1992 Cutlass Ciera engine stalling

[kippy]

Hi

I have a problem with my Ciera 3.3L engine. It keeps stalling. I would drive ok and then the entire dash lights up with warning lights and the engine just goes out. Sometimes it will re-start right away but most times it won't.

I get no "Service engine soon" light or any problem codes and no other warning light comes up. It seems the stalls happen only when the engine is at idle. When you hit the gas it doesn't seem to stall, at least that's what happened so far.

It's been going on for a week and I'm baffled. This car never used to have any problems and the engine is well maintained. Does anyone have any idea about what's going on?

[Mrbizness1]

Have you ever changed the in line fuel filter ? A partially restricted filter can cause stalling

[kippy]

Originally Posted by Mrbizness1

Have you ever changed the in line fuel filter ? A partially restricted filter can cause stalling

Yes, my mechanic checked the fuel filter and it was fine. It seems that the fuel pump is about to go. When the engine stalled in the shop he was able to restart it. But when he shut it off and tried to start it again the fuel pump didn't kick in. He's going to look into it in more detail and will probably have an answer for me tomorrow as to what's causing the stalling.

[NightFlier]

Also ask him to check the ignition module and/or the EGR controller (they are both located in the same area to the right of the coil pack).
I had similar behaviour which was so bad, that I had to keep my foot on gas while idling. And there were no error codes either.

[kippy]

Originally Posted by NightFlier

I had similar behaviour which was so bad, that I had to keep my foot on gas while idling. And there were no error codes either.

I have actually thought about that. I tried and it didn't work out. It stalled while I was slowing down. I'll have my mechanic check the ignition module as well.

[shorty12345]

Originally Posted by kippy

I have actually thought about that. I tried and it didn't work out. It stalled while I was slowing down. I'll have my mechanic check the ignition module as well.

I had the same problem. Have your mechanic replace the crank shaft sensor and all your worries will be solved. If it isn't solved already.

[kippy]

That was the problem. The sensor was extremely corroded.

[TestGuy]

Originally Posted by kippy

That was the problem. The sensor was extremely corroded.

Hi
Good move on that crank sensor.
Does the 1992 3.3L engine have the 'dual' crank/cam sensor?

I am working with a 1990 CC 3.3L with a very similar problem at norm-op-temp after 10-20 mins normal driving.

ECM gives up code 42:Electronic Spark Timing.
Starts up again right away in neutral... wheels still rolling.
Sometimes won't start right away... then wait 10 minutes and it goes.

Only done this for the last week-and-a-half here.
Otherwise... runs great... really smooth... lots 'o power... good shifting.

Never has failed to start from dead-solid-cold.
Never had to tow.

Failed during idle test today... more than once... as it got hotter.
Failed sooner (3-10 mins) as it got hotter.
Seems to falter for half-a-second then engine shuts off smoothly.
Fuel pressure on fuel rail (thru Schrader valve) was 35-40 psi.
Fuel rail pressure was solid 35 psi as it failed during this test.

Electric rad-fan switches on (A/C off) at about 100 deg C.
Dashgauge shows drop in coolant temp after fan swiches on.

Vac hoses look good.
Ignition module "looks" ok...
Coil packs, spark wires look really good, clean...

And...
Does anyone know if that big crankshaft pulley has to come off to remove (and replace) the (1990) 3.3L dual crank sensor...?
Just wondering.

2 x 13mm long bolts on a small metal bracket holds sensor.
Could be a tight fit for the sensor... in or out.
Looks like alignment is needed with grooves on the inside of the pulley.


Thanks for your help.

[diydoug]

Yes, pulley must come off. CPS (crankshaft position sensor) must be aligned to clear the fins on back of pulley on install. I had same problem about a year ago. CPS was the culprit. Need special tool to align sensor.

[firebug96]

hello, i got the same problem with my wifes car (1992 ciera) have'nt done much but to it but give it a tune up and change the cps sensor and it still runs rough. dont know much about cars..!
can somebody help me out?

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, I would suggest in the future to start a new thread as this is very old, anyway, misfire means an engine roughness or dead miss at idle?