1988 Buick Lesabre RANDOM STALLS

1988 BUICK LESABRE
166,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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TOMDIMIT244
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  • 4 POSTS
The car randomly stalls while driving. There is no warning when this happens. Engine simply cuts off and I have to pull over. I wait about 1 minute then the engine will start and drive normally and cut off at random once again. Very frustrating especially when driving in city traffic. The fuel pump runs as it should so I ruled that out. I replaced the crank sensor about 2 years ago. Did a OBD I scan and came up with code 12 and 22. Not sure what they are. I am a back yard mechanic but could only do so much on an engine with so many sensors and electronics. I could use some expert diagnosis here. Thanks.
Oct 15, 2010 at 3:22 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
When the vehicle stalls, visually check for spark at the plugs. You can carry a known good spark plug or spark tester in the glove-box. Then pull plug wire, place tester in the plug boot, ground tester to metal part of engine, watch for spark, engine cranking. Also, use a noid lite, check for injector pulse, engine cranking. The code 12 means it is in diagnostic mode. Code 22 is low voltage-- throttle position sensor. If three wires at throttle position sensor, check them all. ref voltage-- ground--signal.
Oct 16, 2010 at 5:06 AM
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TOMDIMIT244
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I also have a code 26 and code 42 which came up after I cleared the ecm. I wiggled the wire harness at the connection point of the pcm under the coil pack and now when I start the car, the service engine light goes off and the car has not stalled yet. Before that, the light stayed on. Very strange.
Oct 18, 2010 at 2:13 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
It's the ignition module under the coil pack, maybe just loose connection? Hope you got it going your way.
Oct 18, 2010 at 2:34 AM
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