Car stalled while driving

BEIRRAC

MEMBER
1994 OLDSMOBILE 88
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
174,000 MILES

Was driving about 55 MPH for 40 minutes. Car slowed down to about 40 MPH on slight incline, hitting gas did not help. This happened again about half mile further on. Then, all the warning lights came on (engine, oil, etc) and car lost power. Pulled off the road.

Checked if the battery cables were tight as once I had an issue with a loose cable. Cables were fine but car would not start. Serpentine belt is fine. Tried to jump car, but would not jump. Car does not try to turn over with or without jumper cables. When key is turned, you only hear a click and nothing else. Lights are working.

What could have caused this? Someone mentioned rhw starter, but that wouldn't have caused the car to lose power. Any insight would be appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi,

I agree with you. The starter wouldn't have caused a power loss while driving. However, low voltage may have. Do me a favor. Since you are only getting a click, the first thing to check is the battery. Here is a link that explains how to load test it at home:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Next, we need to check for diagnostic trouble codes. This vehicle has an OBD1 system. You don't need a scan tool to retrieve codes. You will need a short jumper wire or even a paper clip. Follow the directions in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

If the battery is good and the codes are not relevant, the next thing I need you to check is the engine itself. Take a socket and breaker bar and place them on the crankshaft pulley. See if you are able to turn the engine by hand.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe