Starting/running/spark

SABRINA BOGAN

MEMBER
1994 DODGE VAN
3.3L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

LE model. First it had no spark. Then we had spark. Drove it, it cut off while driving. Thought we were out of gas. Put gas in it. Wouldn't start, starter works, but won't start. Put a cam sensor on it, drove it, it was fine. Then take it out again, but about five miles away from home it cuts off while trying to park, Will not start. Tried a few times. So I wait. It starts. Get about half a mile down the road it cuts off. I glide into a turn lane into a subdivision. We went and got gas. It drove to the gas station where it would not start. I sat there for a while, was told to put it in neutral to see if it would start. I did, it started. Made it to a stop sign. Won't start, gas tank is full. It will idle but when you try to drive it down the street, it cuts off.

2 Replies

SABRINA BOGAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

FYI: I am not a mechanic, my husband is a diesel mechanic.

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Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 AT 8:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Honestly, it sounds like a bad crankshaft position sensor. Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

With that in mind, what really needs done is to check for an RPM signal when the vehicle won't start. That is done with a live data scanner. If there is no signal, then replace the crankshaft position sensor.

Here is a general description of replacing one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

Here are the specific directions for your vehicle:

Procedures
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Crankshaft Position Sensor Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
Fig. 5 Crankshaft Position Sensor
See Picture 1

Removal

1. Disconnect sensor electrical connector (Fig. 5).

2. Remove sensor retaining bolt.

3. Pull sensor straight up, and out of the transaxle housing.

Installation

Notes:

If the sensor is to be reused, a new paper spacer must be used. Be sure to remove the old spacer from the sensor face completely, before attaching new spacer.

If the sensor is being replaced, confirm that there is a paper spacer attached to the face of the new sensor (Fig. 5).

1. Install sensor in transaxle and push sensor down until contact is made with the drive plate.

2. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt to 11.9 Nm (105 in-lbs) torque.

3. Connect sensor electrical connector.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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