2000 Pontiac Bonneville ssei intermittent stall, need help

[bri00bonneville]

[*]175000+ miles. Stalls while driving( any speed, seems to do it when gas isn't pressed, sometimes i will notice it and i hit the gas which sometimes stops the stalling.), and stalls while idle ( hitting gas sometimes helps.) Dont always stall, some times goes a few days with no problems ( actually, one those rare days it seems to have a knock when engine is cold started but goes away after a minute or so.) 95% of the time engine starts right back up, other times a few cranks are needed.. New: Idle Air Control , Throttle position sencer, vacuum hoes, and Crankshaft position sencer.... still stalling. I do hear fuel pump kick on after car is turned on. I have read ware it may be the mass air flow sencer, but i have disconnected it ( from connector), and i have done the whole tapping on it ( no change in rpms), still stalls. Dont see\smell gas from fuel pressure regulator hose. When it does act up it will sometimes stall back to back about every 4 minutes or so, then after a while it sometimes straightens out. When it stalls all accessories still work, however aftermarket radio does reset( radio does shut self off if turned up too loud when engine isn't running, does fine with engine on). Battery seams to hold charge well, well judgeing from the display on the dashboard. I'm really lost right now, i dont have much money right now, and im a DIY kind of person.. any help will be appreciated. Spark plugs do seam fouled, one has a burn on it from arcing, but i dont think plugs would make it stall?

[madisonguy]

I am going through same thing right now and someone else just finished. For him it was fuel pump. See thread below:
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 18&t=32781
Hope this helps. I am still investigating mine.

[crash93ssei]

Check the vacuum T fitting under the supercharger snout. If it rots it can fall off the nipple and cause a bunch of stalling and driveability issues.

[bri00bonneville]

Yeah, that t-fitting was the main reason i redid most of the vacuum hoes, one bad hose led me to discovering more.... i have thought about the fuel pump, but would like to rule out other things before blowing any more $. Ran good today on the way home from work, about a 15 min. Drive... i dont know anymore, feel like giving up..

[01bonneSC]

That was about the mileage mine went out.

Are you up on your maintenance items? Tune up, fuel filter?

Have you checked the fuel pressure with a gauge?

[bri00bonneville]

Tune up is one thing that needs done. Just bought this car around march this year,paid $2,700 for it. Its overall in great condition. Next tax time ill dump about $ 1000 into it, any ideals what should be done to it then? Well, yesterday i sprayed maf cleaner in the throttle body while running ( not best ideal i know) but last night and this morning it ran good without stalls, but we will see, it has had its days with no problems before.....

[bri00bonneville]

Im am new here by the way, its nice to have a place like this that has people with similar likes (Bonneville). My car is really nice, just wish it would run right.... my father in law has a 2000 dodge stratus with 250000+ miles, he doubts my car will ever get to see that much, id like to prove him wrong.. lol

[crash93ssei]

250,000 miles isn't that bad, I am close with 230,000 on my 2003 SSEi and also have 205,000 on my 2000 SLE. I had a 1993 SSEi with 230,000 on it and a 1989 SE with just over 200,000. These cars are well known for going the distance so you have no worries, you can make it for sure!


Definitely look into your fuel pressure.

[01bonneSC]

Im am new here by the way, its nice to have a place like this that has people with similar likes (Bonneville). My car is really nice, just wish it would run right.... my father in law has a 2000 dodge stratus with 250000+ miles, he doubts my car will ever get to see that much, id like to prove him wrong.. lol

You have a very good chance to annihilate that.

One thing that starts to go is the trans, they are the weak point in the car.

Some reading for ya....
viewtopic.php?f=18&t=25362

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =53&t=3591

• 1987-2005 Bonneville / Buick 3800 Maintenance List
  
  Run Seafoam, Chevron Techron or Gumout Regane through gasoline every 5,000 miles.
  
  Grease: Ball Joints, Tie Rods Every 8-10k ( Green Grease or Amsoil Grease recommended)
  Air Filter Every 15k (Amsoil EaA, Purolator PureONE)
  PCV Valve Every 30k
  MAF Sensor Element Cleaning/TB Cleaning Every 50k viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1661
  Fuel Filter Every 15-25k (Purolator, AC Delco, WIX) http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 45&t=23215
  Spark Plugs Every 30-50k (NGK TR55, AC Delco 41-101 or Autolite 605) (Never Bosch)
  Ignition Wires Every 30-50k (Napa Belden, AC Delco, Autolite Pro, NGK) (Never Taylor or Bosch)
  Oil & Filter Every 5-6k or Every 6 months (Valvoline SYNPower, Pennzoil Platinum, or Amsoil )(Mobil1, Purolator PureONE, Amsoil EaO, K&N or WIX) (Never Fram) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=214
  *Conventional Oil Every 3k/3 months(API SM/SN rating) (WIX (Napa), Delco or Purolator filter)
  Tires: Check Inflation Pressure & Visually Inspect Monthly Rotate Every 6-8,000 Miles
  Transmission Flush or Pan Drop Every 15-20k (Always make sure filter is changed when flushed) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=10193
  Cooling System Flush Every 25-50k or 3-5 Years (Peak or Prestone Mixes-With-Any Coolant Only) (Never Dexcool)
  Oxygen Sensor Every 80-100k (30k for non-heated) (AC Delco or Denso) (Absolutely never Bosch) viewtopic.php?f=48&t=794
  Accessory Belt Inspect every 15k, replace every 100k, or as needed
  Cabin Air Filter Inspect and Replace every 15k, or as needed in dusty conditions. (Note: 00+ Only) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=13626
  Evap Core Cleaning Whenever Needed (Note: 99 and older only) viewtopic.php?f=45&t=2432
  Brake Fluid Flush 3yr/50k
  Power Steering Fluid Replacement/Flush Every 100k or 5 years
  
