I have a 1998 Monte Carlo z34. It died while going down the highway and would not start again. I did get it to start the next day but it only ran a couple of minutes. So it will start after sitting for several hours but only run a couple minutes every time. Has anyone had this problem or know what might be wrong?

167ss: It did act as if it was out of gas. When it quits it will be running fine then suddenly it just shuts off.

soaxin: I will check all those things you mentioned.

 

It could b the fuel pump. Did it act like it ran outta gas?

 

If you can, check the fuel pressure at the rail. Check all the vacuum lines too just for kicks. Also check your fuel filter.

 

I did seem like it ran out of gas and turns over like it is out of gas. It doesn't sputter or cut out when it dies it just shuts down.

Thanks for replying I will start there.

 

Fyi pressure shoulf b between 41-47 psi

 

It may also be a clogged Fuel Filter... Or the combination of...
Generally after a period of time, on our older models ..residue and crud build up in the tank... It unavoidable... If you on more than one occasion end up running the car on empty it has a tendency to over tax the fuel pump as it gets older and then starts to pick up on the residue that's built up thus taxing the pump to work even harder...I know the fuel filters job is to catch that residue of gunk..But as it does it causes the system to be taxed even more...Eventually burning out the fuel pump.

The unfortunate thing for us 5th Gen owners .... We have to drop the tank to replace the fuel pump...since its built into the fuel tank.... however newer generations have a trap door in there trunk for easier access.

But just to be sure as mentioned previously, Check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. I believe that's going to be the tell tale sign of a failed fuel pump!

 

Is the CEL on? Any codes? If the fuel pump is bad the engine will 'sputter' and 'buck' when it dies. If the engine is shutting down (like turning the key off) it is more then likely electrical. A malfunctioning temp sensor switch or a defective ICM are the first things that come to mind...

 

I had the exact symptoms you do. But I have a 6th Gen. Mine was a bad/missing signal from the MAS. Once replaced, the car ran fine. I agree with 03SSLE, a bad fuel filter or pump would cause the car to sputter before it shuts off. A vacuum leak would cause rough or high idle. Your problem is electrical. Even if you do not have a CEL code, take it to a shop that can do a Engine Running diagnostic. That's the only way to pin down What's going on without a CEL code stored in the PCM. Good Luck!

 

Sounds like mine did when the CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR went out. Could also be just about everything else listed here - MAF, fuel pump, ICM.

 

Thanks to all who have given me suggestions and I will post when I find out what the problem is.