89 Suzuki Sidekick

[aaron1261]

engine running real rough at idle and really rich. I put a new distributor, distributor cap, rotor, ignition coil, and throttle positioning sensor. no change at all. i wonder if my CAT is plugged up?

[droflex]

Originally Posted by aaron1261

engine running real rough at idle and really rich. I put a new distributor, distributor cap, rotor, ignition coil, and throttle positioning sensor. no change at all. i wonder if my CAT is plugged up?

Here is a thread that I started with similar issues. Mine was running lean because of a blown exhaust gasket but that was another issue.

As you will see throughout the thread, it was suggested that I make sure the check engine light was working and throwing codes (12, 21, 44, whatever).

You replaced your TPS. Did you calibrate it correctly using an ohm meter?

It wasn't until I calibrated my TPS correctly that it started running great. I messed it up the first time.

I still have a starting issue (need to pump it a couple times like a carburetor in the morning) but I haven't had the time to mess with it.

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-...ion-issue.html

[xxx]

Originally Posted by aaron1261

engine running real rough at idle and really rich. I put a new distributor, distributor cap, rotor, ignition coil, and throttle positioning sensor. no change at all. i wonder if my CAT is plugged up?

better yet tell full story.
when was last time it ran right last week or year?
is it a DD, a daily driver or only a winter car.? bad fuel?

runs bad cold only hot or both.
what is idle speed hot and cold. does the Idle speed raise with head lamps on , hot. (89/90 feature only)
why not new spark wires...?

if it misfires hot, see my page on that
in this order,

My engine is misfiring

see of you can make it to bullet 10. then we can do the hard job
the basics are easy

that is correct you must calibrate the TPS or the ECU can not know when IDLE is active. nor be set so wrong as to interfere with off idle driving.

cat answer, a 5 minute simple test finds that.

http://kickfix.ac-vw.com/sensors/tes...con-tests.html


there are many ways, but the easy way, remove O2. insert the vacuum gauge (car test gage with fuel pressure section, 0-15psi) into the BUNG hole on the Manifold
race motor see less than 2psi.
easy huh and use the 1 tool every mech has, a vacuum gage. ( automech type)
http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-pu...ter-93547.html

will not do EFI fuel pumps only carbs, and bad cats. $15 bucks all autostores sell this same gage. for nil.


common response, i cant get my 02 out, well gee, if the o2 is old and bad. why are you wondering misfire. its 100k mile service part ,get a new one and while putting it in , just before,check backpressure.
a target of opportunity if ever.

but we need to know when misfire happens and when not, fast slow, hills, hot and cold.

sure do

[xxx]

omg, this is not a 89 carb is it? last year for carbs. so that be top fact.

[ranger88den]

Didn't they put a 1.3 in some of the early 89s?

[Bex]

Carb was available after 89 - in Europe it was still available in 1991. Maybe even later.
Aaron, instead of continuing to throw parts at the car, first confirm if the car is timed properly (a compression test will show you) and confirm that the car is tuned up, spark plugs gapped to .028". And advise exactly how the car starts from cold, what cold idle is, how it drops down, if the car heats up properly, what the warm idle is, and how the car runs (bogging, acceleration, etc.) when it is warm. Also confirm that the check engine light is on with the key on and off once the car starts.

[xxx]

upto 1997 carbs, would wide. vitara's and like named bodys.
year code in vin is, 1989= K
engine code 1.3 is code 5 , not code 0 which is 1.6L

correct a 1.3L and carb. usa, and canada. just before the CAMI startup
they made these in Japan, See vin start with a J, that be japan made.
the vin number and the chassis tab show codes for what you have.
a G13 engine number too.
vin code
USA: VIN.
Example 1:
JS3 T D 2 1 C ? V 4 100001 ( the 2 is 1.8L)
2CN is prefix is CAMI made. (canada)

if in usa , you never said. but under the hood, open hood look up, see USA smog vacuum map on said map, is what you have, motor size and if carb or not. EPA sticker that be.

bex , launch EPC,. and click USA then, sidekick 1.3, bingo.

[Bex]

No need. No cat with carb.

[xxx]

bex open your EPC 1.3L sidekick, and click motor, behold. its got a carb and a cat. in the usa, and in canada no 1.3L unless its a USA car which were sold there too.
but if a JDM sold in canada , not , but he ever said.

he said he had one, i believe him. no?
he never stated the country. not yet or the car in that country its market code
market code dictates options, not me..

in usa cats are 1975 forward. and all 1981 have 3 way cats. I know you said before your 91 is missing... so that dont count.

in canada that is very mercky.( with black market cars there)
but the 89s in canada has no 1.3L and does have a 1.6L cat. in 89

worse yet, he has to work for a living. poor guy... no time to bs.

[Bex]

Hmmm....interesting. When I went to replace my exhaust here in Europe I was asked if I had EFI or carb. Two different exhausts available - cat or resonator for carb model. About $700 difference in cost, as well. You can imagine when choice I made! So, in Europe at least, they were still offering 'cat-less' exhausts for these cars through 1991...????
Aaron, if you're still around, you should check your spark plug tips to see if they are wet (car flooding). Advise more about how your car is idling (cold and warm) etc. You need to give more info, while retired pukes BS at your expense!