Hi I'm new to the site and I have had issues with my car just shutting off and after it sits a few minutes it'll start up again no problem. But then sometimes it seems fine. Only other issue is it seems to crank a little longer than I think it should to start but does start. Anyway I am going to change out the crank sensor really soon. But as I was looking under the hood I found a broken wire from the alternator. I see where the other end is but don't understand why it looks cut and what it is for. It's one of the two plug on the alternator. The black wire is fine but the orange with a black stripe is cut. What is this wire for and would it cause the car to shut off and start hard. Thanks. Hope someone can help

 

Do you have any pics? You have to figure out if the engine shutting off is fuel or spark related. Next time it dies:

• ​​​​​​Leave the key in the RUN position
• Open the hood
• Use a small screwdriver to depress the schraeder valve on the fuel rail
• Fuel should gush out (make sure you have some shop rags handy)

If there's no fuel in the fuel rail when it dies that could be a contributing problem.

 

Car has fuel and is giving codes 12 and 42. It has a broken wire from the alternator that is pink with a black stripe but I don't know what it's for since it has been taped up separately and afraid to damage something by reconnecting it. I really would like to know where it goes. I know that it has a black wire that goes with it into a plug that plugs into the alternator and I am wondering if this is affecting it or what and why it looks like someone cut it on purpose at one point. Also what color wires goes from ICM to ECM since it says it could be a short to ground but don't see anything besides the mentioned wire
I Would be so greatful if someone could help. I replaced the ICM and coil because it would just shut off and when you would tap on the coil it would start up immediately unlike when I bought it. It now starts awes but I'm getting those codes and sometimes it will sputter kinda and keep going but I'm nervous to break down.

 

Asked a question a few weeks ago and I only received one reply which I replied back and haven't heard anything from anyone else. Just kinda thought I would at least hear from a few people that would have some ideas. But good idea to have a site like this and I understand that it is a lot of work to keep up with. Guess I am just disappointed

 

To be honest, if you peruse the site, you'll note the VAST majority of threads/posts involve 1960/1970 Oldsmobile models, some 1980 models, and few 1990 models. It's doubtful many members have a 1990 Oldsmobile model.

 

Do you have a factory service manual? If not, check here. Troubleshooting your car is going to be difficult if you're just working with a Chilton's or Hayne's manual.

https://www.bishauto.com/

You said that tapping on the coils can sometimes get the car to run again. You can remove the coils and have them bench tested at the auto parts store. Be wary of imported Chinesium parts. Your best bet is AC Delco for replacement ignition parts.

I'd suggest replacing the spark plugs and spark plug wires if it hasn't been done recently. Like the older Oldsmobiles Norm mentioned, a 90 Oldsmobile is going to appreciate regular maintenance and a tune up.

 

Ken,
Not sure where you are located but most of the bigger auto parts chains have either AllData or Shopkey available for their customers. You should be able to print out the wiring diagram that will show you where the wires go.