3 Hour Road Trip? (Page 1/1)
Cailibird MAY 04, 01:53 PM
Hey everyone. I have a 1988 4cyl fiero. Engine is completely stock.
I've taken pretty good care of my car since I got it. Have had a few problems, but since then the car runs fine.

Anyways, the point of this is that I'm supposed to make about a 2.5 - 3 hour drive. Here in the next couple of months if I'm not able to take this other car. Anyways, has anyone had any problems driving their fiero for that long? The only issue is that sometimes the engine light will turn on for a few seconds and then turn back off.

No overheating, no loss of power, nothing happens. It just turns on and turns off. Any thoughts behind this?
Or do you guys think I would be okay to make the drive.
Stingray92 MAY 04, 02:03 PM
I've had mine on 300 mile before, stop for fuel and take a break and go some more. Sitting in traffic or prolonged not going anywhere might yield different results.

As long as all your systems are functioning properly and you have good fluids I don't see why it wouldn't. Worse case bring a spare ICM or other sensitive heat devices
Matthew_Fiero MAY 04, 02:23 PM
I drove my 85 GT to the 40th which was ~1800km. I had a spark plug wire touch the exhaust manifold (my fault), and an alternator die. I don't know exactly what happened to the alternator I think it was a design problem because there were several broken pieces inside of it. The heater core went though I think that already started to happen the year prior as I could smell coolant in the vents.

make sure you have your jack and a few spare parts and critical tools, 15mm, 13mm, 10mm wrenches, sockets etc. You can't plan for everything so just do your best. It sounds like you have a fairly reliable car and you've taken care of it so enjoy your trip

Matthew
cvxjet MAY 04, 05:11 PM
First, I would definitely check if the computer has set any codes....On the V6, you remove the small panel on the center-console and short pins A & B together- I use a paperclip- then turn the key to run- you will get one flash and then two ("12") which tells you it is in diagnostic mode...after three 12s, you will get any trouble codes- after the trouble-codes it will flash "12" again three times.

Also, I have carried a small toolbox up front- always...here is a list of tools you should carry;

1) Screw drivers; slot and phillips

2) Channel-lock, Needle-nose and diagonal pliers

3) Small Vise-grips

4) 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets, extensions, adapters(1/4-3/8, 3/8-1/4, tip)

5) 7, 8 10,11, 13, 15, 17, 18 mm sockets and wrenches

6) 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 55 Torx tips

7) Hemostats

8) knife

9) combo electrical stripper/crimper

10) Combo 1/4" extension/screw handle

11) Crescent wrench

(I also now carry a couple of rachet-wrenchs- sizes 10, 13 and 15)
Vintage-Nut MAY 04, 05:20 PM

quote
Cailibird:
The only issue is that sometimes the engine light will turn on for a few seconds and then turn back off.



Double check to see if you have any Trouble Codes

ECM Diagnostics (Trouble) Codes
https://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/main.cgi?ECMCodes

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I’ve owned three Fiero models over the years: ’84 ‘Iron Duke’ 2M4 SE, then an early ‘86 GT V6 w/ 4-Speed and lastly purchased a Brand-New ‘88 GT with 96 miles on the clock.

I drove 136k miles in my GT from 1988 to 2010 and the ONLY issue I had on the road in two decades was losing air (not from my butt) so I needed to change a flat tire....

Another problem on the road (but I don't remember if was the '84 or the '86) is when a heater core blew as Matthew_Fiero commented.

The Bottom Line - Prepare the Car First
*Observe Routine and Overall Maintenance
*Check the Fluids: Engine Coolant / Brake-Clutch Fluid / Transmission Fluid / Engine Oil
*Check Tire Pressures and the Spare
*Check the Brake Pads (remove the wheels to see)
*The Battery is 'Good'?

And of course, bring essential tools for the unexpected things which do happen when you own a 'classic'.......

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

cvxjet MAY 04, 05:27 PM
I forgot to mention that I did a lot of traveling and >>CAMPING<< with my Fiero...Here is a map of all the routes I took- mainly from 1985 to 2005-but a few since then;
1985 Fiero GT MAY 04, 06:57 PM
I drive my Fiero from new Brunswick down to Ontario for a month prior to the 40th, then down to the 40th and back to NB, total was 5000 km over 1 month, only issue was a cracked clutch release arm, that I replaced the night before heading off to the 40th. Even without AC in the heat of summer, it was just fine, got 8.5l/100km, have put a total of 15,000km on it in the last year, no major failures, TPS died, clutch release arm, came with a bad clutch master cylinder, few little leaks, several sunburns, that's about it.

As for the intermittent check engine light, definitely check for codes, check your TPS sensor with a voltmeter, that can give intermittent check engine lights if it is on the line between the correct voltage and incorrect, also check for vacuum leaks if your idle is above 950 when fully warmed up, if it is, that can give intermittent check engine lights to.
theogre MAY 05, 01:36 AM
MIL light even blinking should set "codes" but even if not = Car is not safe to drive.

MIL light blinking now can leave you stranded w/o more warning @ any time @ minimum.

Example: Last time I had MIL blinking was setting DTC 45 that cause by part plug fuel return cause engine to run rich intermittently. Restricted fuel flow not only cause engine issues but can Kill the Fuel Pump because Proper Fuel Flow is lube & coolant for the pump. Return lines aren't expected to see any pressure & block it will cause whatever pressure that may cause a fuel leak that in turn can burn the car down.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

richard in nc MAY 05, 05:03 PM
do you have AAA?