When the car acts up does the Service Engine Soon light come on, then when it straightens back out go back off?

 

Never got a check engine light or service soon, not even temporarily. I haven't tried a code reader-I just have a cheap one, but it usually doesn't read anything unless check engine light is on.

 

I'm thinking fuel pump, but don't have a way to check pressure.

Harbor Freight / Northern Tool, etc sell fuel pressure test kits for around $30 give or take. AutoZone and the like rent them out for free, but you have to leave a 100% refundable deposit equal to the price of the tool, so near $200 in this case. Try pulling codes just for grins. You may have codes that don't set the Check/Service Engine light, and it's always possible the bulb is burnt out (does it light during bulb test at key-on?). If you suspect fuel though, CHECK FUEL! It's actually one of the easiest "test/checks" we can do. Maybe you have a weak Coil?

 

You should be able to pull any codes even if the “SES” light is off.

When you say the SES light doesn’t even appear temporarily, are you saying it does not come on during the 3-second bulb check when you turn the key to “run”? What brand/type OBD-2 code reader do you have? They are not all bad just because they are “cheap”.

While the best approach is to check for codes and check the fuel pressure, one thing you might want to take a quick look at is the rubber elbow that connects the MAF sensor to the throttle body. If that is cracked, torn, or not fully over the flange on the throttle body (it sometimes slips off on the bottom, where you can’t see it) it can cause the symptom you are experiencing, because air is bypassing the MAF sensor, so the PCM doesn’t know it needs to start supplying additional fuel.

 

Thats a good question. I will confirm that it comes on at start up, but I think it does. Scanner an 'Autolink' by Autel. I've chased vacuum leaks before, I will take a look. One other remote possibility is that I have had issues with Mice in the garage, (and engine compartment, and glove box) before this time of year- Different car. I suppose a Vacuum line might taste good to them. I will also try to check codes. I really appreciate your feedback- I'll post an update tomorrow.

 

My TA did this too and it was the Mass Air Flow Sensor, but the SES light came on during the stall and went back off upon recovery, this was why I was curious about the light. Not sure about 96 but on 95 you can unplug it, and if the stall goes away then you've found the problem.

 

This may be far off but I had a similar problem with my 98 TA LS1 recently. No codes. The problem was a lot of foreign material in front of the MAF sensor. The tech who did the last filter replacement did not put the air cleaner lid back right.

 

This was a great help-Clogged MAF is a real possibility especially with mice. Went to read codes and check lights this Morning and had a Dead Battery. Probably won't be looking at it till the weekend but will be sure to post what I find.

 

Well..I did not need the engine running to find my problem. Just pop the top off the air filter and look.

 

Your codes will be gone if you lost battery power.

 

Update from weekend. As soon as I put a charger on the battery the fuel pump in the gas tank started making odd noises. I'm guessing it is supposed to hold pressure even when car is sitting. There was no key in the ignition. I'm pretty sure it is what failed and also drained the battery. I am still going to check MAF. Does this sound right?

 

The fuel pump should NOT run with the key (or no key) in the “OFF” position. There is a check valve in the pump that holds the pressure (at least it is supposed to) when the pump shuts down.

Yes, check the MAF sensor. You are, hopefully, following up on all the suggestions..