The Oldsmobile Connection

[n00bIEwaN]

Recently, the check engine light came on while driving. Stopped by Advance Auto and had them run a
scan. The result was codes P0440 and P1406. He was able to tell me that P0440 was Evap Em Control
System Malfunction but that I would have to go to the dealership for code P1406. I checked my
Chiltons and started going through the processes. Meanwhile, the car started to sputter when
taking left turns. I would be in the process of turning when pushing on the accelerator, there
would be no power and the motor was in a high rev. This is remedied by straightening out the
wheel. This also happens while on the highway and the remedy is to let off of the accelerator and
then resume normal usage. The feeling is as if the pedal is being pushed down hard for the
passing/kickdown gear. Not that it would accelerate but the feeling of down gearing. Engine has
cut off twice while in gear at full stop. No sputter, just dead.
So, onto what I have done. Per Advance, I went ahead and replaced the EGR. Nothing changed.
Replaced the purge solenoid after what I thought was malfunctioning. Under my fingertips, I could
feel rapid 'movement' that seemed to me as shorting out and trying to start back up. After
reading, AFTER replacement (lesson learned), I find that this is normal. Still no change. Noticed
that one of the hoses going into the solenoid was loose compared to the other hose. Zip tied it to
the solenoid to see if this could be a possible leak site. No go. Next step is the purge
canister, pcv and lines. Plan on renting/buying hand pump for line test unless anyone has a better
solution.

What I am wanting to know now is, am I doing everything that I possibly can short of taking it to a
mechanic/dealer? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance






3.8 6-cyl K engine
180k+ miles
first major issue

UPDATE: Have reset the 'check engine' code. Must have done so when accessing the purge canister. Disconnected the battery and PCM, canister looks fine but did not remove. Did not want to do so until I had replacement lines in hand. Will do so this weekend if warranted. Problem still persists. Bands slipping in the transmission???

Once again, thanks for any help.

[88 Coupe]

Hi n00bIEwaN,

Welcome to TOC

Quote: ........ Recently, the check engine light came on while driving ........
No previous indication of a problem?

Quote: ........ codes P0440 ........
Computer sees an unknown problem with the vapor recovery system. Cause could be as simple as a leaking hose/hose connection, or a loose power/ground in the solenoid circuit.

Quote: ........ and P1406 ........
Unknown problem in the EGR system. Cause could be as simple as a leaking hose/hose connection, or a loose power/ground in the solenoid circuit.

Both are normal maintenance items. Doubtful if either has any connection to your symptoms.

Quote: ........ Meanwhile, the car started to sputter when taking left turns ........
Did this start, after you started "fixing" it?

Quote: ........ So, onto what I have done ........
Nothing to do with the diagnostic process. Recheck everything you might have disturbed while you were "doing" them.

Quote: ........ am I doing everything that I possibly can ........
In this case, possibly, is a relative term.

Quote: ........ canister looks fine ........
Put a new filter in it and forget about it.

Quote: ........ Bands slipping in the transmission? ........
Does it have bands?

Norm