xci9v8icx

ok to start this off, i have replaced the rad, thermostat, distributor, oilpan and gasket, valvecover and gaskets, coolant, main relay , i have been trying to find a solid thread but have no confidence in the answers i have seen and do not like to throw away good parts, so the problem started while i was driving on the highway, around 2500 rpms, the car would stall but start back up on its own, and then for about a day it never happened again, basically i figured a hicup sure its a 20 year old car... today it happened again, but quite a few times and at all speeds, and eventually would not start for a bit , i got out and kicked the fuel tank and slammed on the back seat a bit to mabye knock some sense into the fuel pump, wiggled a few wires by the coil and distributor and wiggled the fuel rail a bit, still no start for a few secs, then eventually it fired up and still wants to stall a bit but i made it home. any sugestions, when it stalls the lights on the dash dont light up, no check engine light neither so kinda rules out the ignitor???? open to sugestions

TejasNW

Common issues that exhibit these signs:

Failing Main Relay
Bad ignitor
Bad ignition switch
Clogged fuel filter

I would start from square one. Fuel system. Pop the plugs. Is gas getting to the cylinder when the key is on (no crank) and pedal pumped? Is there pressure to the rail? When was the last time the fuel filter was replaced? If gas is getting from the tank to the pistons, then it is electrical.

When it dies and won't start, are the plugs getting juice? Does a timing light strobe on each wire when cranked? if only one or two are an issue look to wiring. If all are dark, go to the distributor. You asked about no dash lights. Have you jumped the service connector to see if a code is stored? Does the light flash long or short when jumped? Does the bulb work in a 20 year old car? What is the current and resistance of the coil and ignitor?

The ignition key is a magical mystery item that is a common cause of random stalls/no starts. Do some reading (I don't have any experience in this area. Thankfully.)

nus_dogg

According to my Manual: Engine Stalls

1. Idle speed incorrect
2. Fuel Filter clogged and/or water and impurities in the fuel system
3. Distributor components damp or damaged
4. Faulty emissions system components
5. Faulty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs
6. Faulty spark plug wires
7. Vacuum leak in the fuel injection system, intake manifold, or vacuum hoses
8. Valve clearance incorrectly set(too tight)

Hope this help direct you.

PearlsOwner

Im in the same boat kind of. Mine just wont start when she feels like it. Has spark when this is happening but no fuel pressure. I changed the fuel pump Main relay and it worked(she decided to make me think it did) for about a week and then the other night same old. Start stall right away, start stall, start give gas stall 10 to 15 times later started and stayed running. I did notice that when shifting from gear to gear going down the road when I press the clutch the RPM reading stays at 2000-2500[where ever I happen to be]

One thing I want to ask you is your saying when it stalls no lights come on on the dash. Do you have lights with the key on but no crank. If no than you have either bulbs out or a broken wire going to the cluster. If thats the case then there could be a stored code. Kind of stupid question but what "Main" relay did you change. If it wasnt the fuel pump change it.

phootbag

OP, probably a faulty ignition switch. Turn the key on and wiggle it. Look for the dash lights to react.