Pontiac Repair: stalling, pontiac gran prix, crank shaft position sensor

Question
My 1997 Pontiac Gran Prix has stalled on several occasions.  The engine is the 3800 Series II.  Two door automatic transmission.  Makes no difference if the car is warm or cold.  Same with the weather, no difference.  It has stalled while driving at normal speed, sometimes while stopped in traffic.  On a few occasions it wouldn't start first thing in the morning while still home in the garage.  It has ALWAYS restarted , but not always on the first try, sometimes after three or four attempts.  I know it could be a number of things that could cause this problem, from a short somewhere, a faulty sensor, the fuel pump, or even the computer.  I was wondering if you have seen the same problem with the same engine in the Pontiac or other GM models that use this same engine ?  There is no " service engine soon " light on.  Any help is appreciated.  Thanks. John.

Answer
Hey John:

when this stalles what happens? Does it spit shug and misfire or is it like someone just turned the key off? If it's like someone just turned the key off I would look at the ignition system like a crank shaft position sensor. If it spits and chugs I would look at a fuel system issue like a pump or even a mad MAF sensor. Another thing to look at is the fuel pressure regulator with the engin running pull the vaccume hose off and let it run for a minute or so and see if raw fuel starts to come out of the port where the vacuum hose goes on. If so the regulator is bad. When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? if could be plugged and working the pump to death. that is where I would start looking.. Good luck :)