Kills while driving

Hello all. Does anyone know what to check if my '96 Lumina Van kills sometimes while I am driving. This may happen at any time. Sometimes when I am driving at 65 mph down the freeway or while idling. It starts right back up. When it kills while driving 65 mph, it will sometimes start back up on its own then kill and start without requiring me to turn the key and other times I will have to shift into neutral while coasting and turn the key to get started again. Thanks in advance for any clues as to what is wrong.

?!?....of course, as you suspect, it could be anything....a poor contact in the string of ignition elements...or may be one component itself, most probably the ignition module or the crank position sensor. HOwever, unless it finally stalls and ceases to go, it will be a trial and error investigation. ON the positive side , these two components are not expensive on e-bay and may be considered long term maintenance items...and 2006, in relation to 1996, IS long term. Replacing them, even if not proven to be the culprit at this very moment, would improve the longer term reliability once the present problem is solved, that way or some other way.

Try checking the EGR valve and oxygen sensor. Happened to me too once. But your particular problem could be different. The EGR seemed to be the main culpret for me. Some times they could be cleaned. Replacements are expensive.

My :2cents: :2cents:

I too am having the same problem with my Lumina Minivan. The mechanic was unable to figure out what was wrong with it due to the fact that it won't cut out long enough to register codes on the diagnostic machine. The mechanic also said it could be one of 3 things the crankshaft sensor, the ignition module and one other thing (which I can't remember although my husband knows) We started with the ignition module, and now with that being replaced, the van runs horribly rough and the service engine soon light stays on. Also, it acts like it is going to cut out and all the lights go dim but it never actually cuts out. It did die when it was idle but restarted right away. HELP!!!!!

I too have the same problem on my 1997 lumina --- Same thing --- gets to op. temp. and starts to take a crap-- lunging and acting like a sick drunken pest. I am sick of this #$%@... i think I will try (after reading the forum) replacing the Ig. control mod. or the crank pos. sens. or posibly even both.


P.S. Leave it off for thirty minutes and your good for approximately 20-30 miles

Also, it acts like it is going to cut out and all the lights go dim but it never actually cuts out. It did die when it was idle but restarted right away. HELP!!!!!
WIth that description, I would certainly check for voltage: just have a voltmeter connected to the 12v supply...under hood or at the cigarete lighter plug. It is like you have part of the diode pack gone dead in the alternator: it can provide voltage at high rpm but not at idle..hence poor firing and rough idle. THis is a 0$ test that needs to be done and it will prove this option right or wrong .
.. one missing item: is it a 3.1 or a 3.8?