1998 Pontiac Grand Am Engine keep stalling in real hot weat

Tiny
CYBERCHIP
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Problem begins after the car has warmed up completely. Engine runs fairly well at high speed, stalls in stop and start traffic or when having to slow down but not stop. Engine usually restarts after it stalls, but, after stalling numerous times, does not readily restart. Sometimes will cut-out while running, or significantly lose power. This happens only when outside temperatures are over 85-90 degrees. This does not always happen in hot weather, and has never happened in cooler temperatures. This has been a problem since the car was new, but recently the problem has gotten much worse. Because it happened so infrequently in the past, no one has ever been able to diagnose the problem.
Monday, April 27th, 2009 AT 2:06 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Has the check engine light ever come on? Has anyone ever tested fuel pump pressure?
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Monday, April 27th, 2009 AT 8:56 PM
Tiny
CYBERCHIP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, the check engine light has never come on. The fuel pump pressure has been check, and appears to be normal.

Thank you so much for your help!
Chip
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Monday, April 27th, 2009 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
Make sure there are no vacuum leaks and the catylatic converter isn't plugging.
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Monday, April 27th, 2009 AT 11:11 PM
Tiny
CYBERCHIP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
A check of the vacuum system did not show any deficiency with vacuum. The exhaust system does not show any severe back pressure indicating plugging of the catalytic converter. I realize this problem makes no sense. The car runs great then outside temperature is below 85-90 degrees. It is only in very hot weather that there is a problem.

Thank you,
Chip
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
When it gets above that temp, check fuel pump pressure. The pump may be failing.
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
CYBERCHIP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I was able to get that fuel pump pressure reading. It is between 43-45 PSI. I also checked for DTC codes with my new scanner and everything with the scan passed. No trouble codes were reported.

Thank you,
Chip
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Friday, May 1st, 2009 AT 11:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,200 POSTS
It sounds like an ignition module.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 AT 1:11 PM

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