jumping / bucking / stalling

About two weeks ago my wife told me that our 1996 3.1 Lumina with 109,000 miles was acting up. Since then, I've been in the car with her and the symptoms have occurred but since she was driving, I'm going to give her description. First, while applying the brake or when the brake is fully applied the car SOMETIMES feels like it's jumping, bucking, or lunging. Second, when sitting at a complete stop, the car will SOMETIMES stall but it will crank and start. As far as maintenance, the car has always had the regular routine maintenance such as oil changes, fuel filter, and air filter. Also, for the longest time the check engine light has been on, the low coolant light has been on (level fine), exhaust leak (loud when first started then quiets down), intake manifold appears to have a small leak. I realize that the leaks (intake & exhaust) could probably be the cause, but since the problems just started, I was thinking that it might be caused by plugs and wires (originals still in engine). I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks.

Take the car to AutoZone or to a mechanic and have them scan the fault codes in your car's computer brain. That'll give you a more solid lead than a bunch of us tossing out educated guesses. Once you know what is causing the fault, if a solution isn't obvious. Stop back by and some of the resident geniuses here will surely be able to help you.

Good luck.

Thanks Fulkrum. I guess I was just wondering if old plugs and wires would cause the symptoms were experiencing. I'll take your advice and hit the Auto Zone. Thanks again.

i had the same problems with my 93' lumina
after i had the ECU replaced i had no problems it stalled when i was at stop lights for a while then i was on the freeway and it started slowen down and wouldn shift gears so i took it to the dealership and they pulled codes from the ecu and it said EVRYTHING was rong with it
so they checked evrything and it was fine sop they replaced the ecu and it ran perfectly