Engine Problem?

[SHAPER]

I have a 90 350 TBI and I am getting an intermittent SES light when I am driving it and sometimes right after I start it up. The light comes on and goes off at random for varying lengths of time. Before this I have not had any problems since I bought the truck 8 months ago.

Since the light has started the truck has been a little harder to start(crank, stop, crank, start) and I dont have any power when it tries to kick down going up a hill on the freeway(I even lose speed). Other than that it seems to run just fine low speed, high speed, etc.

Can anyone tell me what MIGHT be the problem so I can try to fix it instead of taking it to a shop so they can read the codes? O2 sensor maybe? Bad spot on the distributor? Or worse?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Most auto parts stores (Checker, Kragen, Autozone, etc) will run the code for you for free. Do that and post up what the code is.

 

[Thunder]

Or you can check them yourself like this Clicky:http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/
The data link is under the dash by the steering column.
Post up the code you are getting here before you go throwing parts at it. We can probabally save you some money and frustration.

 

[SHAPER]

Or you can check them yourself like this Clicky:http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/
The data link is under the dash by the steering column.
Post up the code you are getting here before you go throwing parts at it. We can probabally save you some money and frustration.

Forgive my ignorance but where do I find the DLC at exactly? You have to keep in mind I just started learning how to do work on my own vehicles.

Furthermore, say I follow those instructions and I get some sort of pattern of flashing and pausing where do I look to translate that to one of those code numbers?

 

[Thunder]

Please read my first post as for location of data link.
Here are some instructions i copyed and pasted fromchevythunder.com Might want to read that page good info on TBI and TPI troubleshooting.
With the engine not running, key in the "on" position, jumper terminals "A' and "B". With the ecm in the diagnostic mode, it will first flash a code 12, indicating the ecm has entered this mode. You will see the SES do this for a code 12: flash, pause, flash, flash. Think of it in on/off state: 1, pause, 1+1 = 1+2, or 12. It will flash this code three times, then there will be a short pause, and it will flash code 12 again three times, as long as there are no trouble codes, the ecm will flash this over and over until the jumper is removed from the ALDL.
If there are trouble codes stored, it will follow the code 12, starting with the least numerical code first, flash it three times, go to the next numerical code, flash it three times, and so on until it has reached the last code. Then it will flash code 12 again, and start the whole process again, until the jumper is removed. This will give you plenty of time to retrieve the codes, and double check yourself to make sure you have written down the right ones. Example: Code 34: flash, flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash, flash. (1+1+1, pause, 1+1+1+1= 3+4, or 34.

 

[SHAPER]

Please read my first post as for location of data link.
Here are some instructions i copyed and pasted fromchevythunder.com Might want to read that page good info on TBI and TPI troubleshooting.
With the engine not running, key in the "on" position, jumper terminals "A' and "B". With the ecm in the diagnostic mode, it will first flash a code 12, indicating the ecm has entered this mode. You will see the SES do this for a code 12: flash, pause, flash, flash. Think of it in on/off state: 1, pause, 1+1 = 1+2, or 12. It will flash this code three times, then there will be a short pause, and it will flash code 12 again three times, as long as there are no trouble codes, the ecm will flash this over and over until the jumper is removed from the ALDL.
If there are trouble codes stored, it will follow the code 12, starting with the least numerical code first, flash it three times, go to the next numerical code, flash it three times, and so on until it has reached the last code. Then it will flash code 12 again, and start the whole process again, until the jumper is removed. This will give you plenty of time to retrieve the codes, and double check yourself to make sure you have written down the right ones. Example: Code 34: flash, flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash, flash. (1+1+1, pause, 1+1+1+1= 3+4, or 34.

Thanks man. I dont know how I missed the location in your first post, heh. I too many beers tonight I guess.

 

[Thunder]

LOL Nothing like a set of beer goggles to improve eyesight.
Hope the info helps.