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
59,825

enginecreator answered 7 years ago

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.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 1988 Pontiac Trans GTA stalls when out on D 1 Answer

    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 the...

    1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1988 Trans Am GTA problem 3 Answers

    Back in December Ibought 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 one week. I assumed that ...

    1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1988 pontiac trans am headlight motor wont work 1 Answer

    Hey, I have a 1988 pontiac trans am GTA and my left headlight motor wont work. I checked the cable and it seems like it doesnt get any power at all. I'm a rookie when it comes to cars but I assumed...

    1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1987 Pontiac Firebird GTA 1 Answer

    Ok i have a 1987 Pontiac firebird and on the driver side door it has a knob it’s a switch for something and it does not work any idea what it’s called and what it goes to.

    1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • MY "91 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM GTA 350 V8 1 Answer

    I DECIDED TO GIVE MY ROAD ROCKET A MAJOR TUNEUP WITH MSD 8.5 MM SUPERCONDUCTER WIRES, MSD CAP & ROTOR, 44,000 VOLT MSD BLASTER COIL, AC DELCO RAPIDFIRE #2 SINGLE PLATINUM PLUGS GAPPED AT .045, NEW ...

    1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Pontiac Firebird Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Samuel Moore
    Reputation
    1,600
  • #2
    taver91
    Reputation
    1,340
  • #3
    Paul Martin
    Reputation
    1,280
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
10 Great Deals out of 285 listings starting at $9,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
22 Great Deals out of 1,091 listings starting at $15,000
Used Ford Mustang
60 Great Deals out of 1,380 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Charger
33 Great Deals out of 735 listings starting at $5,995
Used Pontiac Grand Prix
1 listing
Used Ford F-150
298 Great Deals out of 14,071 listings starting at $1,712
Used BMW M3
93 listings starting at $15,995

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.