1994 cutlass...stalling please help!

[Vinny&Cathy]

While driving down the highway with radio on but turned all the way down, I heard sort of a pop noise that sounded like it came from my rear speaker, then my car just died. Pulled off road and tried to start it but there was nothing... no dash lights, or sounds from the engine whatsoever, but the light on the rearview mirror worked along with the brake lights, key in ignition bell, only one hazard flasher & the cigarette lighter. Well after sitting there for about 30 minutes or so, it started, and did this 2 more times before I got home about 5 miles down the road. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx, Cathy

[Slade901]

Were you using your car stereo when you heared this pop noise?

Since you said that it happened 2 more times, where you also still using your car stereo at that time or you have turned off your car stereo after it first pop the first time?

It could be something is shorting out and draining the current too much which the alternator and battery might not be able to provide.

Try running your car idle and see if it happens while the engine is idling. Test it with car stereo OFF and test it with car stereo ON.

Just make sure that the battery cables and grounds are connected tight.

[Vinny&Cathy]

Hello Slade901, I'm sorry but I failed to mention that, while sitting there for the 30-45 minutes I also took the stereo system out of the dash and totally disconnected it, it is now laying in the back seat along with the inside of my glovebox that I removed to check for blown fuses(none were blown). Also I should mention that for a few days prior and up to this event my ABS light has been coming on and going off, but I don't notice any difference in the way the brakes function. Again I'm sorry my first post was incomplete, I wrote it at 2:30a.m. and I was very tired.
Thanx in advance for any help!

[Slade901]

We did have the same problem with our ABS lights coming several times before we got stranded because the engine just died.

I was using headlight and A/C at that time (Summer). I waited for a while to restart the vehicle but the battery have barely enough power power to light up the lights inside.

In your particular case, the battery might have recovered itself (after 30 minutes) enough to provide power for your car to re-start it and the alternator could be partially failing.

On our vehicle it turns out that the alternator was failing and when fully tested at Autozone, it was confirmed dead. Replaced the alternator and re-charged the battery with our small charger/starter for 3 hours and the vehicle was working fine again.

Have your alternator tested at Autozone.

You need to invest a small portable 12vdc output, 120vac input battery charger/starter around $50 to recharge depleted battery.

If you let the alternator recharge the battery, it will cause strain on the alternator and lessen its life.

[theragtopguy]

OK. those are typical symptoms for a dying alternator. The first thing it shuts down is the ABS computer, that's why the light was coming on.

I agree with Slade901, pull your alternator and have it checked out.

[djnoname]

Yeah also this happened to me a few times (not the abs part but everything else) due to a loose fusible link right off my pos batt cable. Ziptie and i was good to go.