Olds Delta 88 CEL and Code

[Al]

My 1989 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale recently began to run a bit rough. The CEL came on so I did the wire jumper and I received engine code 42.

It has also stalled twice on me in the past week. This usually happens when driving along and I stop at a light. It will idle and then stop. Luckily, it will start back up again.

Another issue (or same issue) is that it feels like it is hesitating when I drive it down the road.

Recent repairs:
New Battery and Alternator.
Pulled two plugs and they look new
Wires look new too.

[theavenger333]

well seeings how the wires LOOK new, they MUST be. however, as i had the same problem with my 94 lesabre with the and such, you need to replace the 02 sensor.

[Al]

Funny thing about the 02 sensor: It looks like one of the easiest 02 sensors to access evar!

[PB86MCSS]

3800 O2's practically replace themselves :D . On my 90' its a breeze anyway, only had to do it once.

Has the fuel filter been replaced? Just another good to replace item that could cause the stalling potentially.

[Al]

Did some searching: O2 sensor goes for $20 on this car!

[theavenger333]

correct. i do not usually post unless i know the answer!

[brotherbenn83]

Except the code 42 is for Electronic Spark Timing Circuit. More likely that you have an issue with the ignition module, which although probably more expensive...just as simple to change as the O2 sensor.

[Al]

Update:
I replaced the ignition control module about three weeks ago and the car now runs fine. The car is also one of the easiest that I have ever worked on. I'm only wishing I fixed it earlier because now I am getting an extra 100 miles per tank!

[PB86MCSS]

Nice! These cars/engines are so nice to work on which is definately helping its cause in keeping my car around.

I'm planning on upgrading my igntion this weekend from the stock Magnavox coil/module to the Delco II coil/module from a newer 3800 car. http://thejmfc.com/projects/delcoignition.html

Supposedly a better setup, I think the stock Magnavox ones aren't the best plus this way you can replace a coil pack at a time if need. One of my plug wires just went bad so I might as well upgrade it and get a wire set in the proper length for the newer ignition.

* Just realized you might not have the 3800 being an Olds...but keeping this in case anyone else is interested.

[Al]

Nice!
* Just realized you might not have the 3800 being an Olds...but keeping this in case anyone else is interested.

I has 3800!!! The engine touched by the hand of God!

It's the only GM V6 from the 80s/90s that I will buy other than the 4.3.

[Rocket Power]

3800 FTW, My big ass 96 Eighty Eight would get 30 mpg highway, POS 3100 in my GP wishes it could hold a candle to that

[theavenger333]

too bad the damn module is 100 bucks. i still get 22 mixed, up to 34 highway in my lesabre so i dunno how much it'll do for mileage, but i'd like the minor hesitation at very low RPMs to go away

[Al]

too bad the damn module is 100 bucks. i still get 22 mixed, up to 34 highway in my lesabre so i dunno how much it'll do for mileage, but i'd like the minor hesitation at very low RPMs to go away

At today's fuel prices, the 100$ will pay itself off fast.

[PB86MCSS]

If you go to Al's many if not most 3800 module/coil packs are taken.