Pontiac Sunbird, doesn't bode well with start.stops.

[interested_here]

Hey,

I've been having numerous problems with my car and the most it damage that happens it is stalls. When this car comes into 'city' traffic (stops and starts) it stalls within 30 minutes. But, with out-of-city roads, country etc. It's fine, doesn't stall, nothing. .....It's really fustrating. I recently put on a new fuel, oil:filter. New oil, new manifold, and new thermostat ((related to other problems))

I've taken it to Canadian Tire, numerous time and they basically talk out of there ***. Then tell me there's nothing wrong and that if it stalls again just bring it back. Since the last time it was brought in, it stalled 6+ times.

Anyone have any idea, comments? Anything would be greatly appreciated.

[Madcat455]

Is it a 4 or 6 cylinder??... Manuel or auto trans??

How does the motor behave just before stalling.. does it run rough, stumble, make any noise... Or is it just like turning off the key.

Has the "Check Engine" light came on recently or before it stalls?

Just some questions to help figure out what might be wrong.

Jeff

[interested_here]

it's a 4 cylinder, auto transmission.
The motor runs rough, when it in drive the motor sounds rough, but when it wants to stalls the sound will change and go into a smooth, run. (i don't know how to type it out)
Yes, the check engine light comes on everytime.
Last time it stalled the engine literally 'kicked', where the car kind of lurched forward. Almost like, it was trying to make something go through.

[Madcat455]

Originally Posted by interested_here

it's a 4 cylinder, auto transmission.
The motor runs rough, when it in drive the motor sounds rough, but when it wants to stalls the sound will change and go into a smooth, run. (i don't know how to type it out)
Yes, the check engine light comes on everytime.
Last time it stalled the engine literally 'kicked', where the car kind of lurched forward. Almost like, it was trying to make something go through.

DO you know how to check the trouble codes by grounding out the computer???

Look under the steering wheel, there is a rectangular black Diag. connector. There are two "Pins" right next to eachother. Put a paperclip to short out the terminals with the Key in the Run position.

Watch the "Check Engine" light... I'll bllink.. Once... then a pause... then blink twice. That is a code 12... It'll flash that 3 times.. then start blinking out actual trouble codes.3 times each before moving on to the next one... when all the codes have been flashed, it'll do the 12 again.

Write down the codes, then you can look at a repair manuel.. or online and find out which sensor or circuit is giving off bad readings. That will help.

I'm thinking your tranny is a Locking troque converter, that might be sticking when you come to a stop... kinda like leaving the clutch out on a stick and trying to stop.

Or the IAC might be going bad... If you can get the codes out, that'll tell more.

HTH

[interested_here]

Originally Posted by Madcat455

DO you know how to check the trouble codes by grounding out the computer???

Look under the steering wheel, there is a rectangular black Diag. connector. There are two "Pins" right next to eachother. Put a paperclip to short out the terminals with the Key in the Run position.

Watch the "Check Engine" light... I'll bllink.. Once... then a pause... then blink twice. That is a code 12... It'll flash that 3 times.. then start blinking out actual trouble codes.3 times each before moving on to the next one... when all the codes have been flashed, it'll do the 12 again.

Write down the codes, then you can look at a repair manuel.. or online and find out which sensor or circuit is giving off bad readings. That will help.

I'm thinking your tranny is a Locking troque converter, that might be sticking when you come to a stop... kinda like leaving the clutch out on a stick and trying to stop.

Or the IAC might be going bad... If you can get the codes out, that'll tell more.

HTH

Okay, I'm going to try that, what is the name for these codes. Such as, looking in my repair manual under what heading would it be under??
Or even on the net?
Ay webs sites out there?

[interested_here]

hi,

I just checked under the steering wheel, and found the rectangular black diag. connector. I'm having trouble with the "pins" and the paper clip. Do i put the paper clip on the 'pins' or in the empty holes beside these pins?

[Madcat455]

Originally Posted by interested_here

hi,

I just checked under the steering wheel, and found the rectangular black diag. connector. I'm having trouble with the "pins" and the paper clip. Do i put the paper clip on the 'pins' or in the empty holes beside these pins?

Put the paper clip right on the two pins that are next to eachother, so it'll create a short between them... Make sure the key is in the run position, but with the engine NOT running. Then watch the "check engine" light for the flashes.

[interested_here]

Hey, me again. I tried the paper clip and nothing happens. The engine light doesn't flicker. Is there certain colors I place the clip on? I've got numerous colors within the black diag. connector.

[interested_here]

I found out it's the camshaft sensor. So, i'll have to replace it,
Thanks for your help.

[Rad1]

I would like to check my car with the trouble codes but I do not know what the blinks represent.

ie. "I'll bllink.. Once... then a pause... then blink twice. That is a code 12..."

can you tell me what the codes are or is there a web site i can see a chart of the codes ???

[c8304]

hey,

I have all the codes for the sunbird models for 94 and lower.
If you want to give me your email address i'll scan in the pages and email them to you....

[Rad1]

Originally Posted by c8304

hey,

I have all the codes for the sunbird models for 94 and lower.
If you want to give me your email address i'll scan in the pages and email them to you....

my email is
[email protected]

need the codes for 1991 sunbird 3.1

thank you very much,, most appreciated

[jms846]

Hey I actually had another thread open about my '92 sunbird ABS brakes. But as far as the stalling goes, I have already had that happen as well. I live in the city, and it would stall at every red light, every stop sign, etc. The problem turned out to be with the cars computer. The shop finally tweaked the computer, (reset it or something) and my car has not stalled once since, and that was over 6 months ago. Rememeber I am no mechanic, I am just speaking from experience.

Good luck..