Bravada stalls and restarts on its own

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 12:52 AM

I have a problem that recently started. Going down the road the other night the engine just shut down then in a little bit started running again on its own. I later pulled into an intersection and it shut down again. I put it in neutral and coasted back as I was coasting back with a totally silent engine it started running again all on its own. Then today parked in my driveway I started it and it stalled and as I sat there about 5 seconds or so later it just powered up again. Does anyone have any ideas ? There were no codes set. I just went and started it again and it ran awhile really well then just shut off. This time it didn't start back up on its own nor when I cranked it. I have thought of the ignition switch but rather here from others as to possibilities .
Thanks

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 09:39 AM

Someone suggested a torque converter problem. Would it cause the stalling at road speed, in neutral, and in park and the engine restarting itself in all 3 situations ? As well as no start while cranking the engine after a stall ?

***philntx*** · 06-10-2009, 11:27 AM

If the engine was totally off, the starter would have to engage to start it.

wkdvdub · 06-10-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by RC9

Someone suggested a torque converter problem. Would it cause the stalling at road speed, in neutral, and in park and the engine restarting itself in all 3 situations ? As well as no start while cranking the engine after a stall ?

The torque converter can cause the motor to "stall", but its not going to cause it to restart. IMO it sounds like some kind of ignition problem. Did this problem start after adding an accessory or out of no where. While driving have you heard any noises that sound like the starter bendix engaging or something hitting the flywheel.

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 01:07 PM

Nothing new added and no noises. Just happened out of the blue.
I pulled the coil plug wire to see any spark against a ground and nothing. Tried 2 coils and no fire. I took the connector off the coil and checked voltage. The pink wire had 12v the yellow or white and black wire during cranking had .60 volts . I am getting fuel but it is not firing it . It won't try to start at all just cranks . I just talked to a guy that after hearing how it started running after it seemed totally dead thought the ignition switch . I've never experienced this behavior before .

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

If the engine was totally off, the starter would have to engage to start it.

That's what I thought but sitting in the vehicle with the window down in park or neutral when it happened there was absolutely no sound of a running engine when it then restarted. All the lights came on like a stalled motor. Then you heard it come to life . I don't have an answer. I did read others that said their engine stalled while driving and recover itself. They said it was an ignition switch. Like I said, new to me.

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 01:39 PM

When cranking the pink wire drops to around 10.30v and the white/black wire jumps around .22v

***orangesonoma*** · 06-10-2009, 01:45 PM

thats normal of the pink wire and where is this white/black? the wires at the switch are red, pink, orange, brown, yellow

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 02:02 PM

There are 2 wires on the coil connector. Pink and white/black . It was fluctuating around .22v when cranking .

***orangesonoma*** · 06-10-2009, 02:04 PM

oh pink is ignition and thats normal and the other is the coil input to fire from the distribution...and thats a negative signal and it is going to pulse

RC9 · 06-10-2009, 08:35 PM

Just went out this evening and it started right up like nothing was wrong and stayed running until I finally turned it off .

No spark this morning but ran fine tonight .

RC9 · 06-11-2009, 02:19 PM

I just found this and the symptoms are the same. I'm going to get the switch and try to tackle the replacement .

Quote:

My 1997 oldsmobile bravada had a problem where the car would "die" anytime and then automatically turn back on while driving on the highway. The same would happen during city driving but I would have to re-start the car. A very dangerous occurrence if I was in the middle of making a turn when the car would suddenly stop. It turned out to be the ignition switch that needed replacement and the dealer said that this was becoming a very common problem with this kind of automobile (bravada, blazer, jimmy).

***orangesonoma*** · 06-11-2009, 02:21 PM

when it starts back up do you hear the starter? cause i cannot see anyway for it to start back up

RC9 · 06-11-2009, 03:28 PM

Nope, no starter. It happens just like the other person stated. It acts like you totally turned the key off then it comes back to life after a few seconds or so . No sputtering or anything when it dies. Just shuts off right now .Like I said it not only happened going highway speed but in an intersection rolling in neutral after it stalled and sitting in park in my driveway . Yesterday I had no spark, just turned over and you could smell the gas. Last night I went out and turned the key and it started right up. I drive many miles a day and am now afraid to drive it after this.

