Four problems related to engine have been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The engine started knocking around 100k miles and getting worse ever since. The piston pin is going bad. I found out that gm knows about this problem by a certified gm technician. He told me that all 3. 1l engines have this problem and gm wont fix it. I feel shafted and will never by a gm product again.
While driving, the engine will cut out, then run smooth again, causing the car to jerk. Several times the engine would die. The car would start back up, when you put into gear and push the gas, the engine would cut out, the car would jerk as the engine cut out and then reengage, but eventually the engine would die. We sent to our local repair shop, he replaced the spark plugs, minor tune, replace air filter, check fuel pump - ok, and replace fuel filter. Car ran fine for three days and then repeated the same problem. Took back into shop, replaced ignition switch and coils. Engine runs ok, but when engaging into gear engine did not have the same response as before, it felt like it was running at half speed. Car is now slow to gain speed. Top speed is 65 miles per hour. Now 'service engine soon' light is on, sometimes flashing.
Consumer was driving down the highway at 40mph and noticed fire coming out from under the front side driving wheel . When consumer pulled to the side she noticed the engine was on fire. Dealer has been contacted.
Registered by mike kearney. Consumer has ongoing problems with the engine cutting off intermittently when car is running, sometimes when air conditioner and heater are on. Dealer contacted, and cannot remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information.