Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE1998EIGHTY-EIGHT V6-3.8L VIN KREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSRELAYS AND MODULES - COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSENGINE CONTROL MODULETECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSCUSTOMER INTERESTENGINE - RUNS ROUGH/LACK OF POWER/KNOCK NOISE/MIL ON
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight V6-3.8L VIN K
Engine - Runs Rough/Lack of Power/Knock Noise/MIL ON
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight V6-3.8L VIN KSECTION Engine - Runs Rough/Lack of Power/Knock Noise/MIL ON
File In Section: 6E - Engine Fuel & Emission
Bulletin No.: 77-65-30
Date: December, 1997
Subject:
Engine Runs Rough, Lack of Power, Knock Noise, MIL illuminated
(Replace Spark Plugs and Reflash PCM)
Models:
1998 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight, LS, LSS, Regency
1998 Pontiac Bonneville
with 3.8L Engine (VIN K - RPO L36)
Condition
Some owners may comment that the engine runs rough, has lack of power, has a knock noise, and/or the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) is illuminated. The service technician may determine that DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code) P0300 is stored in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The service technician further determines that the affected cylinders have eroded spark plug electrodes.
Cause
The ESC (Electronic Spark Control) calibration within the PCM may not control the spark timing properly resulting in pre-ignition. The pre-ignition may cause the spark plug electrodes to erode and produce the customer concern.
Correction
1. Install a scan tool and verify DTC P0300 (engine misfire detected) is set.
2. Note the calibration ID currently in the PCM.
3. Remove all six spark plugs and inspect for eroded electrodes.
4. If no spark plug electrodes are eroded, then reinstall the original spark plugs and continue diagnostics using the P0300 diagnostic chart in the appropriate service repair manual. After all repairs are completed, flash the PCM with the calibration listed under the Parts heading in this bulletin if different than the current calibration as noted in Step 2.
5. If a spark plug electrode is eroded, then install new spark plugs and flash the PCM with the calibration listed under the Parts heading in this Bulletin if different than the current calibration as noted in Step 2.
Parts Information
Spark Plug
SPO P/N AC P/N
25161444 41-921
The new calibrations are available for Techline Tools starting with the 1997 CD 24 release from GM Service Technology Group (STG).
Do not attempt to order the calibration numbers from GMSPO. The calibrations are programmed into the vehicle's PCM via a Techline Tool device.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
J6355 Prom-Reprogramming Use Published
On Car Labor Operation
Time
J4226 Spark Plug - Replace Use Published Labor Operation Time
J4217 Spark Plug - Diagnostics Use Published
Without Replacement Labor Operation Time
Bulletin No.: 77-65-30
Date: December, 1997
Subject:
Engine Runs Rough, Lack of Power, Knock Noise, MIL illuminated
(Replace Spark Plugs and Reflash PCM)
Models:
1998 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight, LS, LSS, Regency
1998 Pontiac Bonneville
with 3.8L Engine (VIN K - RPO L36)
Condition
Some owners may comment that the engine runs rough, has lack of power, has a knock noise, and/or the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) is illuminated. The service technician may determine that DTC Diagnostic Trouble Code) P0300 is stored in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). The service technician further determines that the affected cylinders have eroded spark plug electrodes.
Cause
The ESC (Electronic Spark Control) calibration within the PCM may not control the spark timing properly resulting in pre-ignition. The pre-ignition may cause the spark plug electrodes to erode and produce the customer concern.
Correction
1. Install a scan tool and verify DTC P0300 (engine misfire detected) is set.
2. Note the calibration ID currently in the PCM.
3. Remove all six spark plugs and inspect for eroded electrodes.
4. If no spark plug electrodes are eroded, then reinstall the original spark plugs and continue diagnostics using the P0300 diagnostic chart in the appropriate service repair manual. After all repairs are completed, flash the PCM with the calibration listed under the Parts heading in this bulletin if different than the current calibration as noted in Step 2.
5. If a spark plug electrode is eroded, then install new spark plugs and flash the PCM with the calibration listed under the Parts heading in this Bulletin if different than the current calibration as noted in Step 2.
Parts Information
Spark Plug
SPO P/N AC P/N
25161444 41-921
The new calibrations are available for Techline Tools starting with the 1997 CD 24 release from GM Service Technology Group (STG).
Do not attempt to order the calibration numbers from GMSPO. The calibrations are programmed into the vehicle's PCM via a Techline Tool device.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
J6355 Prom-Reprogramming Use Published
On Car Labor Operation
Time
J4226 Spark Plug - Replace Use Published Labor Operation Time
J4217 Spark Plug - Diagnostics Use Published
Without Replacement Labor Operation Time
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.