99 SSEi engine stalls and dash goes haywire
 

I have a 1999 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi (Supercharged, V6 3800 Series II). Yesterday while I pulled my car out of my parking lot and drove it less than 1/4 mile when the dash (all lights, gauges, compass, etc) reset itself. All the lights came on, turned off, and the gauges zeroed. As this happened the engine stalled. When I try to restart the car the engine turns over and starts, but will either immediately stall or allow me to drive very short distances. After stalling all of the electical components work (radio, dash lights, headlights, windows, locks, etc). Also when the car does start up it tends to idle beneath 1000 rpm.

I have already looked at the battery terminals for corrrosion - none found
I have already checked for any loose cables running to battery - none found
I have already checked ground bus for corrosion - none found

At this point I haven't check fuel pressure, because the fuel filter and fuel line running from filter to engine are heavily corroded and do need to be replaced.

Would the filter/line cause this problem? and if so, why is the dash affected?

The dash and engine stall happen together, every time. I cannot tell if the dash goign haywire causes the stall, or the stall causes the dash to go haywire.

i appreciate any help anyone can offer, I would prefer to fix this without taking it to a garage.

Have you looked at the ground cable at the engine block?

Update. I think I have found the problem - the battery cable running to the alternator was a touch loose at the alternator. I have tightened it and it seems to be driving fine.

BTW, it's completely normal for the gauges to hit zero when the motor is not running or stalls. Also for the various warning lights to come on. It's almost the same as when you put the key in the ignition and turn it to on without starting the car. :thumbup2

Hope that alt cable was the culprit.

That would probably do the trick. Cheap easy fixex r the best.