:( My car started running like sh*t about two weeks ago and my 'Check Gauges' light would slowly come on and then slowly go out.  Loss of power, gas mileage, and runs rough.  In the recent hot weather my Temp gauge had indicated a higher than normal coolant temperature, so I assumed it was the cooling system.  All other gauges were reading fine.  The check light would go out for a while when the thermostat opened, but still didn't run right.  I've chemically flushed, power flushed, and back flushed the radiator.  Changed thermostats (195 and then later a 180).  Replaced Temperature sensor.  Replaced water pump.  Replaced hoses.  Bled the air from the system  and get a constant flow of coolant after its warmed up (though there doesn't seem to be much pressure to it) and also added a cooling system stabilizer additive to the antifreeze.

Oh yeh, vacuum seems to not hold as well now too.

Recently replaced a coil (not all three), spark plugs, plug wires, MAP sensor, and replaced or repaired ALL vacuum lines.

Before this happened, I could easily lay 75 feet of rubber!  Now I can barely cross traffic.

:eek2: I'm at a lose for what's going on!  Any ideas??? :shock:

Almost sounds like a plugged Cat... 2 of my TGP's acted that way... :drinking:  :drinking:
But it may also be Vac. leak...

Yes I did have a cat failure and had it replaced.  It's still running like sh*t, so I'll be checking all my vacuum hoses again this weekend.  Have an appt. to get the car 'scanned' on Tuesday to try and find what else may have failed.

Any other suggestions or comments will be appreciated!


Thanks...........

a dedicated water temp sensor feeds guage, another one feed
ECM, did you replace both?  Scan tool will show if that temp
sensor is right? Fuel preasure okay?

The shop said my TGP is running way too rich!  That's why I had to have the cat replaced Thursday (yesterday).  The temperature is now reading lower and the 'Check Gauges' light no longer comes on.  Still ain't running right though. :cry:   Hopefully the diagnostic scan I'm getting Tuesday will help isolate the problem.

florida_tgp did you say there were 2 temperature sensors?  I was only aware of the one below the thermostat.  Where's the other? :?:

Fuel pump was replaced last January, but that doesn't mean it's okay now.  I'll have the pressure looked at while in the shop.

Thanks guys for the help.

Any other will be appreciated.

I have the original service manual for the 1990 TGP and if you need a few pages scanned let me know and I'll send them to you  (The book is about 2 inches thick and has lost it's binding and is almost in loose leaf form now.  It's been used a lot, but this forum is a lot more helpful than the manual!). :wink:

Well call me stupid!

The Check Gauges light was coming on due to overheating due to a failed catalytic convertor which was due to a failed coil causing the car to run too rich!!!!

I sometimes feel that I'm working on a house of cards in a row boat during a hurricane!

Well at least I know that my cooling system is operating like new!