Stalling.... HELP!

[trinity082482]

I have an 89 Grand AM.
I paid $45.00 for it. It's in great body shape but it stalls.
Even when Im going say 60 MPH it will shake like it want's to stall,
eventually as I slow down ( rolling stop ) it will stall.
I start it back up. Fine as long as it stays in PARK or Neutral.
Once I put it back into drive it moves 1 inch, bucks on me and stalls.
I leave the car sitting on the side of the road for 2 hours, go back to
pick it up. Starts right up and I bring it back home.

I've taken it to 7 mechanics who all ran tests through their computers
and I've had several diagnostics done and nothing!

What have I changed to solve this prob? Lets see...

Catalic converter
Egnition module
Spark Plugs
I've removed my TCC solenoid wire
Thermostat
Starter

And it's had a tune up and each time the mechanic takes it for a
whirl it doesnt stall for them. So now its their current running joke
that it must be because im the driver. HA HA HA.

I have no idea why it stalls. I know it wasn't smart of me to invest
into this car because I have put $700 here and $300 there and in
total its aprox 3500$ that I put into it of which $2500 is just parts
and free labor.

If you have the slightest clue of what it could be or if there is
something I can try on my own. Do tell!

[Madcat455]

What engine do you have??

When it stalls... this bucking you describe, does it act like its getting too much fuel (bad gas smell, black smoke out the exhaust)... or does it just act like its "cutting out" then shuts off altogether??


Just for shits and giggles, I'd throw a new fuel filter on it.. if you haven't already. You could be having a starvation problem, I think I've read somewhere (on this site maybe) that the fuel pump likes to act funny when its starting to die.. .and letting it sit will fix it for a bit. That could be somewhere to start as well.

[trinity082482]

Originally Posted by Madcat455

What engine do you have??

When it stalls... this bucking you describe, does it act like its getting too much fuel (bad gas smell, black smoke out the exhaust)... or does it just act like its "cutting out" then shuts off altogether??


Just for shits and giggles, I'd throw a new fuel filter on it.. if you haven't already. You could be having a starvation problem, I think I've read somewhere (on this site maybe) that the fuel pump likes to act funny when its starting to die.. .and letting it sit will fix it for a bit. That could be somewhere to start as well.

No there is no smoke or bad smell. It doesn't act like its getting too much fuel. When it wants to stall it acts like it's not getting enough but Ive put in a fuel injector cleaner and Ive had my fuel pump put through a computer and it said it was running fine because I was ready to replace it.
Where does the fuel filter go? I think I've had that replaced. But it's worth another shot.

[Madcat455]

Fuel filter is in the line from the gas tank.. in that area somewhere. Look for a cylinder that the gas lines bolt into shortly after the tank. It should be pretty easy to get to as they need to be replaced often.

Don't take the computer's word for the fuel pump... unless they ran it for a while, what I've read suggested that the failure is heat related from running for a certian length of time at once.... which is why they will start after letting them sit for a bit to cool down.

It sounds like its not getting enough fuel to run under load, but is OK at idle while not in gear.

Follow the gas lines from the tank to the injector (you said INJECTOR so I'm assuming you have the 2.5L "iron duke" 4 tech engine) make sure the lines arn't collapsed or "Kinked" anywhere. Did you notice any oil in the aircleaner housing? Those engines, while being underpowered dogs, are very reliable.... got to be fuel related.

I'd do like you said.. Fuel filter first... then see. But that doesn't explain it working if it sits for a bit.

How long after sitting does it take for the symptoms to come back??

[trinity082482]

Originally Posted by Madcat455

Fuel filter is in the line from the gas tank.. in that area somewhere. Look for a cylinder that the gas lines bolt into shortly after the tank. It should be pretty easy to get to as they need to be replaced often.

Don't take the computer's word for the fuel pump... unless they ran it for a while, what I've read suggested that the failure is heat related from running for a certian length of time at once.... which is why they will start after letting them sit for a bit to cool down.

It sounds like its not getting enough fuel to run under load, but is OK at idle while not in gear.

Follow the gas lines from the tank to the injector (you said INJECTOR so I'm assuming you have the 2.5L "iron duke" 4 tech engine) make sure the lines arn't collapsed or "Kinked" anywhere. Did you notice any oil in the aircleaner housing? Those engines, while being underpowered dogs, are very reliable.... got to be fuel related.

I'd do like you said.. Fuel filter first... then see. But that doesn't explain it working if it sits for a bit.

How long after sitting does it take for the symptoms to come back??

Want to come do that for me? HAHAHA Just kiddin!
Yep I have a 2.5 L V4 engine

[grfnkl]

it still sounds like the TCC is not disengaging. they say even after removing the wire it may not always help and it may lock up. it costed me about 250 with labor to replace. I don't think it's fuel related other whise your would have problems starting after it stalls, so i would look into the TCC. Good luck