99 Cutlass Stalls while Driving...Please Help!

My 1999 Cutlass with the V6 3600 Engine is stalling out at random in any situation. The engine RPMs drop, then the engine stalls. I loose power braking and power steering, but all other power is still working- the interior lights, radio, headlights, etc. This has happened several times. Most of the time its while I'm driving; not stopped, or idleing. We've been to the dealership, had the alternator replaced, and the ignition switch/core. The dealer thought the theft system was malfuctioning, leading to the engine cutting out. This doesn't seem to be the issue. A co-worker has recommended checking the mass air flow sensor. I'm not sure if this could be a valid possibility. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Let me know if there's more info I could provide that would help diagnose. Thanks!!

My 1999 Cutlass with the V6 3600 Engine is stalling out at random in any situation. The engine RPMs drop, then the engine stalls. I loose power braking and power steering, but all other power is still working- the interior lights, radio, headlights, etc. This has happened several times. Most of the time its while I'm driving; not stopped, or idleing. We've been to the dealership, had the alternator replaced, and the ignition switch/core. The dealer thought the theft system was malfuctioning, leading to the engine cutting out. This doesn't seem to be the issue. A co-worker has recommended checking the mass air flow sensor. I'm not sure if this could be a valid possibility. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Let me know if there's more info I could provide that would help diagnose. Thanks!!
Does it start right back up, if not do you have spark and fuel pressure when it happens?

Even though you didn't state if it restarts quickly when it dies I would believe that this is a problem with your crank position sensor. This type of stalling is a classic sign of a CPS going bad. They usually will not give you a CEL.

The car sometimes starts back up on the first try; sometimes it takes up to four attempts to re-start the car. I do not know if there was spark or fuel pressure when the car stalls. The engine feels like it is losing power just before it falters, like its fighting to stay running. What does the crank position sensor do? Is this a common issue with this make and model car? And what does CEL mean? Forgive my ignorance; I want to learn and understand, and I appreciate your help.

After talking with a co-worker, they mentioned the possibility of the fuel injection system being the problem. The car doesn't immediately stall, the engine seems to loose power, act like its not getting enough gas, then stalls. The process is usually 10 to 15 seconds. My instinct tells me to press the gas pedal in an attempt to keep the engine from stalling when it looses power. This doesn't work. From the start to the end of the stall, pressing the gas has NO effect. Maybe this additional info helps. Thanks!

Update: over the weekend, I checked the mass air flow sensor, and that does not seem to be the problem. The things I have to check are the fuel injection system, fuel pump/filter, and the crank position sensor. Is there anything else that might be the problem? Has my additional info given any more clues to what the problem might be?

Have the fuel pressure checked especially when this occurs,.

I have a very similar problem on my 98 Cutlass. My dealership has suggested replacing the fuel pump, even though it shows the proper fuel pressure when tested.

Did you ever resolve the problem?

check the fuel pump, replace the fuel filter, check for any vacuum leaks, clean the air intake manifold like youve never cleaned anything before. ive had nearly the same problem but with the engine bucking and kicking. i cleaned my manifold, engine ran a little better, still with bucking and kicking on occasion. checked the fuel pump, worked ok, replaced the fuel filter, that was the biggest reason why it was bucking and kicking, but still did on occasion. closed off a vac leak. engine runs fine. and definately be sure to check the exhaust and MAF. may be other possibilities.

Sorry donalda4163, this thread is over 2 years old!

Please do not bring up threads older then 2-3 months. :nono:

If you need furthur assistance please post your own thread.

And 96cutlassowner, please look at the dates also before you post.

this is closed!