QuestionHi,
My 2000 Chevy Lumina, with a 3.1 engine, sporadically stalls out after 1/2 hour or so of stop & go traffic. So far, we have tried replacing the 3 coil packs and the igniter plate, flushed out the fuel lines and installed a new fuel filter, put Seafoam engine treatment in the gas tank and replaced the PCV Valve. The plugs and wires seem fine. The car runs very well but with no warning, it just cuts out and stalls. We have to wait a few minutes each time, then prime the fuel with the ignition key a few times and then the car will start. Someone told me that my problem could be several things, and that the only way to diagnose it would be to Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes, Check fuel pressure, Check for secondary ignition spark, or Check fuel injector circuits. Could you please explain how to perform these tests? Also, do you have any idea what could be causing the problem? Thank you.
AnswerHi
To check for DTC's you'll need to take it to a local repair shop/or auto parts staor and have the computer scanned for codes.
To check fuel pressure, you'll need to attach a fuel pressure gauge to the pressure port, located on the passenger side (front of engine) just next to the power steering pump.
Secondary ignition will be spark being tested at the spark plugs.
Injector pulse would need to have injector circuits checked at each injector.
MY personal idea would be to 1) take it to a local shop/auto parts and have it scanned. It is USUALLY free at like Autozone, etc... nation wide chains.
I would HIGHLY suspect the fuel pump, though.
SOME shops MAY check it for free or a reduced price. From the description of the symptoms you are giving that is what I would suspect first.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck
Pawl