  *Special Considerations*
  All Series II/III 3800's RPO's: L36, L26, L67 & L32, especially important on vehicles factory installed with orange Havoline Dexcool Antifreeze/Coolant: http://www.dex-cool.net/
  Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement, every 80-100k (ignorance of this can allow coolant to enter your engine oil, this happening can cause irreversible lower engine damage, requiring replacement of subject engine)
  
  Series II, Naturally Aspirated, RPO:L36:
  Upper Intake Manifold Plenum Replacement, Every 80-100k (ignorance of this can allow coolant to enter your intake manifold, possible damage to occur can be hydrolock, irreversible damage to emissions devices, misfires, etc. Most times, engine replacement is required if ignored long enough.) viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1061
  
  Series I, II, III RPO Code L67 & L32:
  Change Supercharger Oil; Every 30-50k. (Intense Racing or GM Dealer) viewtopic.php?f=56&t=1690
  Supercharger Belt; Inspect Every 15k, Replace Every 100k or as needed.

3/2/12 by 00Beast

[bri00bonneville]

Ok, thanks for the info. Ill be heading to work here soon (West Virginia)EST. 2P-10P and have weekends off. Would auto zone do the test, or atleast sell the tool? If ( knock on wood) spraying the air intake on the throttle body has solved the problem, what could it mean\ be? Ill be back on after work, my phone can view this sight but cant log in...

[crash93ssei]

Odd that you can't login on your phone, I do probably 90% of my surfing and posting from mine.

Autozone should sell a fuel pressure test kit, but doubt they rent one out.

[madisonguy]

I have a loaner fuel pressure tester from O'Reilly Auto Parts. They charge your CC when you check it out and if you return in 48 hours, refund the entire amount.

[crash93ssei]

I have a loaner fuel pressure tester from O'Reilly Auto Parts. They charge your CC when you check it out and if you return in 48 hours, refund the entire amount.

I had to buy one from my local Oreillys because they didn't rent/loan them out, maybe they changed and started loaning them out or maybe my local one just has odd rules

[bri00bonneville]

well, another good day! sprayed some more MAF cleaner into the air intake in the throttle body, rest the codes(disconnected battery) and so far no codes or stalls! If this is really it, then looks like ill have to take off the throttle body and give it a good cleaning.... shouldn't be too hard, i hope any advice?

hers a pic of my car by the way, right after a good scrub.


didn't get to the tires.. ware i live clean wheels wouldn't last long anyway.. lol




ill definitely keep the fuel pump in mind though.

[bri00bonneville]

crash93ssei.... just got done looking at some of your pics... all i'm left with is *dang*!!! lol... thought my (now not so long) 2hrs. of clay bar and waxing was good...... *dang* WOW....I'd love to get mine looking half as good as you do, but two kids and a wife not much time. i do have the heart and urge for it though. Don't hate (lol) but my first car (before i got married) was a 88 mercury sable (and i dislike ford's, but back then a car was a car), i was cleaning that thing every day!!!! Now i have this beauty that i would love to "clean" up... but no time ..
For those who love there Bonnie's don't look... I'd love to get this mess taking care of....

[crash93ssei]

Thanks for the compliments! I definitely spend a lot of time on the vehicles, but that time is hard to come by, also two kids here, divorced and getting married again soon (I know I know )

A powerwasher would make quick work of cleaning under the hood, as for the wheels, some Meguiar's Hot Rims chrome wheel cleaner and a soft brush would make them look great again!

[bri00bonneville]

power washing? What a bout all the lovely electronics that are just about everywhere? lol. Any steps to prevent electronic problems?

[crash93ssei]

I have powerwashed under the hood of every vehicle I have owned without issue. My 03 SSEi has been powerwashed a dozen or more times over the last 105,000 miles I have owned it. I just don't directly spray the alternator with high pressure. I look at it this way... if something is gonna fail using a powerwasher it was going to fail soon on its own anyways and cause me a mess of problems probably away from home.

[bri00bonneville]

lmao, yeah i see your point.. maybe i can talk my wife into me having some one on one time with the car. seeing your pics make my belly hurt when i look at my car now.... lol. How hard is it to remove the center console?

[bri00bonneville]

well crap..... back to stalling today... took it to auto zone, read codes, came up EGR valve (low air flow)..... but i really have a hard time believing that would cause a stall while driving, maybe if it would get stuck open, but its saying no/low flow which means its staying closed. my understanding of EGR is that it is used to help control pollution by allowing exhaust fumes back into the engine to be re-burnt, so being stuck closed would not make a difference (unless the computer is expecting the extra fumes, thereby when it dont recieve it, it causes miss-fire, but i still don't see it causing a stall ) idk... i'm thinking about just blocking off the port and seeing if it will make a difference any way.