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As I was driving my 1989 G20 ChevyVan last night, suddenly the Check Engine Soon light came on and I immediately noticed a definite hesitation. I was just getting up to highway speed and the van seemed to really be pulling back. RPMs went up pretty high before it finally shifted. I was able to get it up to speed and to get it home, but every time I had to slow down or stop I had the same issue. I had just filled it with gas earlier in the evening, and had no problems driving the 20 miles to my destination. It was two miles into the return trip that this issue began. It almost seemed like the time my alternator died three years ago. Lost a lot of power. I got a brand new alternator at the time. Any other ideas? Thanks.

Submitted: 533 days and 4 hours ago.

Category: Chevy

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Posted by Wrenchtech 533 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.

529 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

I cannot accept this answer. Your answer did not address the hesitation problem at all. It just suggested a costly computer scan when the likely problem is a vacuum leak or a fuel filter. I will never use this site again.

Answer

No I did not.

I suggested a FREE scan and I even told you where to get one.

It may very well be a vacuum leak and it may also be 300 other possible faults and until you have the code number, you have no direction to go. That's why they put that light there.

I can answer follow up questions when you have code numbers to give me but don't ask me to just wildly guess what you may have in your pocket.

Accepts:
Expert:	Wrenchtech
Pos. Feedback:	98.4 %
Answered:	6/10/2008

ASE Certified Technician

40 years experience with ASE certification as Master Technician with L1--Repair Shop Owner

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I cannot accept this answer. Your answer did not address the hesitation problem at all. It just suggested a costly computer scan when the likely problem is a vacuum leak or a fuel filter. I will never use this site again.

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