Car randomly stalling

[Ryouice]

Hello all,
I have a 1994 Cutlass Supreme 3.1L that is sick
The problem started a while back and has gotten worse recently. This happens both when the engine is warm and cold. When I start the car, sometimes it either stalls right away or randomly while driving. This morning it wouldnt stay running for more than 5 sec but then after the 8th time it stayed running long enough for me to get on the road then stalled. When I got it started again it ran fine all the way to work (about 15 miles). Same thing on the way home with the added exception when I stopped at the mailbox before arriving to my apt it wouldnt start for awhile. I've also had it stall while driving on a 4 lane highway (after it started and ran fine first try), talk about scaring the you know what outta me when it happened. I had the alternater tested and it was fine. Also had the battery tested and it was bad so replaced it. Any help would be appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Bunch of possibilites here, first test the fuel pressure, 37 psi minumum, try and get it when it won't start and check for spark tough I know, as 2 people are needed. Could the crank sensor or the more common ign control module also.

[elca69]

Have you properly reset the computer after changing battery ?????

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by elca69

Have you properly reset the computer after changing battery ?????

There is no procedure for this nor is it required.

[elca69]

I beg to differ Maxwedge......I have 3.1 Olds and Cav, 2.8 Olds....and anytime the battery is unhooked the computer needs to get its memory back. Procedure.....turn all accerories off.....start engine and place trans in drive..or neutral for manual trans...run at idle till the cooling fan turns on, or for max of 10 minutes.Turn ignition off for at least 5 seconds.....and repeat. Let engine idle at least 5 minutes at normal temp in closed loop. Try it !!!!!!!!!

[maxwedge]

That is not called resetting the computer, that is the idle learn procedure, lots of terminology misuse is the issue here. This procedure has no effect on the op's stated problem, ie stalling at road speed as he states.

[elca69]

OK Max..... Then there is no procedure or is it called for after the battery has been removed....I've never been that lucky ?????

[maxwedge]

elca69 is correct about the idle relearn procedure, but other than that and the trans shift patterns there are no 'resets" to be done, so I don't see based on what is happening that this would affect what you describe.

[aleekat]

How about some basic troubleshooting. When it doesn't start do you have spark at the plugs? Are they wet or dry? Does it actually stall going down the road or just die? Try to narrow down between ignition or fuel issues.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by aleekat

How about some basic troubleshooting. When it doesn't start do you have spark at the plugs? Are they wet or dry? Does it actually stall going down the road or just die? Try to narrow down between ignition or fuel issues.

Agreed, basic diagnostics. Post # 2.

[jesus007]

What did you find out.My 1995 Olds cutluss ceira doing the same thing.Replaced MAF sensor and air sensor and still stalls at frequent times.I would like the Idle relearn procedure and see if that works
Thanks
Kevin