1988 Olds Cutless Ciera starts, then dies and won't restart immediately

[ZekeG]

Olds Cutless Ciera, 3.8 L, The car starts, runs, often for several (40-50) miles, then dies and won't restart immediately. Replaced the fuel pump and the electronic control module, but still having the same problem. Sometimes it dies while driving, other times it drives ok, then shutoff for a short time (fuel stop), then won't restart? Appreciate your ideas. Thanks

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by ZekeG

Olds Cutless Ciera, 3.8 L, The car starts, runs, often for several (40-50) miles, then dies and won't restart immediately.

I had the exact problem with a 88 2.8 Ciera for 2 years. I could drive it a 100 miles on the thruway, slow down to 30 mph. It would stall and not start up for 90 minutes, then start up and run for days without a problem Had it checked by 2 shops and they couldn't find a problem. They both told me the problem will be found when it stalls and won't restart. The car had 275k miles and wasn't worth much so I junked it.
If you find the answer please post it.

[NightFlier]

Originally Posted by ZekeG

Olds Cutless Ciera, 3.8 L, The car starts, runs, often for several (40-50) miles, then dies and won't restart immediately. Replaced the fuel pump and the electronic control module, but still having the same problem. Sometimes it dies while driving, other times it drives ok, then shutoff for a short time (fuel stop), then won't restart? Appreciate your ideas. Thanks

Sounds like some valve could be sticking & shutting down.
One of the known problems in Olds is the solenoid for the lock-up torque converter.

[fritz678]

I had a similiar problem,
after a year or so I had a diagnosis of a possible bad Mass Air Flow sensor
(MAF) priced a new one at about 350.00, at auto zone 165.00, finally picked one up at a bone yard (Pull and Save) for 10.00. problem solved!
easy to take off just three small phillip screws and unsnap the electrical. I understand you replaced your fuel pump. I need to replace mine on a 89 cutlas 3.3L need help and would appreciate your input. the tank has 2 straps.So I drain the gas unscrew the straps lower the tank and...... what next?
Any help appreciated and thanx in advance...fritz678

[Jeffe1988]

Thats exactly what i had. I had problems with it idleing and running so i went to my local napa and i got one of those diagnostic keys that you atach to the metal uner the steering wheel down by the pedals. The service engine soon light will blink in a pattern. Count how many times it blinks and take that number in.. Turned out my problem was a mass airflow sensor too and i got one for 20 bucks at the junk yard

[fritz678]

Hey Jeffe thanx a lot I appreciate your input!
fritz678

[t758]

i had the exact same symptons, 92 buick lesabre 3.8. it was the crankcase position sensor.