Car runs poorly and stalls 1992 Oldsmobile 88

I have a 1992 oldsmobile 88 is not running properly. I try to press on the gas and hesitates or turns off. I scan get code 42 electronic spark timing and no camshaft sensor signal . Also get pass key malfunction when I accelerate the car.What is your suggestion?

My car has 160000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello – the engine hesitation and stalling, along with the Code 42, indicate a problem with ignition timing for your car. On your car, the ignition module provide a basic engine timing profile. While running, ignition timing shifts to the engine management computer, which has a more precise ignition timing profile for the engine. This provide smoother running, and more power. The Code 42 indicates this transition is not occurring. This can be caused by wiring issues, a poor engine-to-computer, or engine-to-ignition module ground. Also possible is a failure of the ignition module or engine management computer (not likely since the engine runs at all). I would recommend a professional evaluate the electrical engine management components above to diagnose this problem. A mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. The Pass-Key issue you describe is likely a problem with the key or ignition switch tumbler. Your Pass-Key has raised connections, and the ignition switch has a "reader" component that contacts these raised connections on the key. Either the key connections are worn, or the "reader" component in the ignition switch is weak. When you accelerate, this connection is wiggled (heavy keyring?), and the connection is momentarily broken, causing the fault you are experiencing. Both the key and ignition switch tumbler should be replaced to eliminate this problem. Unfortunately, this is not a service that YourMechanic can offer at this time. Check with your Oldsmobile dealer or service center for this repair.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Some of the most common sensors that lead to engine stalling include the mass airflow sensor (MAF), engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and manifold absolute pressure sesnsor (MAP). The idle air control valve (IAC) and exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) are also well known for causing engine stalling.
There are three major causes for a stalled engine: A lack of fuel, a lack of air flow and improper ignition. Running out of fuel is one of the most common causes of engine stalling, but dirty fuel injectors or a plugged fuel filter can also be the culprit. Your engine needs air to run properly as well.
How to stop stalling when you`re pulling away. If you`re staling as you`re moving off, you`re either in the wrong gear or you`re letting the clutch up too quickly. You need to let the clutch up as gradually as you accelerate – very! It should be a smoothy-smooth action.
The most common reasons a Buick Encore engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
Common signs include lacking power when accelerating, rough or slow idle, stalling, inability to shift up, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
Stalling, surging, or hesitating while idling all can be caused by this unassuming sensor. The best way to determine if these issues are caused by your throttle position sensor is to go to the source.
Your car may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle.
Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are an important part of your engine`s combustion. They ignite the air and gas mixture in the combustion chamber to fire up the engine and keep it running. Dirty, old, worn, or misplaced spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire – sputter – and even stall if the plugs are really bad.

In most cases, this will occur due to an obstruction of fuel or the inability to correctly mix the right ratio of fuel to oxygen. This could be due to dirty or clogged fuel injectors, throttle body or a mass air flow senor or idle control valve that is faulty or needs to be cleaned.
Number 1 – Bad Battery

A bad battery is one of the most common reasons that cars stall. Most people think that if a battery is dead, the car won`t start. Truth is, if your battery is going bad,your car will run but you`re at risk of stalling out.

It is commonly applied to the phenomenon whereby an engine abruptly ceases operating and stops turning. It might be due to not getting enough air, energy, fuel, or electric spark, fuel starvation, a mechanical failure, or in response to a sudden increase in engine load.
If your car stalls when going up or down hills, low fuel pressure is the likely cause. Cracks in the fuel line, water in the fuel and a clogged fuel filer also could be the culprits that are making your engine stall, so a visit to your mechanic to see where the problem originates is definitely in order.
A faulty crankshaft position sensor will be unable to identify the exact piston position, triggering an engine misfire. This causes your car to shut off while driving. A drop in performance, fuel efficiency, rough engine, etc., are some important symptoms of a damaged crankshaft position sensor.
A failing camshaft position sensor begins losing its ability to quickly transfer data. Mismatched fuel delivery and ignition timing, even if off by a few milliseconds, will cause your vehicle to sputter, accelerate poorly, lack power, stall or even shut off.
An idle air control valve, also called an idle air sensor control motor, is an electrically operated valve that controls the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate in cars with a fuel injection system [source: Autozone]. This causes the idling speed of the engine to change as needed.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Car runs poorly and stalls 1992 Oldsmobile 88
ANSWER : Hello – the engine hesitation and stalling, along with the Code 42, indicate a problem with ignition timing for your car. On your car, the ignition module provide a basic engine timing profile. While running, ignition timing shifts to the engine management computer, which has a more precise ignition timing profile for the engine. This provide smoother running, and more power. The Code 42 indicates this transition is not occurring. This can be caused by wiring issues, a poor engine-to-computer, or engine-to-ignition module ground. Also possible is a failure of the ignition module or engine management computer (not likely since the engine runs at all). I would recommend a professional evaluate the electrical engine management components above to diagnose this problem. A mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. The Pass-Key issue you describe is likely a problem with the key or ignition switch tumbler. Your Pass-Key has raised connections, and the ignition switch has a "reader" component that contacts these raised connections on the key. Either the key connections are worn, or the "reader" component in the ignition switch is weak. When you accelerate, this connection is wiggled (heavy keyring?), and the connection is momentarily broken, causing the fault you are experiencing. Both the key and ignition switch tumbler should be replaced to eliminate this problem. Unfortunately, this is not a service that YourMechanic can offer at this time. Check with your Oldsmobile dealer or service center for this repair.

