Main Relay or Distributor
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Newest Of Newbies
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 25
From: Lithonia, Ga
Does the check engine light turn on when you car stalls? Does your car stall every time it gets to operating temperature?
I would stop by a parts store and have them scan for code(s). Post the code on here. It will start with the letter P and have 4 numbers, like P1234. Most parts stores do this service free of charge.
Also have the battery/alternator/starter tested again. You explanation above is vague about the alternator. Did the alternator test bad/good? If the battery tested bad, then you should replace it. If the battery wasn't charged enough due to a bad alternator, then they can't tell you about the condition of the battery.
I would stop by a parts store and have them scan for code(s). Post the code on here. It will start with the letter P and have 4 numbers, like P1234. Most parts stores do this service free of charge.
Also have the battery/alternator/starter tested again. You explanation above is vague about the alternator. Did the alternator test bad/good? If the battery tested bad, then you should replace it. If the battery wasn't charged enough due to a bad alternator, then they can't tell you about the condition of the battery.
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Newest Of Newbies
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 25
From: Lithonia, Ga
Bad main relay, or bad alternator can have very similar symptoms. That's why you should test for spark (timing light).
I've seen SOME places that have equipment to test a battery even if it's not charged. Basically, it charges it & then tests it.
It's a bit unusual, but alternators can be flaky, failing & then coming back to life. Maybe keep doing that for months before giving up & NOT coming back to life.
I've seen SOME places that have equipment to test a battery even if it's not charged. Basically, it charges it & then tests it.
It's a bit unusual, but alternators can be flaky, failing & then coming back to life. Maybe keep doing that for months before giving up & NOT coming back to life.
Now i actually know that you have to charge the battery before u test it. and i also know that places like autozone can read engine codes free of charge. But trust me i love my car. i would have done that before i got on here.
Im just trying to narrow it down because im getting two answers from my mechanics. So i wanna co-operater as best i can.
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,329
From: Houston, TX
It has to be a sensor or the PCM.
The PCM goes into closed loop mode when the engine coolant reaches a set temperature, then the PCM uses various sensor values to adjust the timing, air/fuel mixture, etc.
I still think that you should have the code(s) read, just to be sure that a code has not been set right before the car stalls. Its something simple to try and may help pinpoint the problem.
The PCM goes into closed loop mode when the engine coolant reaches a set temperature, then the PCM uses various sensor values to adjust the timing, air/fuel mixture, etc.
I still think that you should have the code(s) read, just to be sure that a code has not been set right before the car stalls. Its something simple to try and may help pinpoint the problem.
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,329
From: Houston, TX
I wouldn't replace the PCM just yet. It may be a big waste of money throwing parts at your car. PCM failure is rare yet it happens. You still should do some troubleshooting before you replace it.
Get the PCM scanned for codes just to be sure that it is not a sensor that is the culprit. Also, I would check the PCM electrical connections for bad pins, a loose connection, or possibly a bad ground wire.
Get the PCM scanned for codes just to be sure that it is not a sensor that is the culprit. Also, I would check the PCM electrical connections for bad pins, a loose connection, or possibly a bad ground wire.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,398
From: Wisconsin
WAY below the radio.
Below the ventilation controls is a storage bin, & the PCM is below that. You have to remove some trim panels, maybe the panels below the glovebox & below the steering columm.
Look way forward on the center console. The carpet stops & the plastic console trim begins. That's about the elevation of the PCM.
Below the ventilation controls is a storage bin, & the PCM is below that. You have to remove some trim panels, maybe the panels below the glovebox & below the steering columm.
Look way forward on the center console. The carpet stops & the plastic console trim begins. That's about the elevation of the PCM.
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