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Vacuum modulator


ScoobyDoo82

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I was just wondering, what all can be caused by a bad vacuum modulator. My 88 GP has the hard shifting into reverse when it warms up, and it hesistates and stumbles sometimes when I accelerate. There are a few other quirks, but I was just wondering what all can be cause if it goes bad.

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the typical result of a bad modulator is:

1. shifts go higher in rpm, and much more firm (harsh) for awhile, then

2. transmission won't go into gear at all, or slips terribly due to low fluid level.

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Of course not. A check valve would interfere with the modulator being able to sense the vacuum in the intake manifold. Either the vacuum couldn't get to the modulator, or the vacuum wouldn't be released from the modulator.

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My 94 Olds had the hard shift but the vacuum modulator was not even plugged in...the shift improved but is still a little hard. I'm also experiencing the hesitation and stumbling upon acceleration...I'm thinking maybe due to bad ignition coil but not really sure so I guess I'm kind of in the same boat.

 

I was just wondering, what all can be caused by a bad vacuum modulator. My 88 GP has the hard shifting into reverse when it warms up, and it hesistates and stumbles sometimes when I accelerate. There are a few other quirks, but I was just wondering what all can be cause if it goes bad.
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Well i replaced the module. The hesitation isnt quite as bad anymore but its still there. So I wouldnt say its completely vacuum related. A few days ago I started it up and it ran like crap and shot code 42... but I shut it off and restarted it and it didnt do anything so I dunno. Plus my coolant light likes to come on at random times even though theres plenty of coolant in it. Mine definately has a few quirks :P

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A couple things i'm looking at with mine are coils/ignition, Oxygen sensor and throttle position sensor. Mine is not throwing any code or any SES light so I'm kind of in the dark. As for the coolant I did fix that problem in mine last week; my light kept coming on too even though it was showing full; I decided to do a flush/fill and the stuff was nasty looking that I drained out! Put in new coolant and ever since no light has come on!!!:thumbsup:Lemme know if you come up with a solution for your car. Mines a 94 3.4L.

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I had a shifting issue similiar to Scoobydoo and thought it was the vac mod - it wasnt. Couple months later I replaced the upper intake manifold and LIM gaskets. Now the shifting issue is gone, so I had a vacuum leak in the UIM causing my shifting problem

 

For your coolant level issue - it sounds like you have air in your system. Get the car up to temp, with the heater WIDE open and blip the throttle up to 2000 RPM for about 5-10 seconds, let go, and watch for bubbles in the reservoir. That procedure works well to purge air.:)

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A couple things i'm looking at with mine are coils/ignition, Oxygen sensor and throttle position sensor. Mine is not throwing any code or any SES light so I'm kind of in the dark. As for the coolant I did fix that problem in mine last week; my light kept coming on too even though it was showing full; I decided to do a flush/fill and the stuff was nasty looking that I drained out! Put in new coolant and ever since no light has come on!!!:thumbsup:Lemme know if you come up with a solution for your car. Mines a 94 3.4L.

 

A follow up on that is... I just took it to the car wash the other day and it started running like crap and missing badly... I'm thinking coils too, or bad wires. We'll see.

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