2004 grand Prix shut off while driving

**Roman** · 10-24-2011

Hi, I'm brand new to the forum.
I have a 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 136,000 MILES. It's been an awesome car. I love it.
Last night my wife was driving home with our two kids and she said she hit something like a pot hole in the construction zone on the hwy, said the car shut off while driving. Lights, power steering everything. She ws able to coast off to the side and called me. I asked her to turn the car back on and everything started back up. Any ideas what could have caused this?

I know, the check engine light comes on and my mechanic says its the oxygen sensors for which he says don't worry about it until inspection time.
I also know that weve been running the car alot below 1/4 tank and on empty
my gas mileage also seems to be horrible lately.
ANy input would be appreciated. Thanks

**NegativeOne13** · 10-24-2011

First, check your battery terminals. Make sure they are properly tightened and no buildup (i.e. corrosion). Also, it is a bad idea to run any vehicle on low tank of fuel, you can potentially burn up the fuel pump. Just a thought, but possible fuel pump going, but unlikely. And if you are having bad fuel mileage, when was your last tune up? Plugs, wires, tranny fluid, and others.

**BillBoost37** · 10-24-2011

Being an 04 that bad sensor may be causing you more harm than your mechanic knows. Especially if it's contnually running the 02 tests where it dumps fuel like mad to see the difference in the rear 02.

I'd also start with battery cables etc and agree about running it empty.

**NegativeOne13** · 10-24-2011

Yep, I forgot to touch on the o2 sensor like Bill got. These cars run o2 diagnostics while running, and during that time it runs pig rich, and if a sensor is not noticing a difference, it continues to run rich for the set amount of time. Find out which o2 sensor it is, and get it replaced, that will help with fuel mileage.

**Roman** · 10-24-2011

it all makes good sense. Thank you. I'll check battery cables, replace sensors and ask mechanic to check fuel pump.

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