20 Most Recent 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum Questions & Answers

Sputtering usually comes from uneven spark delivered by ignition system. Check which cylinder does it, or maybe cap-rotor and wires? Spray some water on cap and wires while motor is running and see if that will affect the motor.

How can we help someone who knows nothing?You need a repair shop Is that not what you usually do--- a few times a years?

1-3-4-2

Check this diagram on Spectrum...Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback is important and I`ll appreciate your time and consideration if you leave some testimonial comment about this answer.Thank you for using FixYa, have a nice day.

Hi Ray, The advise above is good and should be checked out. If that does not solve the problem, before looking for a replacement transmission check and make sure the clutch is fully disengaging. If the clutch is mal adjusted that can also cause a problem with shifting gears. If the gears are stuck and wont shift at all the problem is most likely with the selector rods and/or forks. In that case you'll need major transmission work carried out. Regards John

If it's a carbureted system, maybe the idle speed can be adjusted with a screw. Not sure on the Chevy Spectrum.

Is this Chevy Spectrum the carbureted model or the Fuel Injected model?

If carbureted maybe the idle stop solenoid is bad.
This will be located near or on the carburetor throttle cable pulley.

If you go to www.autozone.com and register for their free service you can use their online repair guides for free. This is a free service for everybody. Heater core is under chassis electrical than heater than heater core. Hope this helps you.

Yes, engine oil is fine, and the fill plug should be like the drain plug but higher.

I have the sticker with the vacume hose schematic, on the hood, I'll try to scan it and post. I'm also looking for how to adjust the mixture, idle, and idle up when the AC is on. If you can help me I'd appreciate it.

thanks,
donagan

Marks on the crankshaft and camshaft gears. Ensure that they are positioned as required.

Hi

In some cases the thrust bearing will jam up against it if the clutch has not been fitted in line correctly. it is unlikely that the clutch plate is to tight as the flywheel allows for this.

Regards

Dan

code 23 is: intake air temp sensor out of range, signal low, this is the sensor that measures the incoming air temperature for the fuel injection system, the sensor is either located in the intake manifold or in the air duct hose to the engine from the air cleaner box or the air cleaner filter box, it has 2 wires and is a small connector, here is a picture of that sensor.

you did not specify car/truck spectrum and anything else special you may have need so I took a best guess

this is the control module for the spectrum 1.5l gasoline


or maybe you wanted this, however it is to big to download here, maybe you could let me know what you need specific for the ECM...

For 1988 Chevrolet Spectrum-Import 1.5L 2BL SOHC 4cyl the OBD Diagnostic Link Connector is located front seating area, passenger side, under dash, mounted near control module.

Engine Control Module - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CAUTION To prevent the possibility of permanent ECM damage, the ignition switch must always be OFF when disconnecting power from or reconnecting power to the ECM. This includes unplugging the ECM connector, disconnecting the negative battery cable, removing the ECM fuse or even attempting to jump your dead battery using jumper cables.
Spectrum
(see Figures 1 and 2)

The ECM is located in the passenger compartment, above the passenger kick pad. The ECM used in the Spectrum contains a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chip which contains data relevant to the specific vehicle model. If the ECM is replaced, the PROM must be switched to the new ECM.

1. Make sure the ignition is OFF , then disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Unplug the wiring harness connectors from the ECM.
3. Remove the ECM mounting hardware, then remove the ECM from the passenger compartment.
4. If the ECM is being replaced, remove the PROM access cover, then use a PROM extraction tool to carefully remove the PROM chip from the old ECM:
   1. Starting at the opposite end from the reference mark, gently work the extraction tool tan under the PROM using a slight rocking motion.
   2. Go to the reference end of the PROM and push the tang under the PROM with your thumb pressing on the tool as close to the tang end as possible.
   3. Make sure the tang end is completely under the PROM, but above the mating socket, then grasp the PROM firmly between your thumb and forefinger while pulling upward and remove the PROM from the mating socket.
   4. Position the PROM on a clean flat surface with the leads pointing downward, then carefully press the PROM inserting tool firmly over the PROM. Make sure the reference end can be seen at the tool cut out end.
   5. Compare the service number on the new ECM to the old ECM to double check it is the correct model, then remove the PROM access cover.

WARNING Any time the PROM is installed backwards and the ignition switch is turned ON, the PROM is destroyed.

1. Using the insertion tool, mate the PROM to the circuit board. Make sure the reference ends of both the RPOM and socket are aligned in the same direction. The PROM chip will not be fully seated at this point.
2. Turn the insertion tool over and using the blunt end, press the PROM down until fully seated. Check that the PROM pins are properly seated in the socket and that the PROM and socket ends are properly aligned.
3. Install the access cover.
   

1. To install, reverse Steps 1-3.
2. Turn the ignition ON and activate the self-diagnostics to check for proper ECM operation. Refer to the procedure later in this section.

Fig. 1: Remove the access cover from the ECM in order to remove the PROM chip - Spectrum




Fig. 2: The proper installation and removal tools are essential when servicing the ECM PROM - Spectrum


Hope help with this information.

I would believe, based on your description, that the plug wires may not have been fully seated in the distributor cap. There is really nothing that would have "blown" to cause this problem. Make sure you feel a "click" when you seat the plug wire boot into the cap. If you do not, adjust the plug wire terminal in the spark plug wire boot outward to give it a better hold in the cap tower. Make sure you add plug wire boot grease to prevent water / moisture penetration.
Good luck.