1996 Oldsmobile 88 Car stalls, restarts after sitting

EXQZME60

MEMBER
1996 OLDSMOBILE 88
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My daughter's car stalls and will restart after sitting for a while (sometimes a few minutes, sometimes hours). This usually happens when she is slowing down to turn or come to a stop. It can also happen if she has driven somewhere and comes back out to leave.

Right before the car stalls, she notices that the power windows will stop working. All other electrical components seem to be working while the car is stopped with the exception of the power windows. The frustrating part is that by the time a mechanic looks at it, it is starting again and they are not receiving any codes when they hook it up to the computer.

We have had all the grounds cleaned and tightened and the crank sensor has been changed. We do not want to dump any more money in this car since it is high miles. I have heard of other people with this problem, but never a solution.

3 Replies

INTERNETMECHANIC

MECHANIC
700 POSTS

Intermittent issues can be hard to track. Because you mentioned the power windows, I'd have to check the feed to and from your ignition switch, or the switch itself has a problem. The voltage feed to the power window circuit breaker goes hot with the key on, no crank. If you think the problems are connected, I'd start at the switch, testing.

As far as basic testing, when the problem occurs, if it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the plugs, spark everywhere, use a gage and check fuel pressure. Check for injector pulse. Make sure the battery has a full charge and the connections are good.

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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 10:30 AM

EXQZME60

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I should have mentioned that the car does crank very well and the battery is new, fully charged, and all connections have been checked and tightened.

If the power windows are hot with the key on and they are somehow related to the problem, would disabling them do any good?

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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 10:41 AM

INTERNETMECHANIC

MECHANIC
700 POSTS

Power windows that don't work, aren't much good. Use a voltage tester at the breaker, key on, check for voltage.

If it cranks good when the problem occurs, visually look for spark at the plugs. You can pull a plug wire loose, use known good plug or spark tester in the boot, ground metal part of plug/tester to metal part of engine, watch for spark, engine cranking. You can carry the tester or plug in the glove box/ tool box, that way it isn't hot. I'm not sure how to help if you can't do a little testing? No offense intended, I'm just trying to help.

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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 10:58 AM