1992 Buick Regal Stalling, Sputtering, Dying

Tiny
JNELLS
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 BUICK REGAL
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I have a 1992, Buick Regal Custom, 3.6L, V6.

Recently, the car started stalling and dying while idle at stop signs, lights, or parked. I would have to keep accelerator applied at all times to keep from stalling out. Even more recently, the car began stalling/dying whilst in motion (sometimes at over 45mph), or going up a incline, it would sputter and more often than not stall out. Within the last week or so, after stalling, the car would turn over but die immediately and would not stay on, would have to let sit for 20+ minutes, retry, and then it would work for about 5-10min before stalling out again.

Recently, drove the car to the store (about a 10 minute drive), no problems on the way there, was not idling hard, did not stall, no sputtering, nothing. After going in the store and coming out to leave, the car would not stay turned over, and kept stalling for 20+ minutes.

Important Note: The "Service Engine Soon" light has been off and on for about a year now. I have had these same recent problems in the past when that "Service Engine" light was NOT on, then the light would come on and the car would operate just fine until recently.

Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated.
Monday, June 28th, 2010 AT 12:48 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
INTERNETMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 700 POSTS
How long since a tune-up? Check for applicable mil codes. You can check those yourself. Use a gage and check fuel pressure. Check your idle air system, clean the throttle-body.
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Monday, June 28th, 2010 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
JNELLS
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It has been awhile since my last tune up.

Also, while changing the oil and topping off my fluids today, I had noticed my anti-freeze (coolant) looked a bit brownish color. I am hoping this is just normal for older coolant. Am hoping it is not in fact oil getting into the system, then I fear my problem is more along the lines of a head gasket or leaky block. But am still hoping it is just a sensor. (MAF, O2, or crankshaft). Or even perhaps a leaky vacuum hose.
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Monday, June 28th, 2010 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
JNELLS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Update: The "Check Engine" light has been off for a couple of days and the car will NOT stay started with the light off, only when the light comes on is it driveable or even able to stay on in idle. While trouble shooting for my problem, I disconnected the MAF sensor connector and the light has come back on, I drove it around the block a few times just to see, and although still a bit sluggish, it did not stall and seemed to drive just fine. Although it still stalls in idle (Park).

Is the MAF sensor my culprit!
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Monday, June 28th, 2010 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
INTERNETMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 700 POSTS
The maf sensor sounds like part of the problem.
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 AT 8:59 AM

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