Loses power intermittently, stops

ZOOBIE

MEMBER
1995 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

Sometimes loses power when accelerating and actually stops running at stop lights. I have had the alternator and battery tested, both good. Someone mentioned sensors that could be shutting off the engine. How would I test? I have no sensor codes or meter. Thanks

7 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Does the check engine light ever come on when it is running? Also when you loose power you should have the exhaust tested for excessive back pressure.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, August 13th, 2016 AT 6:04 PM

ZOOBIE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, the check engine light comes on while driving then turns off. I just came back from a drive. It shut off at just about every stoplight. Then, it starts as if nothing happened. On the way back, it drove normally and did not shut off once. I cannot really be spending any money testing because as soon as I replace it, it is going to the boneyard. Thanks

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, August 13th, 2016 AT 6:49 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

So are you looking to fix it or are you just scraping it? You could have a sticking EGR valve which you could clean to get by for a little while.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, August 13th, 2016 AT 7:01 PM

ZOOBIE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I am looking to fix it so I can get to and buy another car.
It runs strong.
It just tries to die, cough, and lose power even shuts off whenever it wants.
It especially hates stoplights while idling.
Can bad sensors shut down the engine?
Thanks

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Saturday, August 13th, 2016 AT 8:57 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Again it sounds more like a sticking EGR valve, but a bad coolant temperature sensor on that car can cause some crazy things to happen even dying. A map sensor can cause dying as well.