OK mechanics, what is wrong with my car?

Question

I am a widow and don't want to be taken advantage of..so this is it, I am driving down the road, when all of a sudden, no warning, no noises, no skipping, my car just shuts off, like it has no gas.(have plenty of gas) the car will start right back up most times, altho on occasion it takes about 5 minutes before it will turn over..still acts like it is out of gas..I may go days or weeks before it does it again, someone told me I may have water or trash in the gas..some say fuel injectors (94 Pontiac Bonneville) Any suggestions or diagnosis? HELP ME PLEASE

Answer 1

Here you are,

OK this is an issue with the car heating up. and the part also.
GM does at times have issues with the Ignition module. I doubt it is the coil as the coil would open up and never start again. there is a distribution pack on the car that can also get dirty and cause this.
I seriously doubt it is the Ignition switch or the fuel pump.
On this old a vehicle it could be a Fuel filter. Be sure to ask the shop that if this doesn't fix the problem you are bringing it back and will be upset if they keep charging you more and more.
It may take two trips but if it was my shop I would give you a discount on parts and labor as you just want the dern thing fized, not send my kid to college.

Remember "tech" if it isn't doing it at the time it comes in, and the MIL light is not on, she is wasting her time as the response will be NPF No problem Found.

Answer 2

The first thing to look for is a "check engine" light. The computer in your car monitors many systems, and if it detects a problem, is very helpful in locating the problem. A problem like that can be sign of something as simple as a ground problem (wiring) or an electronic module. Some module problems are prone to show up based on heat, where they can fail where hot, then act normally after the module cools. This sort of problem can be difficult to find. If you are trying to save a $, you are likely to get a tech who will guess at the cause, and will likely cost you more $ than is necessary by guessing and throwing parts at it. There should be no guessing in diagnosis. When you call around for a repair shop, ask if they have a "drivability" expert. It may cost you more per hour, but less in the end, since an ASE L1 (advanced drivability) tech will find the source of the problem rather than guess at it. To become an L1, a tech must first pass 8 general system tests, and then take a rather difficult test that proves they have a very thorough working knowledge of electrical systems. There are only 3 in the county I work in, I know the other two. You will save money by finding one in this case.

Answer 3

If it were water or trash in the gas, it would be doing it all the time. And injectors won't do that unless they all quit at the same time, which would be caused by something in the electrical system anyway.
It sounds like the ignition coil or module may be failing. The next time it quits, have some wd-40 at hand and a screwdriver. If it is one of those times where it won't start, take the air hose off at the intake and spray some wd-40 into the engine. If it tries to start, then the problem is fuel related. If it makes no difference, then it is lack of spark.
This information will help to track down the cause.

Answer 4

The problem is when something like this is going on it allways gets to the point where the car will not restart.For your safety take it to the car dealer.They work on them every day.They have the training and tools to find and fix any problem your car will ever have.So please take it to the dealer before it stalls in a place you dont want to be.

Answer 5

Possibly a bad ignition switch. Fuel pump maybe, but with it just shutting down, it makes me think ignition system.

If its a fuel pump problem, it makes me think a lose wire, or a bared wire...just some quick thoughts. Hope this helps, good luck.

Answer 6

wow could be several thing to do that ....if it was water in gas it would miss fire and run like crap it could be your modular shorting out ....same thing happen to me in a 85 Astro van i change it though it was over but to find out it was the computer the cheap way is to go to advance to parts they will run a test on your car for free

Answer 7

I would do a tune up, plugs, plug wires, air fliter, pcv valve, fuel filter. now what ive observed if the fuel filter has not been changed in a long time and you finally do change it, the fuel pump may go out within a few months. also it might not hurt to have your fuel pump checked for pressure and volume. good luck

Answer 8

a good tune up can cure a lot of problems

spark plugs and wires
fuel filter
air filter
cap and rotor ( if you have a distributer)

could even be your fuel pump going bad

Answer 9

Check your engine,oil or see if there is to much weight on the car.