My car acts like its ran out of gas after i drive it hard through third gear. It just shuts down for a couple of secounds then picks back up. but otherwise runs great.?????????????

Check to see if the VAT is causing the hassle and shutting down the ignition after it starts.

Has a engine misfire or ignition control module is bad . Your best bet take it to a qualified repair shop that can diagnose the problem by testing an not guessing .

Please see my tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r5821173-doesnt_car_start_gasoline_engines and let me know if you have questions.

fuel issues are addressed at #2 in the tip.

Have the vehicle scanned for codes and do the repairs the code specify before the tranny's ECU shuts down and leaves you with third gear and reverse.

i had the same problem and it died out of town got it towed and it was the fuel pump fuse and that was it they are famose for it

Your battery may be at it's very very end of it's life or is already in the battery heaven and no boosting is going to bring it back. Start with replacing the battery, if the money is tight do what i do and go to the Salvage Yard. The average price there for a good battery is $15,00 to $35.00, depends on the yard. Got mine for $15.00 and it may need to be replaced now, it's been almost 4 years. You want to pick one up that has the highest cold cranking amp (CCA) that you can fit in your car and there is date of service on the battery you want to look for. A bad Battery will cause your engine to stall if it's no longer holding a charge. Start with that and then we can worry about the harder things. Note: if the Volt drops less then 10.5 volts, the ECM will shut down the engine. Good luck and hope this helps. Keep me posted. 

have you tried to use an additive to your gas that cleans the injectors and carburetor? "Berrymans" fuel cleaner is the best out there.

These transmissions are computer controlled, and this sounds like you have electronic problems coupled with mechanical transmission problems. I suggest you consult a transmission specialist to diagnose your problems.