Replaced alternator on car 2 times each time shows it’s charging 14v let car run for a little bit then test drive and car voltage
ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.

Could this cause ur car to stall in warmer weather? My car never stalls during winter months. But from spring on its a neverendin
ANSWER : You should have the check engine light and engine scanned to see if the engine may be running lean due to low fuel pressures or clogged injectors. You should also have the mass airflow sensor cleaned and checked for proper readings and replace if not within specifications. The vehicle runs richer in colder weather and may be the reason for not stalling. You should clean injectors, clean throttle body and idle control valve then clean mass air sensor and relearn idle.

Not getting enough fuel car will not run right. It stalls when you give it gas and stalls when it’s running. It’s a 1984 Ford Escort.
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. Several early 80’s Ford’s swapped from carburetor to fuel injected engines; including your ’84 Ford Escort. However, there were two different fuel systems available that year. If your Escort has the fuel injected engine, one item I’d check is the EGR valve or clean the throttle body.

Both systems impact fuel delivery into the engine and if they are dirty or clogged with excessive carbon build up, can starve the engine to create this type of issue. If it’s the carburetor version, the carburetor might need to be rebuilt, or may be an issue with float bowls inside the carb.

If you need assistance diagnosing the exact issue, feel free to contact one of our professional mechanics to complete an engine is stalling inspection firsthand at your own location.

I have a 1991 Cadillac DeVille running very poorly very bad fuel economy she runs very poorly no power almost almost like it’s bac
ANSWER : Hello. From what you are explaining it sounds like you have a fuel system issue. It sounds like you are getting too much fuel. It can be caused by a leaking fuel injector, but most of the time it is caused by a fuel pressure regulator failure. It can also be caused by a failure in an oxygen sensor or in the temperature sensor. I start by checking the injectors to see if any of them are leaking. If not then the regulator needs to be replaced. If you need to have this checked, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose why the vehicle is running so poorly] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection

Power steering loss, no belts are turning but the car is running fine. I also have a soft pedal. Whats wrong with my car?
ANSWER : I have only seen this situation once in my 30+ years and it turned out to be a broken crankshaft pulley. Belts are driven by the engine. The crankshaft pulley spins the belts, which in turn spin the air conditioner compressor, power steering and water pumps, and the alternator. The vehicle should be towed to your local repair shop and not driven. Without the water pump spinning to circulate the coolant, the engine will quickly overheat and result in more extensive damage.

After you sit with the car running, the car starts smoking and eventually starts shaking
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. It all depends where the smoke is coming from. If it is from the exhaust then your engine be running rich and starting to foul out the spark plugs. Have the computer tested to see if any codes are present that could indicate what is causing the smoke. If you see smoke from the engine compartment then you may be running the engine hot due to low airflow over the radiator. Have the cooling fan checked to make sure it is running. If it is running and the vehicle has the AC running and the blower is on or near high then you may be using more energy than the alternator can keep up with. This can cause the radiator fan to not turn as fast as it should and let the temperature to rise if idled for long periods. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.

Fuel EVAP line that runs under car is kinked how do I know if it is leaking? Also can I drive it like that if it’s not leaking?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases, an EVAP leak will create an OBD-II trouble code, which is the best way to detect an EVAP leak. By having a professional mobile mechanic complete a check engine light inspection, they will be able to download the code and determine the source of the leak. In most cases, it’s an EVAP purge solenoid that is faulty.