What causes an older model GL8 to suddenly stall while driving?

[KathrynLynn]

In most cases, this situation occurs when the fuel pump stops working or there is an issue with the control circuit of the fuel pump. It is recommended to focus on checking the fuel pump's wiring, including the fuel pump itself, as well as the engine's electronic control system and any related fault codes. More details about the GL8 are as follows: 1. Introduction 1: The Buick GL8 has always been the dominant player in the domestic MPV market. With the launch of the all-new generation Buick GL8, the first-generation Buick GL8, commonly known as the "Landzun Face," was phased out. However, to capture more of the household MPV market share, Buick introduced a new Buick GL8 Business Travel version based on the second-generation GL8. 2. Introduction 2: The new Buick GL8 Business Travel largely retains the design of the second-generation Buick GL8, but the most significant change is the front grille, which has been updated from the original waterfall-style to the latest Buick family wing-style. This modification maintains the vehicle's original business appeal while adding a more dynamic touch, making it more attractive to a broader range of customers. 3. Introduction 3: The Buick GL8 Business Travel is equipped with a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine, which offers a slight power increase compared to the previous 2.4L engine. Additionally, when compared to similarly priced competitors with naturally aspirated engines, it boasts the highest horsepower and torque. The transmission is paired with GM's latest 6-speed automatic manual transmission, prioritizing smoothness and comfort. It's worth noting that the noise insulation maintains the excellent performance of the older models, which remains crucial for both household and commercial use. 4. Introduction 4: Compared to other competing MPVs, the Buick GL8 Business Travel's biggest advantages are its spacious passenger and trunk areas. Furthermore, the changes in exterior styling aim to attract more household users in addition to the commercial market. Finally, with the power upgrade, the official combined fuel consumption has reached 8.4L/100km, marking a notable improvement.

[DeHadley]

I've been driving my old GL8 for seven or eight years and have encountered sudden stalling several times while driving. The most common issue is a failing fuel pump, especially when driving on highways where it feels like the car can't accelerate, and the RPM drops leading to a stall. Another problem is aging and cracked ignition coils—the plastic casing tends to crack under high temperatures, causing misfires and then stalling. In older cars, wiring connectors are prone to oxidation and loosening; for example, if the crankshaft position sensor's plug comes loose, the signal is lost, and the ECU gets confused. Also, pay attention to the alternator belt—if it ages and breaks, the entire electrical system collapses. I recommend focusing on these areas, as stalling while driving on highways is extremely dangerous. Last time, I almost rear-ended someone.

[DelLukas]

After over 20 years of auto repair experience, I've found that old GL8 stalling issues mainly fall into three categories: In the fuel system, fuel pump screen clogging or fuel pressure regulator failure can starve the engine of fuel. Within the electrical system, cracked ignition coils causing leakage are most common, and severe spark plug carbon buildup can also lead to sudden misfires. Among sensors, faulty crankshaft position sensors are most critical - their errors make the ECU cut fuel injection and ignition immediately. Also check the EFI main fuse in the fuse box, as oxidation in older vehicles can cause poor contact and power loss. These failures all cause sudden stalling, especially under heavy acceleration loads. I recommend first scanning for trouble codes rather than randomly replacing parts.

[VanJulia]

Last week, my cousin's 2008 GL8 suddenly stalled on the highway. After towing it to the shop, we found the fuel pump carbon brushes were completely worn out. This is a common issue with older vehicles—once they hit over 100,000 kilometers, the fuel pump motor's lifespan is often up. Another hidden culprit is unstable alternator voltage. If the battery warning light comes on, be cautious, as excessive voltage fluctuations can trigger the ECU's automatic protection and cause the engine to stall. Timing chain stretch leading to skipped teeth can also cause stalling, though it usually gives warning signs like abnormal noises. A clogged crankcase ventilation valve causing vacuum leaks may also stall the engine, especially in older Buicks prone to oil sludge buildup. It's recommended to replace the fuel filter every 50,000 kilometers to extend the fuel pump's lifespan.