96 Bonneville Problems Running

Alright here's the deal, my wifes 96 Bonneville SE used to have some electrical problems that my Father-in-law fixed when the cars was his, he changed the Alternator and cleaned up some FUBAR wiring that someone else had done, and everything was all good. until today. I was drving down the highway and the engine started surging while I was doing about 65mph and then died with no warning, I pull off the road My coolant is good oil is good and all the electrical is still fine, I sat for a while and was able to get it started again after a few tries and nursed it back home however it didn't like much throttle but that seemed to get better as I continued home. I'm throwing an O2 sensor code, and I'm going to be needing to replace the H2O pump soon and I also got a P1870 code for Transmission Slippage. Would any of this combined potentially cause my problems or am I overlooking something?

The o2 sensor is likely the culprit on the dying and running rough. The tranny slippage, had it bad (with shudder) on my wifes 94 XR7. Used mercon 5 fluid and after 200 miles it went away. Expensive fluid $4.00 a qt but worth it. It did well for another 40k miles until it got sold.
My sons 95 Bonnie had electrical issues that took me a year to find. Things totally unrelated would fail at the same time. Power door controls, lights, anti theft system, fuel pump, radio, ect.. Seems they were all using the same ground block under the carpet between the front drivers seat corner and the door sill. It could run fine for weeks and then just shut off like it was running out of gas. The ground strip has 5 or 6 little 18 gauge wires running into it and a 12-14 gauge coming out. The big one was grounded to the floor pan under the drivers feet. Great place for corrosion to start. I moved the ground point to the metal under the drivers kick panel. Then cut all the little grounds off the strip. Soldered them all together with the 14 gauge main grnd, taped them up and put them back under the carpet. Never a problem since (almost 2 years now).

Several things need to be checked when the engine dies. First, check for spark. Second, check fuel pressure. Finally, check battery voltage with engine running and without as well as battery connections for corrosion. Low voltage can cause the symptoms you described, however, basic troubleshooting is in order here! Never, ever use anything other than Dextron 1II, or IV in your GM trans! Find the problem first, then clear codes and see if they come back. BTW, where is the "H20 pump" on your car?

This is going to be an Odd suggestion... But check the Positive Battery Cable report back what you find.. On the FWD C and H Bodies we have too many issues to count with the Positive batter cable...

* Edit *

I see HotZ28 beat me to it :)

This is going to be an Odd suggestion... But check the Positive Battery Cable report back what you find.. On the FWD C and H Bodies we have too many issues to count with the Positive batter cable...

* Edit *

I see HotZ28 beat me to it :)

No problem JR, and thanks for the additional emphasis you placed on the battery cables. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge! Your input is welcome & most appreciated @ the AF Bonneville Forum! :grinyes:

Several things need to be checked when the engine dies. First, check for spark. Second, check fuel pressure. Finally, check battery voltage with engine running and without as well as battery connections for corrosion. Low voltage can cause the symptoms you described, however, basic troubleshooting is in order here! Never, ever use anything other than Dextron 1II, or IV in your GM trans! Find the problem first, then clear codes and see if they come back. BTW, where is the "H20 pump" on your car?
Basic Chemistry Two parts Hydrogen one part Oxygen = Water. I've got spark on all cylinders I've got fuel pressure through the rails as well as good voltage and connections in the system.

1996 bonneville se 3.8 liquid locked, repairs were made, now a knock started and the timing is retarding . Is there a way to get around the knock sensor to improve gas miliage,engine has 120,000 miles on it is driveable.