I have a 1998 Cavalier z24 and I have been having some issues with it randomly shutting off while driving at slow speeds, normally anywhere from 5 - 10 mph. It has happened about 4 times and always seems to be when I have not drove the car for three or four hours. Thankfully, it has only occurred around the house and not while I was out and about. However, I'd like to fix the problem before it becomes a major issue. You can hear and feel it begin to sputter and then everything completely shuts off but you can turn it back on right afterwards. Anyone know what could be causing this?

 

Could be relegated to am ECM stored death code. Or releated to the spark or fuel system.

 

I have the same problem and it really sucks. The only difference is I have the ETS and check engine light come on and stay on for a few weeks then it goes back off I was told when I got it checked I have a leak in one of my lines and that I needed to have it hooked to a smoke machine to find the leak.

Anyone know if you can hook a regular smoke machine up to the car to find the leak and if so were does one hook it up?

 

Did they say it was a vacuum leak? If that's the case then you can try to find it with brake cleaner. When you spray it around fittings it should increase engine rpm

 

I believe that is what it is. Will this ignite my engine if done wrong and do I use short bursts of spray?

 

Hi klwmat417,

Welcome to the Chevy Forums.

Let's get back to basics here. What's the mileage?

When was the last tune-up? Specifically, when

was the gas filter, air filter, and spark plugs changed?

Manufacturers love to make outrageous claims for the

durability of their spark plugs. Cut their average mileage

claims in half.

Then run an OBD test, to check for codes.

 

I was told by my mothers boy friend who is a mechanic to check the crankshaft sensor that might be the problem..

Now only if I knew were it was located and what it looked like.