Yesterday on my way to lunch, my 1999 Bonneville with 46,000 miles started acting sluggish when I turned the A/C on. The A/C did not get cold. I've had the A/C on this year and it was fine. When I returned to work the engine died as I was making a sharp turn in the parking lot. It immediately restarted though. Later the car died on my way home from work when I made a 90 degree left hand turn. Once again it started immediately but ran roughly. Before I arrived home the check engine light came on and stayed on. I had the A/C on all the time but it never got cold. By the way, none of these trips were over a couple of miles.

I called the local dealership from which I purchased the car new six years ago. The gentleman I spoke with wouldn't give me any idea what may be wrong, but did indicate it may be something serious. I'm taking it in next week. I'm very annoyed since the car has so few miles. I had a similar problem with a 1993 Olds Cutlass that I traded in on the Bonneville. The Cutlass also had about 45,000 miles. The dealership never did determine what was causing that problem, although they thought it was something electrical.

Do you guys have any ideas about what may causing this problem? I appreciate any advice you may have. Thanks!

Ray

Maybe a short in the wiring harness? That was my problem. Had similar issue with engine shutting off during turns and just sitting still, like at a stoplight.

Thanks for the reply I hope it is something that simple. I've emailed my brother who is an Auto Mechanics teacher, but haven't heard from him yet. I'll keep you guys posted.

Don't drive it until you have it scanned. Is it superchared? Or does it have the L36? Have you checked your coolant and oil?

Bill - could the compressor be starting to go, not seizing but causing a strain that when added to the ps is too much and the engine stalls?

we cant trouble shoot untill you get the codes pulled...

go to autozone or advance and get it scanned and make sure to write it down and post it here

No, it is not supercharged. Has the 3.8L V6. I hadn't thought about taking it to an auto parts store to have it scanned, but I'll do that. The nearest Advance Auto is about seven miles away. I just hope it doesn't leave me stranded somewhere along the way :(

Thanks for the tips guys!

Ok guys. Thought you might like to know what was wrong with my Bonneville. Started out to the shop this morning and it wouldn't shift into second gear. I got about a half mile from home decided I'd better head back home. Died a couple of times before I got home. Had it towed to the dealership. Here'* the diagnosis. Some varmint (a mouse, a squirrel, I don't know what) had eaten a lot of the wiring around the wiring harness. The mechanic replaced all that wiring and also flushed the radiator, which had never been done. Total cost, including the towing, just over $500. I was pleased in a way since I was expecting something much more serious. It drove like a dream on the way home, blowed cold air, just like new

Now I need to set me some traps and catch this critter. The car is garaged all the time, but I leave the back door open so my dogs can go in and out. I'll need to get some kind of trap that won't affect them.

Thanks guys. Have a good weekend!

The critters are holing up in your car for a couple of reasons.

First and foremost...in the winter it was probably the warmest place they could go, secondly while it held heat sometime and from the age and mileage you don't drive long distances, so I'll assume when you go it'* mostly short trips. Therefore the car is usually where the critters remember it. Right in the garage. And third of all, they need a home and it seemed like a swell place as long as it doesn't start too often.

Possible solutions are the ultrasonic pest repellers that do not affect cats and dogs. The work sometimes. Moth balls are a cheap and usually effective way. A possibility would be a cat....not sure if the dogs and you would be accepting.

Unfortunately the door being open for the dogs is an open invite for the criiters.

Critters ate a bunch of wiring in my buddies F150...talk about funny...calls me up to tell me he'* got a problem and needs my help... He now starts his truck up much more often as a precaution.