1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Car Stalling

Tiny
N8DOG021
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
My car (supercharged 3.8L engine) has seemed to be running fine, until a week ago. We had a big snow storm, so I let my car sit 2-3 days while it was quite cold. Then the next day it rained A LOT. On this rainy day I attempted to start the car, and it wouldn't turn over. Next day I tried again, and I got it to start but it stalled out after a matter of seconds, varying btwn 3-30sec each time it started. I checked the oil and put a quart in to fill it up. I ruled out a battery problem, it did the same thing with my battery connected to my friends battery.

After it stalls, there is a sound from under the engine like a pump running for a second, then there are a couple lights coming on. "Service Engine Soon" the battery light, and the 'low oil level' light (which is why I checked the oil). The car is due for an oil change which I was planning to get done soon, but I can't even get it out of the parking spot.

Could this be moisture in my gas? Partially frozen gas line? PLEASE HELP.

**note: my car is parked outside and exposed to the cold, but is mostly covered by a cantilevered second level above it, so it gets snow and rain that blows onto it, but not massive amounts.
Saturday, February 9th, 2008 AT 11:23 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
M8TRIX01
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
It sounds like you aren not getting enough fuel. Do you have a way to check fuel pressure? You probably dont have water in fuel but is a possibility. Pour some heet in the tank. How much fuel is in the tank? Possible bad fuel pump.
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Saturday, February 9th, 2008 AT 1:22 PM
Tiny
N8DOG021
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I was afraid it may be fuel pump problems. I will try the heat thing. I have approx 3/4 tank (11 or 12 gallons). I don't know how to check fuel pressure, if you have advice on how to do so, i'd appreciate it.

One other thought I had today is wondering whether or not it could be a problem with the alternator? Is there a way to check the alternator on my own?
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Saturday, February 9th, 2008 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
M8TRIX01
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
No its probably not an alternator. Because the car does start even if it is only for a few seconds. There is a schrater valve on the fuel rail you can purchase a pressure gauge at your local parts store. It will screw on to this valve and you can check your pressure.
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Sunday, February 17th, 2008 AT 11:37 AM

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