RC9 · 06-11-2009, 05:12 PM

I just bought the switch and a fuel pressure gauge. I put the gauge on and it pumps around 64 and stays around 60 when not cranking . The engine started and stalled again after a few seconds and would not restart but the fuel pump was still working . So I disconnected the battery and will wait for 30min to pass and disconnect the airbag fuse and connector. I read the airbag has a capacitor that needs to drain and 30min is recommended. Then I will tackle the switch.

RC9 · 06-11-2009, 06:05 PM

Ok, can anyone tell me how to disconnect the emergency brake handle so I can totally remove the lower trim ? Also, how do I get the collar off the column ? The tilt handle won't allow me to take the halves off.

Thanks

NotaDime · 06-12-2009, 01:15 AM

press the e-brake all the way in, then follow the cable from the handle to the end, pull it up and over the "clasp" that holds it in. very simple.

the two pieces of the collar separate and one comes up and the other comes down, pull them apart then wiggle them off.

i think theres screws under it holding it together to.

RC9 · 06-12-2009, 08:23 PM

Just replaced ignition switch and no start. I have no spark from the coil. I have around 12v on the pink wire to the coil (coil connector). When cranking I have voltage pulsing in the white/black wire but nothing out of the coil plug wire. Does this sound like the coil is bad ? I checked the continuity of the coil plug wire and it is good (new) .

87c10slammer · 06-13-2009, 12:54 AM

have you hecked any of the relays under the hood.. maybe the fuses as well... that or your having passlock issues...

RC9 · 06-13-2009, 07:38 AM

Yes, I have checked them. What confuses me is that the needed power from both wires to the coil is present yet no spark exiting .

RC9 · 06-13-2009, 05:26 PM

Just put a new coil on and no change. I have 12v from the ignition pink wire. I also have pulsing voltage from the wh/blk wire. Both wires are connected to the coil. I am presuming the white/black wire is the signal from the ignition module. I am stumped if all that is getting to the coil why there is no fire from the coil .

RC9 · 06-14-2009, 01:28 PM

Put on a ignition module and crankcase sensor and nothing changed. Does the air bag system need re-enabled to start ?

wkdvdub · 06-15-2009, 09:46 AM

When you took the stuff off the column, did you put everything back where it was. Sounds like the PRNDL switch doesnt see it in P or N. Unhook shift linkage at the trans. and manually put it in Park or Neutral. Worth a shot.

RC9 · 06-15-2009, 12:22 PM

It's turning over in P and N . Just no spark at coil. I can smell the unburnt gas . It acted like this before I touched the column .The only thing I disconnected other than the ignition switch was the airbag system and the courtesy light next to the parking brake .

RC9 · 06-15-2009, 01:18 PM

I have voltage in both wires in the coil connector. What would cause the coil not to emit spark if both wires are working ?

Calvin51 · 06-19-2009, 04:24 PM

Check all of your wires at the starter. One could be broke and with motion on the vehicle it makes contact, then breaks contact. I had a Dodge that did the same thing and it drove me nuts for over a month. One day it would be fine, the next day I would be running 60 and it would die. After dieing, you could feel the truck slow down slightly then start right back up. One of the smaller wires to the starter was broke, but was still in the same shape as if it was whole. It would rock back and forth at times, make contact, then break contact.

RC9 · 06-20-2009, 08:03 AM

The starter is cranking with no problem. Thanks though for your suggestion.

RC9 · 06-29-2009, 06:46 PM

Solved.

Bad wire connection to the crank sensor .

