QuestionQUESTION: will driving for approx 15-20 min the car will stall without warning. check engine light does not come on, after 30 mins or more the car will start. The car acts like it is running out of fuel. I have put new plug wires and cap on. I also replaced the positive battery cable.
ANSWER: Chuck: It sounds like something heating up and failing, preventing either spark or fuel. To help with the diagnosis, after you restart the car (having waited the 30-30 minutes the first time), does it now run for an unlimited time, or does it repeat the pattern, that is, stalling after 20-30 minutes? When you get back to me the the reply, I'll be able to be of more help.
Jerry
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Jerry, The pattern repeats.
AnswerChuck: Well, with a multiplicity of possible causes, I will give my opinion in order of liklihood. The first step is to determine whether it is an overheated electrical component causing loss of spark. Have you checked for spark immediately after the car stalls while the problem is still "live"?
Assuming that the spark is still present, then consider both the the fuel pump (or its drive circuitry) and fuel filter as possible culprits. To check for the former, immediately after the stalling do the following test:(this bypasses the fuel pump drive relays, etc):
With the ignition OFF:
a. Remove fuses 27 and 30
b. run a jumper wire between the OUTER side of fuse 30 to the INNER side of fuse 27
The fuel pump should run continously now. If the car starts, then it is in the drive circuitry. If the pump cannot be heard running, then it's defective.
THe next item of possibility is the crankshaft position sensor.It provides the basic signal that operates the ignition as well as the fuel injection systems. For the '89's there were two versions...one crankshaft mounted and the other ignition coil mounted. Can you tell which you have?
Alas, this sensor is pricey (around $300) so one ought to be pretty certain about it.
Hope this helps...,
Jerry
