1992 Grand Am Stalling

[LOAJ3256]

My son has a 1992 QUAD 4 DOHC that is been a problem. Currently, the car is sitting dead on the road. 6 months ago, the same symptoms occurred. Stalling at any time, any warm up cycle - hot or cold - and a engine "miss". The car runs fine until this occurs, then it is down hill (if I am lucky) from there. The car stalls at any speed or acceleration, at any time, and I must pull off the rod and wait. Every time this happens, after waiting, the car starts, but at progressively difficult intervals, and the car runs less time ( a few minutes down to dead now)on each re start.

As such, I replaced all filters, updated white plug case kit under ignition cover. It seams that it is not getting fuel, however. But the last time it happen, I got a used distributor assembly from the junk yard, and it cleared it up right away.

Is it possible (probable?) that the coils under the assembly are to blame? Is there a measurement (continuity or resistance / impendence) that can verify the coil's integrity? Should there be physical signs on the assembly?

I would appreciate any help. I have heard that the fuel pump failure exhibits the same malady, however if I had the data (I am forensic scientist and know more about electronics and circuitry than CARS! ) to meter the devices, It would be a huge help.

Anthony Ruberto, CTO

[CrnlPlzur]

I am experiencing nearly the same symptoms... did you ever find any help or a resolve???

[LOAJ3256]

QUOTE=CrnlPlzur]I am experiencing nearly the same symptoms... did you ever find any help or a resolve???[/quote]
NO!

Here is what I did, though. 6 months ago this happened, same thing. At that time, I replaced all filters, plugs, etc., assuming it was a fuel problem. Nothing worked. I then went to a junk yard and bought a $30.00 distributor pack and crossed my fingers. I put it on, and it ran until 2 weeks ago\


This time, I did the same thing, but it didn't work. So I replaced the OX sensor (bad move) , Crankshaft positioner sensor (was bad) and replaced some worn hoses. The car has only 88k miles on it.

STILL, nothing! Will not even crank over. I broke down and went back to the old days of carbs, bought a $100 can of starter fluid, and tried THAT. Nothing again.

My point here is that the problem is electrical, as the ether would have at least backfired if there was spark.

I am going to put the coil on my meter, as I suspect that the SECOND junkyard distributor pack (or whatever they call the piece of XXXX) defective. I will post on results

[Dima7700]

guys, i'm one of u, ive got the same problem, mine wont start when it's warm, gotta wait till it cools down, ive had on diagnostics computer, it gave 3 codes, lean exhaust(not enough fuel), lean air/fuel(not enough fuel again) and 7X Sig error, and i have no idea what that is, what can cause lean air/fuel?i'm thinking and hoping dirty fuel enjectors, i'll get back to u guys when i try that out.

[Ridenour]

ALL YOUR FUEL PUMPS ARE BAD!!!!

lol well just a possibility

The symptoms you're all describing / what you're saying you tried sounds like you all might have bad fuel pumps. Deffinately something to check into at least. Except it sounds like it could be more electrical if it's not even firing. Just add fuel pump to your check list.

[Slade901]

Quad4 engine has a high failure rate of the "ignition coil housing" around $60 for this item.

Engine that could not start when warm is probably a bad ICM or bad Engine coolant sensor. However, failing Ignition Coil Housing can trigger this kind of problem.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=309195

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=254519