06-10-2009, 12:52 AM	#1
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Bravada stalls and restarts on its own I have a problem that recently started. Going down the road the other night the engine just shut down then in a little bit started running again on its own. I later pulled into an intersection and it shut down again. I put it in neutral and coasted back as I was coasting back with a totally silent engine it started running again all on its own. Then today parked in my driveway I started it and it stalled and as I sat there about 5 seconds or so later it just powered up again. Does anyone have any ideas ? There were no codes set. I just went and started it again and it ran awhile really well then just shut off. This time it didn't start back up on its own nor when I cranked it. I have thought of the ignition switch but rather here from others as to possibilities . Thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-10-2009, 09:39 AM	#2
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Someone suggested a torque converter problem. Would it cause the stalling at road speed, in neutral, and in park and the engine restarting itself in all 3 situations ? As well as no start while cranking the engine after a stall ? Last edited by RC9 : 06-10-2009 at 09:41 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-10-2009, 11:27 AM	#3
*philntx* Build them right....Mod Age: 54 Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,115 Location: Plano TX User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own If the engine was totally off, the starter would have to engage to start it.
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06-10-2009, 11:34 AM	#4
wkdvdub Registered User Age: 30 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 4 Location: Sykesville, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Quote: Originally Posted by RC9 Someone suggested a torque converter problem. Would it cause the stalling at road speed, in neutral, and in park and the engine restarting itself in all 3 situations ? As well as no start while cranking the engine after a stall ? The torque converter can cause the motor to "stall", but its not going to cause it to restart. IMO it sounds like some kind of ignition problem. Did this problem start after adding an accessory or out of no where. While driving have you heard any noises that sound like the starter bendix engaging or something hitting the flywheel.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-10-2009, 01:07 PM	#5
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Nothing new added and no noises. Just happened out of the blue. I pulled the coil plug wire to see any spark against a ground and nothing. Tried 2 coils and no fire. I took the connector off the coil and checked voltage. The pink wire had 12v the yellow or white and black wire during cranking had .60 volts . I am getting fuel but it is not firing it . It won't try to start at all just cranks . I just talked to a guy that after hearing how it started running after it seemed totally dead thought the ignition switch . I've never experienced this behavior before . Last edited by RC9 : 06-10-2009 at 01:10 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-10-2009, 01:14 PM	#6
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Quote: If the engine was totally off, the starter would have to engage to start it. That's what I thought but sitting in the vehicle with the window down in park or neutral when it happened there was absolutely no sound of a running engine when it then restarted. All the lights came on like a stalled motor. Then you heard it come to life . I don't have an answer. I did read others that said their engine stalled while driving and recover itself. They said it was an ignition switch. Like I said, new to me.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-10-2009, 01:39 PM	#7
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own When cranking the pink wire drops to around 10.30v and the white/black wire jumps around .22v
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06-10-2009, 01:45 PM	#8
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,672 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own thats normal of the pink wire and where is this white/black? the wires at the switch are red, pink, orange, brown, yellow
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06-10-2009, 02:02 PM	#9
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own There are 2 wires on the coil connector. Pink and white/black . It was fluctuating around .22v when cranking .
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06-10-2009, 02:04 PM	#10
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,672 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own oh pink is ignition and thats normal and the other is the coil input to fire from the distribution...and thats a negative signal and it is going to pulse
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-10-2009, 08:35 PM	#11
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Just went out this evening and it started right up like nothing was wrong and stayed running until I finally turned it off . No spark this morning but ran fine tonight .
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-11-2009, 02:19 PM	#12
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own I just found this and the symptoms are the same. I'm going to get the switch and try to tackle the replacement . Quote: My 1997 oldsmobile bravada had a problem where the car would "die" anytime and then automatically turn back on while driving on the highway. The same would happen during city driving but I would have to re-start the car. A very dangerous occurrence if I was in the middle of making a turn when the car would suddenly stop. It turned out to be the ignition switch that needed replacement and the dealer said that this was becoming a very common problem with this kind of automobile (bravada, blazer, jimmy).
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-11-2009, 02:21 PM	#13
*orangesonoma* forum idiot Age: 31 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 46,672 Location: Indian Trail, NC User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own when it starts back up do you hear the starter? cause i cannot see anyway for it to start back up
