you turn the key on, because of my EFI)
4) Can't help you here either :)
5) A lot of the time, the folks here can tell you what to do and they tell you in a manner so that you can do it yourself! Of course if it's something bigger, then you might have to take it to a mechanic, just act like you know your stuff!
I hope this helps!!
CRC

[ANTVGM64]

1) I don't think it mis-fires, (That's when it sounds like a gunshot, right?) it just feels like the car is "fighting" to move forward, it's like, bumpy and I guess the world I want is uneven.

2) Well, when I start say, my parent's car, it's a standard engine noise, one noise. This, it's one noise, then a rumble (The car vibrates a little) then good, then more rumbling. It's hard to describe. I think it's related to number one, because the thing my car does on the road is that, vibrate and feel like it's having a hard time. Just when moving forward.

3) Start the car. It's a tapping noise, my friend mentioned something about a head gasket, or something, but I don't know what that is, or why or how it would make a loud tapping noise.

Thanks a bunch :-)

[86euro]

Unfortunately, your descriptions could mean many different things (to me, anyways).
Where are you located?

[87Cutlass Ciera]

1) I don't think it mis-fires, (That's when it sounds like a gunshot, right?) it just feels like the car is "fighting" to move forward, it's like, bumpy and I guess the world I want is uneven.

2) Well, when I start say, my parent's car, it's a standard engine noise, one noise. This, it's one noise, then a rumble (The car vibrates a little) then good, then more rumbling. It's hard to describe. I think it's related to number one, because the thing my car does on the road is that, vibrate and feel like it's having a hard time. Just when moving forward.

3) Start the car. It's a tapping noise, my friend mentioned something about a head gasket, or something, but I don't know what that is, or why or how it would make a loud tapping noise.

Thanks a bunch :-)

1) Ok so it sounds like you may have some water in your gas, this would give the shuddering feeling. Also it might be time for a Plug and Wire change, this could also give hesitation.
2) As for this starting problem, I don't know it might just be the cold jitters? Somebody else will have to help you on that one.
3) Tapping noise, I'm assuming that it's only when you first start the car. Could be a few things, maybe sticky lifters. if it does it all the time, then it could be something like worn rocker arms, or something else top end related. I don't know much about the V6s so somebody else is going to have to have their say.
And yes where are you located?
CRC

[Prospeeder]

If its really cold, the tappings very normal. if its the 3300 engine, rumbling/trembling at idle is pretty normal for them. The blinkers an odd one, im not sure whats up with it, my friends 93 ciera has never done that. These things dont sound like issues much at all to me

[SCREECH]

Hi, ANTVGM64. Welcome to the forums. We're always happy to do our best to help out new members keep their A-bodies on the roads and out of salvage yards. :rock:

Ok, you've got a '94 Ciera, so you don't have the 3300 as that engine was last used in '93. That means that if you've got a V6 it's the 3100. Do you have a V6 or a four cylinder? The 3100's predecessor, the 3.1L, was infamous for tappet (lifter) noise when first started. If you check your oil level and change it regularly it's likely nothing to worry about unless it's very loud. Just don't rev the snot out of the engine for the first half minute or so after you start it, especially if it's been sitting overnight. Don't just jump in, start it and throw it in gear and drive off. Give it a few moments to get the oil properly circulating and whatnot.

You said you've owned your Ciera for two years. What tune-up related maintenance has been performed that you know of during that time? When were the plugs, wires, and oxygen sensor done? Do you even know for sure when they last were done? If your oxygen sensor is failing that would definitely affect the idle and initial acceleration of the engine as the car is struggling to find the right fuel/air mixture.

As for the problem with your signal, you said that it died six times while you have owned the vehicle. Do you know what was done to fix it each time? And what exactly do you mean when you say that it doesn't work - does the signal indicator on the dash light up but it does not flash, or does nothing happen when you engage the left signal? Has your signal switch in the column been changed or inspected to see whether or not it's the source of the problem? The signal switch in the column plays a major role in the operation of all external lights, moreso than I once thought. If the wiring is not corroded or damaged, and only the left signal is not working, then it's very possibly a problem with the ignition switch.

As for the rumbling that you report at idle, I recommend taking the car to an exhaust shop that does free estimates and let them know what you are hearing. Have them check it out and see if perhaps you just have an exhaust hanger bracket missing or damaged. It could end up being something simple. If it's not something exhaust related, at least having them have a look at it will get you pointed in the right direction, and it shouldn't cost you anything to have them look at it. Keep in mind that just because they check it out doesn't obligate you to have them do any work on your vehicle. If they tell you what's wrong and give you a quote that seems quite steep to you, simply tell them that you can't afford to get that done at the moment, and go get a second opinion. Ask co-workers, friends or relatives who they use for their auto service so you are more likely to be dealing with someone you can trust.

So, as you can see, there's some additional information that you need to provide to assist us in aiding you further with your problems. As for the cost of such repairs, it will depend on how much of it you can do yourself. If you are unfamiliar with vehicular maintenance then having a friend or relative that can assist you in making some relatively minor repairs will be a great asset to you. There will be some tools required to do some of the work which may need to be purchased, but it's still much cheaper than having someone else do all the work.

[CieraSL92]

The blinker dying is not common in these cars. What's going bad, the flasher? Sound's like a short or maybe extra resistance in said circuit causing the flasher to maybe overwork and wear out (yeah I pulled that out of my ass)

[SCREECH]

Hmm...two weeks and no update - I guess we'll never know for sure what the cause of the problem was. :(