'99 GP stalling

Hello everyone. I just recently found these boards and I hoped you could help. I have a 1999 Grand Prix GT with the 3.8 v6. Lately, the car has been stalling when coming to a stop. It starts up right away again but inevitably, it happens again. Interestingly, the traction control light lights up and cannot be turned off after a restart. I have to shut the car down and start it again for it to reset. Sometimes after I restart the engine, it idles erratically with the tach needle jumping from about almost 0 to 1200 rpm.

I've already searched these forums and no one seems to have the exact same problem. I have not checked the fuel pump fuse or the crank sensor or fuel pressure. Frankly, I don't have the time or tools to do so, though I have checked the injectors with an automotive stethoscope and they sound fine.

Anyway, has anyone had this problem and if so, how did you fix it?

Thank you!!

Rich

I'd put my betting chips on the crank position sensor. The symptoms seem to be there.

Is the crank position sensor something I can fix myself? Or do I need to take it to a shop. Do you know why these sensors fail? Just bad luck, frayed wires, or just a normal consumable like brake pads and tires?

Thank you.

Rich

I found this for ya...

http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.asp?m=833203&appid=&p=&mpage=1&key=crank%2Csensor&language=single&tmode=&smode=&s=#833203833203

I know there is a code the pcm is supposed to throw for a bad crank position sensor. Have you had any SES lights?

It is just a part that wears out frequently I guess...it isn't supposed to be maintanance...it just is :banghead:

What is the mileage on your car? Also, have you replaced your fuel filter lately?

Thanks! An SES light is what? The check engine light? I have not had a code reader plugged into the diagnostics port, though when I took it to the dealer, they said there weren't any codes stored.


I just order a repair manual for the car. I have not changed the fuel filter. I plan to after I get the manual so I can find where it's located. That's probably what I will do first since it's the cheapest and easiest fix. (I think. :) ) BY the way, the car has 47,000 miles.

I just got into this forum and found your problem. I seem to have the same exact problem and was wondering if you found the answer yet. My car stalls at stop lights, stop signs and sometimes while driving without stopping. No one can find anything wrong on doing a diagnostic test. HELP!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=206057

Check for the simplest things first. The Crank Position Sensor is kinda hard to get to. SES is Service Engine Soon light :)

Hey guys. Well, the problem seems to have disappeared. :eek7: I replaced the accessory belt and the PCV valve. I have a new fuel filter to install too but haven't gotten around to it. Now that I think about it, this problem seems to occur every winter. So, it must be moisture or ambient temperature related. This is THE most annoying thing about the car. Otherwise, I love my GT. The wife is pregnant so I think I will be trading the car in next year sometime for something with 4 doors.

That is great, always check simple things first

have had problems with plug before. I install new champion plat plugs and experiance missing problem. I went back the boush 4 prong plugs to solve this problem.

I have 1999 GTP with 130000.


My current problem is 171 lean fuel SES code.

I've replaced the fuel pump, the vaccum harness. I have a fuel pressure regulator on order. But I am wonder if I should install an adjustable reg, performance part instead of the OEM.

My fuel pressue is about 40 psi, should be about 55.

Do I need to install a small pulley if I get an adjustable regulator?

No u dont need to install smaller pulley. I would stay away from smaller pullies until you get this lean condition fixed. You dont want to fry a piston by up'n the boost and running lean.

My manuals give about 8 other things that might cause that code to be thrown.

Hey guys, just to close this out. The car still sputtered after I had changed out what I listed above. Anyways, finally traced the problem to a faulty IAC valve. $32 at Autozone. I have no idea why the dealer never thought of this.

What is an IAC valve? I have a 1999 Grand Prix --3,8- 115,000 miles - same stalling problem. the SES code is 0102 - mass or volume air flow circuit low input.