what is wrong with my car?

1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
49,000 MILES
Avatar
AJOLET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
when i turn the key on i can hear the fuel pump prime up.... i say fuel pump cause that is what i first thought it was but i am not sure. i replaced the the fuel filter. but the issue i am having is that my car just shuts off going down the highway and it will crank back up if i let it sit for 2 or three minutes. everybody keeps telling me its the fuel pump but i am not sure what is making it do this. any advice would be great i really want my car running good again.
Nov 1, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
only does it on highway? when it quits, a fuel pressure test will tell you if your pump is ok.
Nov 1, 2011 at 2:13 AM
Avatar
AJOLET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
its only when the vehicle is moving its never when it is idling. i guess i am gonna test the relay and check the ground tomorrow. I am not very good at mechanic work, but i am kind of learning as i go so any advice would be most appreciated.
Nov 1, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
what motor is it?
Nov 2, 2011 at 2:36 AM
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
is it sudden death quit or stuttery die out? generally spark quitting is more abrupt then fuel pump quitting.
Nov 2, 2011 at 2:50 AM
Avatar
AJOLET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
it is a v6 and it is a sudden quit no stuttering or anything it just without warning dies and if i let it sit for a little bit it will crank again. I never know when its gonna die it just speratically happens.
Nov 2, 2011 at 5:57 AM
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
crank/cam sensors are notorious for such behavior.
Nov 2, 2011 at 6:25 AM
Avatar
AJOLET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
is it a crank sensor, cam sensor or a crank cam sensor and how can i test it?
Nov 2, 2011 at 9:57 PM
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
when it happens again, check for spark.
Nov 3, 2011 at 1:33 AM
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
separate sensors. you didn't say which motor you have.
Nov 3, 2011 at 1:45 AM
Avatar
AJOLET
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
it is a v6
Nov 3, 2011 at 2:09 AM
Avatar
BUDDY JENKINS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
he means which v6 there is more than one v6 that was put in the firebirds it should tell u on the top of the motor and another way to test for bad sensors is i u unhook the sensor and the car keeps runnin then that sensor is bad but if it dies the then sensor is good
Nov 11, 2011 at 6:57 PM