Engine shuts off while driving

Hi,

Does the check engine light stay on when the engine is running? If it does, you should have the computer scanned to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes related to the problem.

Here is a link showing how it's done:


https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing


Also, if it's possible, record what the vehicle is doing so I can hear it. It may help me with diagnosing the issue. In addition, let me know what the fuel pressure was when you checked. What you described sounds like a fuel issue, but I can't be certain.

If the check engine light is on, it's important that we retrieve codes. They will likely send us in the right direction.

Let me know.
Joe

No check engine light, I have a scanner and no codes. ABS light is on.

I’ll try to take a video tomorrow, it’s tough while driving.

Hi,

Let me know what fuel pressure you found. Also, once I see the video and hear it stall, it may lead me in a different direction.

Take care,
Joe

Fuel pressure was 55psi I think, I can check it again.. i don't know why Chevrolet decided not to put a Schrader valve on the fuel rail.

Hi,

That's higher than it should be. Here are the specs:

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN 4
Fuel Pump Pressure
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Specifications Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature Fuel Pump Pressure
FUEL PUMP PRESSURE

Fuel Pressure

Ignition Switch ON, Fuel Pump Running 41-47 psi

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I need you to confirm the pressure. And I agree about the Schrader valve. Anything to make it a bit more difficult.

If pressure is too high, it may be causing the issue.

Let me know what you find. Also, if you have a live data scan tool, let me know what the short term fuel trims are.

Take care,
Joe

Cold start, video 1 of 4.

Exhaust 2 of 4.

Test drive, video 3 of 4.

Test drive continued, video 4 of 4.

The more I push on the pedal the more it stalls and shuts off. i have live data on my scanner, what should I look for?

Hi,

I watched the videos. I have to be honest. I think the fuel pump is bad (weak) or you have a plugged catalytic converter. If you can, let me know both the short term and long term fuel trims are (live data from scan tool).

Also, try removing the oxygen sensor before the catalytic converter to see if that makes a difference. If the converter is plugged, that little extra room for exhaust will make a difference.

Let me know.
Joe

Sorry for the long delay, been a roughly couple days. I doubled checked the fuel pressure both “key on” and “running” and it’s 47-48psi

My scanner cannot read fuel trims. My flex pipe is in bad shape so I got to believe that would let excess pressure escape before the catalytic converter right? I’ll pull the O2 sensor, but I don’t think it will be different.

I listened to it at startup, and it seemed to have a misfire. Can you check what the engine coolant temperature sensor is sending as far as temperature signal? Do that when it's cold.

Let me know if you can get that info.

Joe

Sorry to revive an older thread, but I’m still struggling. car keeps shutting off or stalling out.

Pulled the o2 sensor, no change. Unbolted the exhaust at the manifold, no change. Put new coil pack, plugs, and wires, no change.

Hi,

You are always welcome here. No need to apologize for reviving an old thread.

Have you checked the engine coolant temp sensor? If you haven't, please try that. If you find it's bad, here are the directions for replacing it.

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2000 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN 4
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Replacement
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch (For Computer) Service and Repair Procedures Repair Instructions Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Replacement
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR REPLACEMENT

pic 1


REMOVAL PROCEDURE

NOTE: Use care when handling the coolant sensor. Damage to the coolant sensor will affect the operation of the fuel control system.

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Drain the coolant system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Cooling System.
3. Disconnect the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor electrical connector.
4. Carefully back out the ECT sensor.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Coat the threads only with sealer P/N 9985253 or an equivalent.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the ECT sensor.

Tighten
Tighten the ECT sensor to 25 N.m (18.5 lb ft).

3. Connect the ECT sensor electrical connector.
4. Refill the engine coolant system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Cooling System.

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Let me know.

Joe

I didn’t. I’ll use my scanner and check that reading, what exactly am I looking for? I know you said to check when the car is cold. I didn’t realize a coolant temperature sensor could effect drive ability. I’ve found the car stalls/shuts off no matter the temperature.

Hi,

There should be a reading on the scanner which identifies engine coolant temperature (ECT). That reading should parallel what the outside temperature is (if the engine is cold) and will increase when the engine warms up.

Let me know.

Joe

Finally was able to check the ECT and it was the same temp as outside and gradually warmed up the longer the car ran. The IAT stayed at -40 F the entire time, is that normal? I still have the exhaust disconnected and the o2 sensor out that goes into the exhaust manifold.

Hi,

No, that is not normal. Unless it was -40° outside the entire time, the sensor is stuck or failed. This temp is the coldest it will identify. The Intake Air Temperature changes value based on the temperature of the air entering the engine, similar to the ECT sensor. Low temperature produces a high resistance (100,000 ohms at -40°C (-40°F) while high temperature causes low resistance (70 ohms at 130°C (266°F).