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06-11-2009, 03:28 PM	#14
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Nope, no starter. It happens just like the other person stated. It acts like you totally turned the key off then it comes back to life after a few seconds or so . No sputtering or anything when it dies. Just shuts off right now .Like I said it not only happened going highway speed but in an intersection rolling in neutral after it stalled and sitting in park in my driveway . Yesterday I had no spark, just turned over and you could smell the gas. Last night I went out and turned the key and it started right up. I drive many miles a day and am now afraid to drive it after this. Last edited by RC9 : 06-11-2009 at 03:29 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-11-2009, 05:12 PM	#15
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own I just bought the switch and a fuel pressure gauge. I put the gauge on and it pumps around 64 and stays around 60 when not cranking . The engine started and stalled again after a few seconds and would not restart but the fuel pump was still working . So I disconnected the battery and will wait for 30min to pass and disconnect the airbag fuse and connector. I read the airbag has a capacitor that needs to drain and 30min is recommended. Then I will tackle the switch.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-11-2009, 06:05 PM	#16
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Ok, can anyone tell me how to disconnect the emergency brake handle so I can totally remove the lower trim ? Also, how do I get the collar off the column ? The tilt handle won't allow me to take the halves off. Thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-12-2009, 01:15 AM	#17
NotaDime UN-BANNED B!TCHES!!!!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 5,335 Location: Home. User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own press the e-brake all the way in, then follow the cable from the handle to the end, pull it up and over the "clasp" that holds it in. very simple. the two pieces of the collar separate and one comes up and the other comes down, pull them apart then wiggle them off. i think theres screws under it holding it together to.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-12-2009, 08:23 PM	#18
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Just replaced ignition switch and no start. I have no spark from the coil. I have around 12v on the pink wire to the coil (coil connector). When cranking I have voltage pulsing in the white/black wire but nothing out of the coil plug wire. Does this sound like the coil is bad ? I checked the continuity of the coil plug wire and it is good (new) .
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-13-2009, 12:54 AM	#19
87c10slammer Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 391 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own have you hecked any of the relays under the hood.. maybe the fuses as well... that or your having passlock issues...
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06-13-2009, 07:38 AM	#20
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Yes, I have checked them. What confuses me is that the needed power from both wires to the coil is present yet no spark exiting .
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06-13-2009, 05:26 PM	#21
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Just put a new coil on and no change. I have 12v from the ignition pink wire. I also have pulsing voltage from the wh/blk wire. Both wires are connected to the coil. I am presuming the white/black wire is the signal from the ignition module. I am stumped if all that is getting to the coil why there is no fire from the coil .
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-14-2009, 01:28 PM	#22
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Put on a ignition module and crankcase sensor and nothing changed. Does the air bag system need re-enabled to start ?
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06-15-2009, 09:46 AM	#23
wkdvdub Registered User Age: 30 Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 4 Location: Sykesville, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own When you took the stuff off the column, did you put everything back where it was. Sounds like the PRNDL switch doesnt see it in P or N. Unhook shift linkage at the trans. and manually put it in Park or Neutral. Worth a shot.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-15-2009, 12:22 PM	#24
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own It's turning over in P and N . Just no spark at coil. I can smell the unburnt gas . It acted like this before I touched the column .The only thing I disconnected other than the ignition switch was the airbag system and the courtesy light next to the parking brake . Last edited by RC9 : 06-15-2009 at 12:28 PM.
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06-15-2009, 01:18 PM	#25
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own I have voltage in both wires in the coil connector. What would cause the coil not to emit spark if both wires are working ?
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06-19-2009, 04:24 PM	#26
Calvin51 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 158 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Check all of your wires at the starter. One could be broke and with motion on the vehicle it makes contact, then breaks contact. I had a Dodge that did the same thing and it drove me nuts for over a month. One day it would be fine, the next day I would be running 60 and it would die. After dieing, you could feel the truck slow down slightly then start right back up. One of the smaller wires to the starter was broke, but was still in the same shape as if it was whole. It would rock back and forth at times, make contact, then break contact.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-20-2009, 08:03 AM	#27
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own The starter is cranking with no problem. Thanks though for your suggestion.
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06-29-2009, 06:46 PM	#28
RC9 Registered User Age: 51 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Bravada stalls and restarts on its own Solved. Bad wire connection to the crank sensor .
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