trac light on; rpms zero no power

[trenaro]

Sounds like the symptons of a bad Crank Position Sensor.

[skeen01]

thank you for taking the time to respond do i need to wait till this happens again to have the computer read any guesses on the cost of repair

[dibs]

I am new to this site, and have found really helpful posts on here. I am having this same problem. The only difference is that the Service Engine Soon light just came on. I have litterally never seen it on until tonight. About a month ago I lost the RPM gauge, but that was all. The next day, it was working, so I thought nothing of it. Then, just a few hours ago the RPM gauge went dead, the Trac Off light came on, and then 30 seconds later, the SES light came on. I still owe a grand on this grand prix so I am hoping that I can fix it. I don't have much money, so taking it to a shop isn't really an option. It is a 99 Grand Prix GT. On top of this, I have also had the infamous hard shifting problem, but it comes and goes and has done it since I got it. I am not to worried about that problem right now, but this new one concerns me. Any suggestions or thoughts would be great.

Thanks in advance,
DIBS

[Chernobyl]

I am new to this site, and have found really helpful posts on here. I am having this same problem. The only difference is that the Service Engine Soon light just came on. I have litterally never seen it on until tonight. About a month ago I lost the RPM gauge, but that was all. The next day, it was working, so I thought nothing of it. Then, just a few hours ago the RPM gauge went dead, the Trac Off light came on, and then 30 seconds later, the SES light came on. I still owe a grand on this grand prix so I am hoping that I can fix it. I don't have much money, so taking it to a shop isn't really an option. It is a 99 Grand Prix GT. On top of this, I have also had the infamous hard shifting problem, but it comes and goes and has done it since I got it. I am not to worried about that problem right now, but this new one concerns me. Any suggestions or thoughts would be great.

Thanks in advance,
DIBS

I have this as well. At one point when I was going for a drive, the Tach died and the trac light went on about 3 times in a 10 minute span. Each time it would die, I would pull over and restart the car, which would fix it, for a short time. The 3rd and final time, the SES light went on, so I took it to Autozone. They reported that it was the Crankshaft Position Sensor, and lo and behold, as soon as I leave, the light goes off.

So, it's an intermittent problem, but a problem nonetheless. It is not terribly difficult to replace yourself, and there is an excellent walkthrough at http://www.grandprixforums.net/cps.php

It will cost you probably 75 dollars, including the puller tool, sensor, and loctite, assuming you possess tools.