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kevinargue · Oct 19, 2008, 08:22 AM

Have an 01 grand am se new plugs and wires was running great after wards then yesterday just stopped running the engine light was on but have tried the tricks of turning the key on for 10 min tried disconnecting battery nothing is working and I can not afford to take it to a mechanic what should I try next I noticed that the part in front of the ingine is making a clicking sound when stop cranging a vacuum line connects it from the long silver part right behind it sorry don't know what the parts are called.

twinkiedooter · Oct 19, 2008, 08:54 AM

If you can't afford to take it to a mechanic, can you afford to make the wrong "fix" and totally ruin your engine? The check engine light comes on for a good reason.

Maybe someone here can tell you what part to replace. In the meantime try not to drive it anywhere until the check engine light is out and the problem fixed or you could rack up a huge mechanic bill.

smearcase · Oct 19, 2008, 12:28 PM

If it was running OK and I had just put new plugs and wires on it, which is what I understand you to say, I would be retracing my steps to see if I had knocked a vacuum hose loose, or a wire or something. And if you installed new wires, you could have also dislodged something in the process considering the close quarters. If it ran OK after the work you did (plugs), its probably not a bad plug or wire. I would check all of the emission controls (there is usually a diagram on the underside of the hood) since they can activate the check engine light.
Sometimes these things just happen by coincidence close to when work was done an are totally separate. Get a good light and look for any hoses or wires that may have gotten disconnected. Check the coil wire especially. Also, if you can remove a plug, connect the wire to it and crank the engine to see if you have a spark. That's the best I can do. Best of luck to you.

mazak · Oct 19, 2008, 04:47 PM

Also most auto parts stores will retrieve the code for free,just don't buy any parts from them come back here and post the exact code. Might be something forgot to hook back up as well.good luck.