kenmo

On the way home from work today my 2000 Impala 3.8 litre stalled in heavy bumper to bumper traffiic. There were no idiot lights on for alternator, temp, etc. When I restarted the car it stalled immediatley. Tried a few more times and exited off a non buys ramp. Made it about an 1/8 of a mile and she died.

Had to call for a tow truck to take it home to my drive way. Tried a few more times and the same thing, although I did get it to idle for about 5 minutes and then it died. Thinking there maybe water in the tank I added some de-icing/de-water additive. Let it sit for 5 minutes and still the same. Startup but dies unless I keep my foot on the gas but even then it doesn't always help....

Bad gas? fuel filter plugged?, bad fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator?

Any thoughts?

Kenmo

GMautotech

Pull the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator and see if you get fuel out of it. That's the most common problem for stalling.

kenmo

And if I do, then I replace the FPR?

Thanks muchly...

99 WS-7

Check the Mass Airflow Sensor. Let the engine idle and then tap the outside of the sensor with a screwdriver lightly. If the idle changes, change the MAF sensor.

kenmo

Where is the MAS sensor located?

GMautotech

If you find fuel, yes replace the fuel press reg. The Mass Airflow sensor (MAF) is the black box on top of the throttle body that's held in by tamper-proof torx screws. Faulty MAF's usually cause a throttle tip-in hesitation.

kenmo

Thanks kindly for the suggestions and replies...

I'm really at a loss when it comes to these newer engines... It's kind of funny as I work in the IT fields (systems analysts) but all the electronic gadgetry on the newer engines intimidates me...

I've often thought it would be nice to replace the 327 in my 60 Vette with a more modern powerplant but when something like yesterday happens, I'm glad I still have an engine that is easy to do some curbside diagnostics of....