Car stalls when going down highway!

[headlice1]

1988 Pontiac Grand Prix 2.8L

I was going 60 mph down a highway when it started stalling. I would accelerate and all of a sudden it was like someone cut the fuel line and there was no gas going to the injectors.

At one point the engine just stopped accelerating so I had to pull over. I was going 45 mph and it stopped accelerating, but the engine was still idling. I pulled over and the engine cut out.

This happened before, where the mechanic said it was a transaxle sensor??? I am not sure the car even has one. Anyway, the same thing basically happened before, but it got to the point where the car would not even start. The engine would turn, but it would not start.

When he was replacing the sensor, he sheared it off and half of it fell in the oil pan so I had to replace the oil pan as well.

Does anyone know what sensor this is that sits on the oil pan???

Does anyone know what the problem is???

[richtazz]

The sensor he replaced is the crank sensor. Your next thing to do is check fuel pressure. If there is ample fuel pressure, (key on /engine off should be 31-34psi at the fuel rail schrader valve) I'd suspect a bad ECM. The ECM's are mounted under the hood in the passenger side fenderwell, and are a high failure part because of it. If the OEM number on your ECM is 1227727, I'd bet it's your problem. There is a chance the ignition module is bad, but the ECM is cheaper and easier to replace than the ingition module.

[headlice1]

You are right on the crankshaft position sensor! One quick question: how do I check fuel pressure?

Also, what other components will go if I have a bad ECM? I have sensors go ALL the time on the darn car. Does this affect other sensors? Does this affect any other electrical circuits in the car (like stereo speakers, ect)?

[richtazz]

If you have sensors tripping codes, it's possible that the ECM is causing it. The ECM also controls the Alternator's voltage regulator, so it could affect the radio and/or any electric device. My brother-in-law has an 89 regal, and his did the same thing your's is doing, he replaced the coils, ignition module, and crank sensor before calling me. I did a "tap test" on the ECM (tapping on the ECM while the car is running, if the car stumbles or stalls while you're tapping, the ECM is definitely bad), and found the computer was the problem. We replaced the ECM, and the car is running great now.

[headlice1]

Crap man! I looked at the ECM part and it is $230!!!! Im gonna go outside and do the 'tap' test to make sure.....

But it would make sense since I am having to replace LOTS of sensors lately....

ETA:

Did the tap test. Engine cut out.

I just found out that there is a core charge, meaning if I can bring in the old one, I get a discount of like $70.

The only problem is they do not have ACDelco. Do you recommend buying a different brand or sticking with ACDelco?

[ern2112]

I would find the Delco part....period. Just my 2 cents

[richtazz]

Hey Headlice1, get me the OEM service number off your old unit, and I can see if we stock it. I work at an AC Delco distributor and can get you a good deal on an AC-Delco unit. I may even have an old core in my garage that I can turn in for you so you don't have to ship the old unit back, saving you the core charge.

[headlice1]

Not sure on the number you are looking for, but the number you posted in the above post is exactly the one I need.

Thanks for the offer. I did, however, already place an order with a local GM dealer to get a GM stock part. They also recommend replacing the POM??? part. Total cost is like $250, not including the core!!!

ETA: I guess I could always cancel the order with the dealership...

[richtazz]

There is no need to replace the prom, they are just trying to get more money from you. A prom is a read-only memory chip, and unless you break it or short it with electricity, they rarely if ever fail. The part number you need is 88999195 if the OEM number on the sticker of your old one is 1227727, and I can sell it to you for $85 + S/H.

[headlice1]

Hey,

I need a little more info on this deal.

Is a core required with the ECM in order to ship it? How much would the core cost me? How soon could you ship?

Thanks.

[richtazz]

The "core" is your old unit. The "core charge" is a deposit that you pay until your old one is returned. I may have an old one laying around the garage that I can send back so you don't have to pay the core deposit, or pay the shipping to send the old one back to me. I can send it out as soon as payment is received. PM me or call (800) 852-6933 and ask for me (Rich).