Why does my Oldsmobile Toronado stall when I stop or turn?

Short answer: A Toronado that stalls when you stop or turn is often struggling with idle when the power steering adds load. One member suggested a power steering pressure switch, but on a 1991 car the dealer and shop said that year doesn't have one, so get the codes read first. If you replaced the cam sensor and the code and stalling continue, members said the new sensor could be bad, the old wiring could be brittle, or the magnet on the cam gear could have come loose.

Symptom: The engine stalls most often while stopping or turning at low speed. Or the check engine light shows a cam sensor code that doesn't go away after a new sensor, and the usual stalling continues.

What to check first

1. Get the trouble codes read and write them down.
2. Check idle speed and the idle air control valve with the wheel turned and the A/C on.
3. Inspect the cam sensor wiring and connector for cracked or brittle insulation.
4. If a new cam sensor didn't help, have it tested, since new parts can be bad.
5. Ask the shop about the cam gear magnet that triggers the sensor before buying more sensors.

Likely causes

1. Idle not compensating for power steering load. Why stalls happen when stopping or turning; one member suggested a pressure switch, but the dealer said this year doesn't have one.
2. Faulty new cam sensor. New parts can be defective.
3. Brittle or broken cam sensor wiring. Common on cars this age.
4. Loose magnet on the cam gear. A member said the engine must be opened to replace it.

What it usually costs

A member estimated $30–40 for a power steering pressure switch on cars that have one, plus under half an hour of labor. No prices were posted for cam sensor or wiring repairs.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Stalling while turning makes the steering much heavier and can cost you braking assist. Don't drive it in traffic until it's diagnosed. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for code reads and wiring inspection. Cam gear magnet repair is a shop job.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for stalling on the Oldsmobile Toronado for these model years (checked 2026-10-26). Other recalls may exist for your car, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 3 keyword-matched complaints for Oldsmobile Toronado 1986–1992 (of 32 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-26; keywords: stall, dies, idle, cam sensor, sensor, hesitation). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Engine stalls on 1991 Olds Toronato on Car Talk, an owner said the 1991 Toronado had started stalling, mostly while stopping or turning. A member blamed the power steering pressure switch, which tells the computer to raise idle when steering, and estimated $30–40 for the part. The owner's mechanic and the dealer said that model year doesn't have that switch and couldn't find one, so the mechanic planned further tests.
• In 1991 Oldsmobile Toronado - symptoms persist after new cam sensor on Car Talk, a 1991 Toronado's check engine light stayed on with a cam sensor code after the sensor was replaced, and the usual symptoms continued. A member said the new sensor could be bad, the old wiring could be crispy and broken, and if the magnet on the gear had fallen off, the engine would have to come apart to fix it.

Quick tip

When a fix doesn't fit the car or doesn't clear the code, step back to testing. Good shops prove a part bad before replacing it.

Vehicle focus: 1986–1992 Oldsmobile Toronado (3.8L V6).

Safety / mechanic note

Stalling while turning makes steering heavy. Keep both hands on the wheel and pull over safely. Verify with a mechanic.