Questions and Answers

Chevrolet Blazer Poor Fuel Economy Q. Hello Mr. Ciulla I have a problem with a 1992 Chevrolet Blazer VIN "W". I know what your thinking, why even bother. Actually I got the vehicle for free. Anyways, the darn thing backfires on acceleration, get VERY poor gas mileage and is very sluggish up hills, down hills, you name it!

I put a scan tool on it recently and pulled the Code 44, which is the lean fuel code, so pretty much to my knowledge is that the computer sees this and tries to compensate for it, hence dump the fuel down its throat. I cleared this code out because I have repaired a leaky pressure nylon gas line inside of the plenum, but the darn thing still is sluggish and backfires on takeoff.

Didn't I fix the problem? What's the deal?? I have heard bad things about carbon buildup in the EGR valve, could this be the problem? Just need a good cleaning? I was informed that after clearing this code 44, I should drive it a few miles to have the ECM re-learn the driving parameters, then it will run correctly.

I never had done this before; all that I know is that its very expensive for gas these days and driving back and forth from college is KILLING me!

Also another question, I have a 1988 Chevy Cavalier Z24 with the digital dash. It works just fine until you turn the headlights on; the whole display turns off, but turns back on of course when you turn the headlights off. A real pain in the butt at night. Is the dimmer variable resistor switch above the headlight switch on the dash the accomplice? Because I replaced it and it still does this. Is there a way that I can disconnect the dimmer for the dash to make this stop happening?

Another question, I also have a 1992 Buick Lesabre with O/D problems. Once you get on the highway or even at 55 mph the trans shifts into overdrive and stumbles and shakes the whole car like its going to tear the car into pieces, a real girlfriend scarer! Anyways, I depress the pedal to up-shift to get rid of the noise, which is frequently. Any ideas? I think the O/D id just shot.

Thank you for your time,
Douglas

A. 1. The 44 code could be a bad 02 sensor. You may even have a partially clogged catalytic convertor.

2. Most likely a bad dimmer switch.

3. Sounds like a bad convertor clutch or convertor. you may be able to unplug the plug on the trans to dis-able it.