1996 oldsmobile 88 LS

[ldhwade]

Here's the problem:

My dad has a 1996 oldsmobile 88 LS, recently it has started to die on him while he is going down the road. None, of the lights on the dash come on when this happens. He can pull off the road, and it starts right back up. Anyone know what might be causing this. He also said that while sitting out of gear idiling...that the motor seems to speed up and then slow down. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks In Advance

[angf117]

crap! im going through the exact same thing with my 96 olds 88ls! for no reason it dies and as time has gone by its getting progressively worse taking longer to start up...has he noticed the engine temp?.....ive found mine doesnt die at all if its cooler outside...wierd....but the guys on here have siad wither the icm or the crank sensor........i havent replaced with as i havent had time i took my car to the dealer who had it 5 days and said they couldnt get it to duplicate......they said they would change my crank sensor for 150 bucks......ill let you know if anything changes....

[GTP Dad]

Change the crank position sensor. This is classic CPS symptoms and they usually don't give you a check engine light when they go bad. The cost of a replacement is dependent upon which engine you have but for a garage to change it on a 3.8, $150 is about the going rate.

[cuzzy]

good luck, i agree i think it is the crank case sensor, i will let you guys know by sunday.

[ldhwade]

Sorry it took me so long to repost...i've had so much going on.

My dad changed the mass air flow sensor. It stopped dying and hasn't done it again since then. The sensor is located between the air breather and the throttle body on the rubber hose. Cost about $15.

[niemo810]

yeah, i've been having the same problem too. my check engine light isnt on, but i noticed that my car didnt change in the way it ran at all when i completely unplugged it. unfortunately, 2 of the 3 screws holding it in are rusty and stripped