Well guys, i had some problems for the first time with my car. Started having misses at low RPMs and at idle, i first noticed it though on the highway at about 70mph (have 3.23 gears, so idk what RPM that would be at)
Do you guys think this would be the dreaded optispark failing on me?
or any other suggestions?

 

also, the car has 145k on it and is sitting bone stock right now
as far as i know, the opti has never been replaced

 

I don't know if it helps, but when mine went out...I had problems at idle and when under load. At idle the thing was all over the place...almost dieing, then reving up and doing all sorts f goofy things. Under load (1/2 throttle) it would backfire.

 

^mine isnt quite like that

every now n then when i start it, it'll die and i have to restart it

 

It could just be the rotor and cap, not necessarily the whole opti.

 

yeah, but while im back there, might as well do everything at once, right lol

i think if that is it (taking it to a respectable mechanic who has always on the work on it for the prior owners) that i will do plugs, wires, and opti all at the same time

what are some more symptoms of failing optispark?

 

I would like to know this also.

 

In my case the car was starting and running smoothly, but when I got on the gas it would falter and stall under acceleration. The problem with the opti gets worse as the engine heats up. Going uphill at 60-70mph the engine will falter and may even die.

If the car is starting rough it is likely just the rotor, cap, plug and wires - not necessarily the opti. Typical tune-up stuff. But if you want to change the opti go ahead. I would suggest the GM unit over all others. I bought MSD and it crapped at 4k. It's still at MSD waiting for repair/replace under warranty.

 

Sounds exactly like what my car is doing. Hope this will fix it, thanks Dwarf

 

would buying a code reader help (the little LCD thing that plugs into the ALDL port?)

its going down to the mechanic who had always worked on it for the owners before me on monday, but if i can figure something out so i dont have to drive it down there i will do it. He will just diagnose it and i will fix it myself