My 1992 Bonneville SE (no mods) has about 240K miles and for the past week or so has been stalling intermittently. After letting her sit for an hour or so, it starts and runs like a top. Then without warning, goodnight. No electric, full stall. Sometimes I get a check engine light, but then it goes out. As of now, there is no check engine light. (It does come on at at start, though, like it should.) The fuel pump sounds fine. I am going to replace the fuel filter today and go ahead and clean the throttle body and MAF sensor. These are low-cost things that I have been meaning to do anyway. I am not sure if letting her sit is a temp cool-down or crap in the fuel system settling that enables the car to start and run again. I have let this car go below 1/4 tank a few times, for that I am at fault. The battery/ground situation seems fine. And the driver'* and passenger'* ground busses are both clean and look good. (I have not checked for other grounds other than the 2 busses and the battery).

This has been a GREAT car, one of the best that I have ever owned. The only semi-major problem that I have ever had with this car in the 5 years of ownership is to replace the ignition control module. That to me is beyond reasonable. I am not ready to part with this one. I am trying to locate a cheap OBD I, Autozone as far as I know only does OBD II and newer. I have heard that OBD I is largely unreliable, is this true? And does anyone know if there is an ignition key sequence to pull codes (if I have any) off this '92? (The only key sequence that I am aware of is the one for turning off the change oil light.)

It is possible there is a faulty sensor or other code-throwing malady. I am trying to think through this instead of going on a parts swapping spree. Also, what are your experiences with a similar problem as I am having, I am open for all suggestions. Thanks for your time. I will be sure to post any new info as I delve into the problem(*).

Well, you've certainly checked the basics top and down, inside and out. Not bad at all. Let us know how the fuel filter change goes.

You don't need a code reader or key sequence for this, if you have patience and the ability to count. Turn the car on but don't crank it, jump pins A and B of the OBD*I connector with a paper clip and then watch the check engine light blink out the two-digit code(*), if you have any. If I remember correctly, you'll get a series of flashes, a short pause, and then another series of flashes; if there is more than one code, you'll get a longer pause and then more flashing.

clogged fuel filter would not result in loss of electrical. So u got a differant issue. I would sheck the battery terminals again, alternator wires, and the power wire that goes into the fuse block.

Thanks guys, I should be able to check for codes today. I am going to change the fuel filter and do some cleaning anyway since it needs to be done although I too am leaning towards something electrical or sensor-related. I will search for the code list and will make sure to depressurize the fuel system prior to futzing with the filter. Hopefully by the end of the day I will have some form of usable info.

I apparently have an electrical related issue. I was messing around a bit the other day and moved the Bonneville to get my van around to bleed the ABS brakes, which was a blast...NOT (2000 Venture). At any rate, when I went to re-start the 92 Bonneville, about 3 hours later, the battery was suddenly dead. There was no electric left on that would have drained it. I took the battery to Autozone, they checked it and said it was fine. So, I have some electrical anomaly somewhere. Possible short to ground, I am not sure yet. I am going to put the battery back in it and try to see if there are any codes. Otherwise I am in for a bit of searching. Any ideas what to check first? This issue creates a stall and loss of power. Thank you, I will repost when I know something.

EDIT: The battery checks fine from Autozone, it is charged and holding. I have 14.3 VDC at the alternator and at the battery when running. So, I will begin the arduous task of trying to find a short or crossed/grounded wire. I will try to pull some codes, not even sure if there are any.