Car Stalling

Ya i have a 97 Sunfire Se 2.4 engine with 63,000 miles on it. And after driving it for about 20 min sometime it stalls even if i'm going 50mph. I don't know what it is because i add some fuel stablizer and new spark plugs. It does stall all the time but its starting to stall more. Also it is a Manuel if that has anything to do with it.

I've been reading and this is what they said it could be.

Fuel Filter
Need a new fuel pump
need new injectors
need a new ingntion molecule
need a new ECM also what is that.

Looking for advice because i might take it in but i don't want the shop to just start fixing shit before they really now the problem. Because they could try to fix one thing and it another. Because to replace that it would be like 5000 grand or more.

Thanks People

A new fuel filter is a basic maintainance item and if you have never replaced it, start there. You can pick one up at a local parts store for about $10 or less. This would be my pick to start your testing. If this doesn't fix your problem, reply here. FYI the ECM (or ECU) is the main computer for the car. I believe it stands for Engine Control Module (Unit). While it is rare for this to go bad, it is a possible item for the problem you seem to be having.

Hey if it is the ECM what is the price with labor. Thanks because i hope its not more than 500.

Since you can drive the car, I would suggest you take it to a mechanic and have them do a diagnosis by hooking their computers up to it before you just start replacing major components like the ECM. You may find it is nothing more than an intermitant sensor. First however, REPLACE the fuel filter. It's cheap and if it is blocked even partially, this could happen. Since it is a basic maintainence item, you should replace it even if it is still OK. At 63K miles, if you have never replaced it, you really should.

When you are driving it normally, does it feel like it is starved for fuel? If your car is stalling, it sounds like you aren't getting the gas to the engine. However, it could be a variety of things. In a car, when you press on the gas, this opens a valve on your intake, more air reaches the engine, the sensors tell it that more air is in the chambers and to send the correct ratio of fuel to cause combustion. If your car is stalling out, it could be anything involved in this process. My first assumption would be that it is something other then your ECU, however don't rule that out. It just seems with only 63k miles I don't think your ECU would up and stop working correctly, but I would take it to a mechanic to diagnose. Because it could be any one of many small parts along the way that could be causing it. Good luck

Tyler,

Did you ever figure out what the problem with you sunfire was. I would be interested in hearing what was causing the problem. You might have guessed it but I am having the exact same problem here with my sunfire

Just don't go in to the shop suggesting all these things or they'll soak ya. So does it do it when its cold, hot etc is it wet?

I am having similar problems with my manual, 99 GT. See thread posted march 16,2005 for more detail.

I have done the air and fuel filter, and plugs :banghead: . I'm beginning to think mine is the fuel pump :confused:

I am having similar problems with my manual, 99 GT. See thread posted march 16,2005 for more detail.

I have done the air and fuel filter, and plugs :banghead: . I'm beginning to think mine is the fuel pump :confused:

A quick check you can do to see if it is the pump, is pull the filter off one end. Have someone crank the car while you watch, or if yours primes the pressure before you crank, you will see gas come out. As long as it doesn't drip or dribble out, it should be fine.

If it is stalling after 20 minutes as the one above, you may want to checkcomponents which would be close to the engine. IE what works fine cold, but fails when warmed up.

I too have a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire with the same problem! I have had my fuel pump module and sender replaced, my master cyl. bleed system replaced, my IAC valve replaced and NOTHING has worked. My car stall whether going 70 MPH on the freeway or at a complete stop. Happens mostly whenever the clutch is let in to slow down or come to a stop. Happens in ALL weather conditions. I had BARELY missed the lemon law too! :( This issue began Oct. 2004 and I continue to take it in today!!!

you could have a problem in the cylinders that could be caused by spark plugs or by gasket, could also be that exaust (sry fo rbad spelling) is leaking into the engine could be anumber of things but im thinking you should have someone take a good look into the car a full inspection might help