96...Two Problems

[seregwethrin]

I have a 96 Sable LS.
Reading through the forum I have found some good advice on where to start looking for one of my car issues but will repeat here just in case I overlooked a post with another opinion.
Problem#1...My car will just shut down when driving, the interior lights and headlights will remain on but the engine stops which makes it hard to even pull over since the steering wheel becomes almost impossible to turn. When I put it in park and turn the key off then it will start right back up with no problem.
Problem #2...After starting the car the rpms will go up and down, if I try and drive, the car acts like I'm riding a bucking horse for about 30 minutes then all of a sudden something kicks in and it drives just fine untill the next time I start it up again.
Thank you to anyone who answers with your advice on what I need to do!

[danco]

i am guessing here but check the connections to the computer brian or replace it some cars its 25 dollors others 700$ if its the more expensive one maybee a dignostic check from the dealer

[65comet]

Does it only happen when driving with your headlights on? Mine has had the same problem, but only starts when the headlights are on. If I turn them off and on a couple of times, the problem goes away. Haven't driven at night in a long time, and the problem hasn't occurred since the last time I used my headlights. At the end of summer when the sun doesn't come up before I leave for work I'll have to investigate if it is the switch or a short someplace. Hope this is an idea for you to check and maybe have a solution that I can use when I get around to mine.

[naajvm]

I have problem number two on my 98 sable, except it only lasts about 30 seconds, then everything's fine.It only does it on cold starts.

[85spraybomb]

does yours buck in gear(mine will only do it in reverse drive)it wont do it in park.
the idle fluctuates up and down,and it HAS stalled almost killing my mom once(she was in the middle of an intersection).
i was told the bucking is a transmission sensor since mine does it in forward gears.

[nightranger]

First thing to check is the Idle Air Control valve, mounted near the throtle body on the intake. Very common problem and will cause both issue you listed. Only way to fix it is to replace it.

[coptercop]

For Bucking, change the distributor cap if you have one. I had same very violent bucking while driving. I thought it was the XMSN, but when I changed distributor cap & rotor, it stopped.