1998 Chevy Monte Carlo: Died while driving 25 mph, unable to start, started next day, unable to start the day after.

by Ray

1998 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 with the 3.8 series 2 motor stalled while driving approximately 25 mph. First time ever having such problem. After the incident, my car wanted to turn on but just didn't. Windows and lights seemed to work find but power steering and power brakes died out as well when the engine went out. Had to abandon car over night and when I came back the next day to try and start it, IT STARTED. I drove it 3 blocks to my house where I parked it. Attempted to start it the next day and it was unable to start. Youy hear the engine sound like it wants to start but just can not. Do not believe it would be related to battery/alternator. Any advice appreciated. Thanks, Ray.



Steve Says,

Hi, Ray. Thanks for visiting my auto repair website.

There are two tests that you need to do to help diagnose this car stall problem. The first is to check the voltage on your battery. You should have a minimum of 12.6 volts. If not then you need to charge it or try to jump start it. You can check it with a voltmeter available at Walmart or any auto parts store.

The next test that you need to to is a fuel pressure test. You need to get a fuel pressure gauge that you can hook into your fuel pressure line to see if it is within spec. You can get one at any good auto parts store.

I think the battery is probably good since it started the day after it stalled. If it was bad I think it would not have started after the first time that it stalled.

The other test that you can do if the fuel pressure is good is a spark test. You need to make sure that your cars computer is sending spark to the spark plugs like it is supposed to. The easiest way to do this is to take out one of the spark plugs and ground the threads against the engine then turn the engine over and see if it is sparking. If it is not, then you know you have an ignition system problem.

This sounds more like a fuel pressure problem or maybe a car sensor problem but without being at the car to do some of this testing there is no way for me to know which of them it might be. The tests I gave you to do should help. Feel free to leave a comment with more information after you do the tests and please let me know when you figure it out.