Could be something like the Optispark distributor, or the ignition control module? Both of those would set codes, but not necessarily turn on the SES light.

Have you scanned it for codes?

The ignition switch can also be a problem, as these cars age.

 

so, it throws a code then the code goes away, when we try to scan it it doesn't come up as anything

 

I couldnt think of anything else that would be logically possible.
Considering that with most other things like faulty fuel/air supply the engine would sputter or make odd noises and not just die.

However, maybe it could be just a fault in the wiring?

 

When a code sets it is stored in the PCM. I will not disappear unless 1) the battery power to the PCM is disconnected; 2) or a scan tool is used to clear it; or 3) a sufficient number of drive cycles are completed without the code being set again.

Is the SES light turning on? Some codes do not turn on the SES light.

What are you using to read the codes?

Is it possible the engine is stalling because of a faulty battery cable?

 

so, we are using our ODB 1 reader that we used on all our old GM ODB 1 equipped cars, it still works like new. but the car never kept the engine light on continuously it went away as soon as you turned the car off

 

The SES light doesn’t have to be on to read the codes.

Are you possibly trying to flash the codes on the SES light? Example Actron 9001. Doesn’t work on a 94.

 

Sorry about starting a new thread but I wanted to get your attention because your probably the only one who can help me out with this issue.. it is just to shorter tool. So it’s not even a real tool. How do I hook up the “free software”

 

I have a 1994 Firebird Formula also. I started having the same issue about 2 months ago. Although mine would wait about 5 minutes to restart after it died. But basically it would just stop running. It kept turning over after the stall, but it might be 5-10 minutes before it would start again. Brought it to my son who is a mechanic. He checked my fuel, no issues there. He replaced Ignition coil. no dice. Replaced OptiSpark and it has been working great for a week now. So my guess would be OPTI, but that is only because my car that is the same just had the issue.

 

I too wonder what you are using to read the codes in this vehicle. 1994 models are year-specific with how the ALDL interfaces with a scanner, and like Fred said, they won't work with the older "scanners" that ground one of the terminals and make the SES light flash.

When the car stalls, do you smell gasoline?

 

UPDATE

we ran a fuel pressure test and it came back fine. Then after that I went ahead and replaced the ICM. No beans. What ended up happening is it cut off the injectors randomly. Fuel pump was still running but the injectors cut off for no reason. Which I still don’t know why. So now I’m really worried. Praying it’s not the F!cking opti spark or the PCM. I gotta have the car running. Now I’m not sure what to try next. Wondering about possibly an ignition coil. Or maybe a sensor. I know it needs plug wires but that wouldn’t cause it to stall as if someone just cut out fuel all together.

 

Follow the link to the software Injuneer linked in your other post and read the announcement, aka post #1 before you click-thru to download the software. It will answer your question, just as reading the posts in this thread would have clued you in to why you're not able to pull codes with your "scanner". If after reading you have a question or are uncertain about something, that's the time to ask. Failure to read the replies of those trying to assist you and refusal to look past your nose will only result in everyone abandoning your topic. It's very frustrating when folks don't take the time to read replies. Makes us wonder why we bother. Surely you understand.

 

You don’t need to start a new thread to get my attention. As a moderator I read every single post on this site. And I am not the only person on this site who can answer these questions.

The reasons I might not respond immediately:

- I do this on two other similar sites, and it gets time consuming.

- I don’t come here as often, because of problems with the new site software, and the fact the owners of the site don’t care enough to do anything about it.

- I am recovering from cataract eye surgery, and staring at a bright screen with fine print is not a lot of fun. I have an appointment for my other eye later this month.

- For exactly the reasons ZumpTA listed above. When people ask for help, don't seem to read the responses (or choose to ignore them), don't want to download the factory service manual and actually look at them, don't provide basic info about their car up front, don‘t answer simple questions, cross-post topics wasting everyone's time, highjack other people’s threads, disappear after resolving the problem without coming back to share the solution, etc. I drop out. I'm old and I’m grumpy, but that’s who I am.

 

Oh