2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Running Issues

GENNY1474

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
151,302 MILES

Hi, My 2001 Pontiac has started acting a little strange. For the past few weeks I have started it up and let it warm up before proceeding to drive. Within a few miles from my home the car will just die. No hint whatsoever it just stalls. I can throw it in neutral and it starts right up again and then it is fine the rest of the day. Now the past few days we have not stalled out but I notice the rpm tach will drop to zero as the trac light off comes on. This usually happens simultaneously or the trac light will come on within seconds of the rpm dropping to zero. It then proceeds to drive fine. I am a little nervous about driving because I am afraid that it will stall at any time and I am constantly checking the gauges. Any help or idea of what it could be would be a great help.
Thanks,
Genny

2 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Can you check for applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free, If your not afraid to drive it down there.

If your losing the rpm signal signal, it will kill the vehicle. The rpm signal comes from the crank sensor. Crank sensor problems can be intermittent.

Another possible issue could be your ignition switch having an intermittent issue.

I can't guarantee the switch or crank sensor is the problem?

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Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 AT 10:51 AM

MAGUS732

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I have the same issue, and my belief is that it's caused by the Content Theft Deterrent System's control module randomly engaging as I drive. The security system in 1997-2003 Grand Prix models is an Immobilizer type, killing power to both the starter and the fuel pump. My dad (who was a mechanic for more than 20 years) told me that, based on how it sounds when it stalls, it was most likely a problem with the security system engaging when it shouldn't. Go through the procedure in the Owner's Manual to turn the Content Theft Deterrent System off, BEFORE you take it somewhere for diasgnostics, and see if it helps.

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Sunday, June 15th, 2014 AT 4:14 PM