maybe im paranoid but please help

[AleroDrime]

how do you know if your car is running off 3 instead of 4

it seems like my rpms are unusually high in first 2nd and 3rd gear b4 it shifts, and 55 it still seems to be at the same rpm

[Nate's Alero]

Originally Posted by AleroRacing

how do you know if your car is running off 3 instead of 4

it seems like my rpms are unusually high in first 2nd and 3rd gear b4 it shifts, and 55 it still seems to be at the same rpm

ok, the shift points are, 1 to 2

2500 RPM (usually)

that goes for 2 to 3 and 3 to four and then overdrive(hydraulic)

[misslindseysue]

3 instead of 4 what? Cylinders? Gears? If you think you've lost 4th gear try shifting from D to 3 when you're on the highway. If your rpm doesn't jump up, you were already in 3rd. Trans logic learns how you drive and if you're driving at high pedal % all the time, it will shift at high rpm, that could be all it is.
If you're running on 3 cylinders, you should throw a code.

[TheMeaningOfLife]

Originally Posted by misslindseysue

3 instead of 4 what? Cylinders? Gears? If you think you've lost 4th gear try shifting from D to 3 when you're on the highway. If your rpm doesn't jump up, you were already in 3rd. Trans logic learns how you drive and if you're driving at high pedal % all the time, it will shift at high rpm, that could be all it is.
If you're running on 3 cylinders, you should throw a code.

and it will sound like a person with a mouthfull of sawdust

[Redog]

Yeah if you were in 3rd gear on the highway, you'd know it. If you are in the same RPM at 55 MPH you should be good.

If you were running on 3 cyl, you'd know that right away. Been there done that. Trust me

[Valley olds]

RPM usually reaches 6200 at wot with me. Get's their pretty quickly too. This is probably due to the passing gear.

[Ghadsphi]

If you think maybe it could be a non fire, you're probably wrong. Step one remove the coilpack carefully, I've heard the boots are kinda tempermental. Check the plugs. If they're all good replace them and then the coilpack, make sure they're all clean and happy. The coilpacks are pretty cheap to replace last time I looked, (2 years ago). Dunno about the testing tool though.

[AleroDrime]

The coild pack is the piece that says ecotec right, it has the sparkplg relays in it? We took it off the other day and was exploring put it back and now it looks like 1st and 2nd r shifting at 3000 everytime

[heineck]

yea i have the same prob cant go above 3000, and third will shift and drop way low?

[AleroDrime]

No god this happened after we played with the pack it feels like the motors overworking to get up to speed

[heineck]

do u have to really put your foot into into it to hit 80?

[Nate's Alero]

yeah, if you need to push more than normal to get to 80, sumthin is wrong,try unplugging the batt overnight

[AleroDrime]

no its feels like its harsh from 0-35 or so, who said 80

[Redog]

Are there any codes?

[AleroDrime]

no, could just be me, i get anxious about my car when even the slightest thing seems wrong, but its because i care about what i own and try to take care of it

[Spilner521]

Originally Posted by misslindseysue

If you think you've lost 4th gear try shifting from D to 3 when you're on the highway. If your rpm doesn't jump up, you were already in 3rd.

^^This is your best bet to see if you're in 4th. Do this before worrying about anything else.

If you're running on 3 cylinders, your car will sound like a WRX with an open exhaust.

[DOHC_tuner]

Yep drop to 3 from D and that'll tell you.

As for 3 cylinders I doubt your talking about this....cause its a obvious performance loss and idle. I was running on 3 cylinders when one of my valves wasnt seating properly. It's obvious but i think your talking about the tranny in this case.

[cherrington17]

missing a cylinder on the 3400 might not be a HUGE difference(but still significant)... but on a 4 banger... its like driving a lawnmower when your missing one. you'd DEFINITELY know the difference.

[Redog]

You'd smell the gas alone

The Alero blew out a plug, car ran super rough and the smell of gas was bad

The Delta I accidently crossed 2 plug wires. Ran like it had a vacuum leak, but also was dumping gas.

Since the gas in the combustion chamber isn't being ingited, it's being pushed out of the exhaust valve when it opens. Stand behind your car when running, by the time you get past the back wheel, if your missing like you say, you'll smell the gas

[AleroDrime]

4th is fine its the only gear that feels normal to me