Buick LeSabre Stalling: Pressure Sensor & Idle Issues

I experienced similar symptoms with my 1997 Buick Park Avenue with the 3.8L engine. The engine light came on and the car would stall at idle, especially after refueling. The pressure sensor warning was consistent, just like your case. My automotive repair revealed multiple issues. The main problem was indeed a faulty purge valve, which was completely stuck open. This caused irregular fuel vapor flow and created vacuum leaks. Additionally, the connecting hoses were clogged with carbon deposits, restricting proper ventilation. The repair involved: Replacing the purge valve, Cleaning the entire EVAP system, Checking the gas cap seal, Clearing carbon buildup from hoses This was a serious issue because a failed purge valve can damage other components if left unchecked. The stalling happens because the engine gets an incorrect fuel-air mixture at idle. The good news is that once properly diagnosed, its a straightforward fix for an experienced mechanic. Make sure they check the complete EVAP system, not just the purge valve. The engine light and pressure sensor warnings should clear after proper repair.

Thanks for sharing that detailed experience. I had almost identical issues with my Buick LeSabre last summer when the engine light came on and it started stalling. My fuel tank pressure went crazy too. The check engine light issue turned out to be exactly what you described, a bad purge valve and some clogged lines. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was for your fix? Just wondering if I got overcharged for mine. Also, have you had any similar problems pop up since getting it fixed? My repair has held up well so far, but I keep watching for warning signs just in case.

After getting the tank ventilation system repaired, my Buick has run perfectly with no repeat issues. The automotive repair shop charged 175€ for cleaning the clogged hoses, which was reasonable considering the thorough job they did. The pressure sensor readings have stayed normal and the engine light has remained off since the fix. The key was finding a qualified mechanic who properly diagnosed the entire fuel tank ventilation system rather than just replacing parts. A proper repair should last a long time when done right. Its been several months now with no stalling or warning lights, so the repair was definitely worth the investment. Keep monitoring for any unusual symptoms, but if the repair was done properly like mine was, you shouldnt see those issues return. The engine runs much smoother now that the system is flowing correctly.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Following up on my repair experience, I finally got it fixed at a new shop that specializes in fuel system issues. The total bill came to €320, which included replacing the purge valve, cleaning all the ventilation lines, and running a full diagnostic check on the fuel tank system. The check engine light cleared up right after the repair and the car stopped stalling at idle. Its been running great for about 3 months now with no pressure sensor warnings or other issues. The new mechanic took the time to explain everything and showed me the clogged parts they removed. Huge relief to have it working properly again. The automotive repair cost was a bit higher than expected but worth it for a proper fix. No more holding my breath at red lights wondering if the engine will stall! Still keeping an eye on things but feeling confident the problem is resolved.