2000 Grand Am stalls while running and won't start for 2 hours

[collegemom]

My son's 2000 Pontiac Grand Am has a 3.4 L engine. It will run about 30 minutes and stall either while running or at a stop light. Then, it won't start back up for 1-3 hours. It will turn over, but not start. I have had it towed twice, and it would not "misbehave" for the mechanic. They checked the diagnostics and an oil pressure sensor circuit light was on. They didn't think that would cause these issues. Any ideas? I do not want to throw a lot of money at repairs when it may not be the problem and my honest mechanic agreed.

[Ridenour]

Welcome to the forum. It really sounds like it's a bad fuel pump that's experiencing a thermal shutdown. How many miles? I would try changing the fuel pump - that may be the culprit.

[collegemom]

Thanks for the input, but I have more clues. The car misbehaved for the mechanic. When it wouldn't start, no fire was getting to the plugs. Also, while trying to start the engine, it was just turning over, and the crank sensors showed in synch, however with just the key turned on, one sensor showed 200, which doesn't make sense because the engine was not running. While turning over the starter, the 2 crank sensors were in synch ( or running, I can't remember which he said). My mechanic thinks we should start with the crank sensor showing the error, then if that does not work, the ignition module. Thankfully it is the crank sensor that is easier to get to. Not as much labor involved. Does that sound logical? I will let you know the outcome in case this benefits anyone else.

[Werm9]

same thing happened when ihad my corsica. after a hour driving i went to slow down and the engine started choking then when i stopped it stalled. it would start back up but after i put it in drive and push on the throttle it stalled again. it wouldn't run after it cooled down for a couple hours. went to the mechanic 3 times b4 it was fixed. first time they cleaned throttle plate. second was injectos, thrid time they found out i had a recall on my computer so that was replaced $600 that could lead to stalling. and my last visit they realized the engine wasn't getting enough air which was calling it to stall. after they ajust it in the computer never happened again. tell them to make sure the engine is getting enough air. worked for me

[collegemom]

Ok, I 'll keep that in mind. He replaced the crank sensor, and so far, so good. Funny thing, the mechanic had another client with a 1999 Grand Am with the same symptoms. The guy did a lot to the car himself, and invested a lot of money and no fix. He replaced the fuel pump, air filter, and several other things. The only thing he had not replaced was the crank sensor. My mechanic let the guy know about the crank sensor. We'll see what happens.