My 1996 Cavalier has been stalling in warm weather for the past couple years, but each year it gets worse. I actually had to get it towed yesterday(AAA is a wonderful thing!) when it stalled and wouldn't stay running for more than a minute. It knocked, but only when we pushed it pretty hard, because we were stuck in an intersection. The engine is not overheating, not smoking or anything like that, but the check engine light comes on after it stalls and will stay on for days or weeks. It will stall wheter the AC is on or not, I tested that too. I keep up on oil changes, and used Engine Restore on it as well. The Fuel Filter has been replaced, I originally thought that was the problem.

Any help would be great, I'd love to get her running strong again, I don't want to have to buy a crappy car from the auction!

Read the DTC codes, that'll get you pointed in the right direction. What did you do to the engine before this happened? Changed the plugs?

I bought it used in 2005 with a headgasket about to go, and it did within 2 weeks. That was replaced, the car was tuned up, and all the usual maintenance done. The only big thing done since then has been the fuel filter. The only other problem I had was a blown fuse for the horn. It didn't start stalling until the summer of '06, and so far it has only stalled when I drive it a lot in a few hour period. I have to wait until my mechanic is available to run a diagnostic.

Like I said go to a local auto parts and have them read the codes. They'll do it for free. :)

I should be able to get it to the Auto Zone near me, I can do that tomorrow probably. Thanks, I didn't know I could get it done there for free!(my mechanic is my uncle, so he always does my work for the cost of parts, so I just usually go to him first)

Turns out it was the O2 sensor, and it's something I can replace myself! I hope to get many more years out of this little car!

Thanks for your help, I might never have known to just go to AutoZone, and I'm a procrastinator, so imagine where it woulda gone! :p

Thats great! Do yourself a favor and get the O2 sensor removal socket kit(most AP's will rent it free just leave a deposit) depending on where the sensor is located it can be a lifesaver.