Car shuts down while driving

Tiny
MARLENA SCHNEIDER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 PONTIAC G6
  • 200,000 MILES
I was recently driving my car and noticed my windshield wipers were slowing down. It was the first thing I noticed, but then all of a sudden, I lost all power and my car shut off and I drifted to the side of the road. I tried to start it right back up but nothing. I did notice a light came on my dash. It looks like an anti-theft light. I know it's something that doesn't come up on my dash when I start it. At this point, I can't even put my four ways on because I have no power whatsoever. I walked home and got my husband, and he came and jumped my car. The car started right up with the jumper cables. I immediately drove my car home the short distance, but it was acting like it wanted to stall on me again. Also, when this happens, and it shuts off, I have no power steering. Once I get the car home it shuts off again. I let the car sit overnight and started the car to take to work. I drove fine with no problems to work, Six miles. After work, driving home, the car does the same exact thing. Please Help me determine what's wrong with my car.
Friday, May 13th, 2022 AT 9:59 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,793 POSTS
Hello. It sounds like it could be the charging system is having an intermittent problem. This can be an engine computer (ECM) starting to fail (the ECM is what controls the Alternator is modern vehicles). It can be a failing Alternator itself, a failing battery, or even possibly a bad Ground connection to the engine computer. The reason you lost power steering is because the engine shut down. What size engine is in the vehicle, 2.4l, 3.5l, 3.6l or 3.9l? I will pull up some wiring diagrams for the charging system and engine computer. As well as look up for any Technical Service Bulletins. And what Sub-Model is it, a GT, Base, etc?

Below are listed some Technical Service Bulletins regarding the Charging/Alternator system for this vehicle. And unfortunately, there are quite a few more as well concerning electrical connections and corrosion.
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Friday, May 13th, 2022 AT 3:57 PM

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