1997 buick pa shutting off when going slow

[bmh bama]

i bought my wife a 97 pa yesterday that the motor shuts off when you go real slow or back up then start going forward. it always starts back up immediately. any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance, brian

[HotZ28]

Congratulations on your recent purchase and welcome to AF!

I hope not to discourage you, however, low speed intermittent stalls, are extremely difficult to diagnose without having a scanner hooked up in the car when it happens. Even then, the scanner would not identify fuel related problems.

I would first suggest that you have the car scanned for stored codes to give you an idea where to start looking. It is more than likely fuel or ignition related. Fuel would include the fuel pump, fuel regulator, MAF sensor, CTS, TPS, fuel filter and injector pulse. Ignition would include the CPS, ICM, coils, wires and plugs. Of course, the coils, wires and plugs are considered “secondary ignition circuits” and would only give you a random misfire code on one bank, or both. Usually, a bad MAF, ICM, CTS or CPS would give you a direct stored code. Again, inadequate fuel pressure, clogged filter or a bad regulator will not give a code.

Several things that I would pay particular attention to during the scan, would be the TPS, CTS (coolant temperature sensor) 02 sensor, MAF and IAC (Idle air control). Also, be sure to check for any vacuum leaks. The real benefit of a good scan is to eliminate the cost of unnecessary parts changing and associated labor charges, while blindly searching for the problem.

If your the lucky type of guy, you might even resolve the problem with a good TB (throttle body) cleaning. Speaking of lucky, did this car have any type of warranty?

[Bassasasin]

WOW.. what a wierd WIERD problem..
Try driving it for a while .. see if it gets better. OR

How about, talk to the seller or just take it in for a tune up..Whats your Mileage?
Getting a knowledge data base started on the car will always be an advantage if you keep it. Maybe the shop will get lucky.

It would also be good to know if you are a fixer and willing to rattle some tools.. that would help with advice. This Forum is getting very active and posts are getting pretty quick. Im not an expert, but fair on some issues and would go first for codes anyway. There are some great responders here Watch for the Moderators posts and pay close attention there..

Throttle Position Sensor. TPS or MAP.. sounds closest if its a real failing part. to me, but of course things like very dirty air filter or throttle body and just a wicked wire somewhere can come into play.

Unfortunately you have to gather some information if the problem persists.

I hope for a good fix and you will have a great car..These engines and Parks very often last and last.

I love Park Avenues.. Can you tell?


Welcome and GOOD luck..