Pontiac Repair: sunfire 98 engine cut off, fuel pressure gauge, crank sensor

Question
hello Tod

i have a problem with my sunfire 1998 2.2l. it begun to do this today. while i was driving the engine just cut off... all light were on in the dash but the RPM just went to 0... then came back running.... then back to 0 etc. finnaly the engine just stop running and i had to stop.
did try to start right after but the engine didnt even try to start. the motor was turning but absolutely no tentative to start. after 10 min... try to start the car and it did start. not for long. after 1 or 2 kms it did the same thing. i was able to get home by waiting 10 to 15 min between each stop. after looking into some forum i am under the impression that 2 or 3 things can cause this.

first an ignition module malfunction. for me this was the perfect answer but after seeing here that the crank sensor control this ingnition module spark i am just wondering if this sensor could fail intermitently.

i also saw a gas thank pump issue possibility ( filter and/or overheating ). some were saying that in some case the fuel pump could overheat if the gas thank was half full.

i am wondering if there is a sensor verifying the oil pump or oil pressure and if so.. would it cut the motor completely from running intermitently.

i also saw an answer about a burn cable behind the dash in the car.
i also saw an answer about the negative ground cable between the battery and the motor.
would a faulty relais cause this kind of problem ?

the engine light is on. i will try to clear the code and see if the car does the same thing.  

Answer
Hi There:
first off rule out the oil pressure sensor as long as there is ignition voltage and engine spped going to the engine computer the pump will run.
You need to see what your loosing here when the car dies eithere spark or fuel pressure. and then go from there other wise your just wasting your time.. You need a fuel pressure gauge set and a spark checker. let the car run untill it dies and then try cranking it over and see if you have spark on all 4 cylinders and you have adiquite fuel pressure this engine needs around 40 PSI.

Just a few othere things that car had 2 recalls that I can remember #1 is an ignition switch/starter relay kit the relay is for the starter motor but in certain instances the ignition swithc can be replaced per that recall as well. #2 is an ECM recall for a corrosion issue where a shiled was installed over the computer and the computer and wiring harness going to it were to be inspected.. Call your local GM dealer give them the VIN # and see if they were ever done on this car if your not the original owner. Those were recalls here in the states I'm sure they were in Canada as well. Good luck :)