1988 Pontiac Trans GTA stalls when out on D

Asked by Ted May 06, 2017 at 09:23 PM about the 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Back in December I bought a 1988 Pontiac Trans Am
GTA. A few weeks later the battery died. Since it was an
old one, I had it replaced. But even the new battery died
after a week. I assumed that there was a problem with the
alternator, so I installed a new one. After the new
alternator the car would start but stall after a few seconds.
At that time we found out that the PCM was bad so we
replaced it. Now, we test the alternator and the battery,
and we get a healthy 13V reading. The car starts without a
problem, it idles without a problem, but stalls when you
put it in D and try to drive. We cannot figure out what the
problem could be. Any ideas?

Let me add that the fuel pump relay,the fuel pump and the
wiring harness that powers the fuel pump have all been
replaced.

1 Answer

59,095

Does it need a full servicing? Plugs & wires, cap and rotor, HEI control module, located under the rotor, ect running lean, Fuel filter. tcc solenoid (torque lockup) or neutral safety switch. Low vacuum/low manifold pressure. I would start testing sensors per a repair manual procedures for your car. Some of these cars have issues with burning wires so check them all and the ones from ignition coil to the ignition module wiring. Idle speed to low, vacuum leak, Low fuel pressure, lock-up torque convertor problem (TCC). PCV valve dirty. You can unhook the TCC and try to drive it if it does then solenoid or your wire harness to it needs checked, if it does not then its a engine issue or trans issue. Pull and check all sensor or electrical connections (including spark plug boots) and clean with computer board cleaner (aka contact cleaner) and apply a generous amount of dielectric grease.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1988 Pontiac Firebird

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Samuel Moore
    Reputation
    1,590
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    1,320
  • #3
    Paul Martin
    Reputation
    1,270
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
583 Great Deals out of 9,031 listings starting at $4,899
Used Chevrolet Corvette
754 Great Deals out of 12,508 listings starting at $3,200
Used Ford Mustang
884 Great Deals out of 22,373 listings starting at $1,000
Used Dodge Charger
762 Great Deals out of 27,252 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford F-150
6,075 Great Deals out of 133,989 listings starting at $1,050
Used Pontiac Grand Prix
207 listings starting at $2,395
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,212 Great Deals out of 60,244 listings starting at $2,450
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,177 Great Deals out of 17,913 listings starting at $1,300

Used Cars for Sale

2002 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 60 listings starting at $7,950
2001 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
12 listings starting at $5,200
2000 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
31 listings starting at $14,988
1999 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
21 listings starting at $7,900
1998 Pontiac Firebird For Sale
18 listings starting at $5,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.