1990 Buick Century, car will break down at certain times. Any ideas?

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Jim B

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Older car (1990 Buick Century - 6cyl automatic) with about 113000 miles on it. Thermostat may be busted because it barely gets any heat.... The car was fine until getting back from a trip from Chicago to New York City and back (1600mi)... The car would rarely break down when idling (about 3 times a month in the cold)... Now I cannot get the car to start unless I put it in neutral and give it some gas while turning the key. While driving, the car will break down if I come to complete stops so I have to shift to neutral and hold the gas down at stop lights and such... It is also having trouble shifting its gears on sharp turns so it puts & sputters like it is trying to break down, almost as if I wasn't giving it any gas to begin with. What could the problem(s) be?
 
You are describing three different problems, none of which are likely to be related.

First off, yes...your thermostat could be stuck in the open position. If it was stuck closed you'd have overheating problems...check your coolant level too, if it's low, your heater core could be air bound...

Engine sputtering, or breaking down could be plug wires, plugs or a combination of both. Also could be fuel problems...

Shifting problems could be from low fluid level, clogged transmission filter, sticking valve body, etc.

Take it to a reliable shop and approach it one at a time or all together, it will add up to correct everything...
 
You might need to check your fuel filter and/or fuel pump. There are several things that can cause this, but check the obvious first. Also, check the air cleaner for restrictions and a dirty filter.
 
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