I would suggest replacing it or at least confirm there is no problem with the connector. If there is a weak connection or corrosion, that can cause higher resistance, so check that first. If everything seems good, the sensor is the likely issue.

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Here are the directions for replacement. The attached pic correlates with the directions.

2000 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN 4
IAT Sensor Replacement
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Air Temperature Sensor ( Ambient / Intake ) Service and Repair Procedures Repair Instructions IAT Sensor Replacement
IAT SENSOR REPLACEMENT

pic 1

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the IAT sensor electrical connector.
3. Carefully remove the IAT sensor from the air cleaner outlet duct.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the IAT sensor into the air cleaner outlet duct.
2. Connect the IAT sensor electrical connector.

_________________________________

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

I’m an idiot, I had it unplugged.

Car still is doing the same thing.

anything else you guys can recommend before I scrap the car?

I have seen the crankshaft angle sensor cause this issue. here is the location and a guide to walk you through the steps so you can change it out:

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



Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

If it was the crankshaft position sensor, wouldn’t it be intermittent? My issue is consistent. It’s a drivability issue, car starts and runs every time.. something happens when the car is under a load that’s causing it to cut out. it “drives” fine when on jack stands.

Hi,

The sensor can act this way. When they start to fail, oftentimes, there are adversely affected by heat. To confirm, see if spark is lost when the engine stalls and doesn't restart.

Here is the link that explains symptoms related to a sensor going bad:

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

Let me know.

Joe

Put a new sensor in, no change. Car will restart and run every time it shuts off.

When the engine stalls can you still hear the fuel pump running in the tank?

How would I be able to hear? I have to guess it’s still working since I can throw it in neutral sometimes before it shuts off to keep it going.

I’m at my witts end, I don’t understand why it starts and runs fine every time, but when it’s in drive and given gas, it shuts off, then restarts.

Based on Ken's question, you will need to have a fuel pressure gauge attached to the vehicle to confirm pressure.

Here are directions for testing fuel pressure. You will need a pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend or rent one to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are directions specific to fuel system diagnostics related to this vehicle:

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2000 Chevrolet Cavalier L4-2.2L VIN 4
Fuel System Diagnosis
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Fuel System Diagnosis
FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
Fuel System Diagnosis

pic 1

Diagnostic Chart (Part 1 Of 3)

pic 2

Diagnostic Chart (Part 2 Of 3)

pic 3

Diagnostic Chart (Part 3 Of 3)

pic 4



CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will turn ON the in-tank fuel pump. The in-tank fuel pump will remain ON as long as the engine is cranking or running and the PCM is receiving reference pulses. If there are no reference pulses, the PCM will turn OFF the in-tank fuel pump after 2 seconds because the ignition switch is turned ON, or after 2 seconds once the engine stops running. The in-tank fuel pump is an electric pump within an integral reservoir. The in-tank fuel pump supplies fuel through an in-line fuel filter to the fuel rail assembly. The fuel pump is designed to provide fuel at a pressure above the pressure that is needed by the fuel injectors. A fuel pressure regulator, attached to the fuel rail assembly, keeps the fuel available to the fuel injectors at a regulated pressure. The unused fuel is returned to the fuel tank by a separate fuel return pipe.

TEST DESCRIPTION
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
2. In order to relieve the fuel pressure, go to Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure. When the ignition is ON and the fuel pump is running, the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge should be 284-325 kPa (41-47 psi).
3. A fuel system that drops more than 5 psi in 10 minutes has a leak in one or more of the following areas:
^ The fuel pump check valve
^ The fuel pump flex pipe
^ The fuel injectors
5. Fuel pressure that drops-off during acceleration, cruise, or hard cornering may cause a lean condition A lean condition can cause a loss of power, surging, or a misfire. You can use a scan tool in order to diagnose a lean condition. If an extremely lean condition occurs, the oxygen sensors will stop toggling. The oxygen sensor output voltages will drop to less than 500 mV. Also, the fuel injector pulse width will increase.
8. When the engine is idling, the manifold pressure is low, indicating high vacuum. This low pressure, or high vacuum, is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm. The low pressure, or high vacuum, will offset the pressure that is applied to the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm by the spring inside the fuel pressure regulator. This will cause lower fuel pressure. The fuel pressure at idle will vary slightly as the barometric pressure changes, but the fuel pressure at idle should always be less than the fuel pressure noted in step 2 with the engine turned OFF.
12. A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure being more than 325 kPa (47 psi). A rich condition can cause a DTC P0132 or a DTC P0172 to set. Driveability conditions that are associated with rich conditions can include hard starting followed by black smoke and a strong sulfur smell in the exhaust.
13. This test determines if the high fuel pressure is due to a restricted fuel return pipe or if the high fuel pressure is due to a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator.
15. Fuel pressure that is less than 284 kPa (41 psi) can cause a lean condition. A lean condition may cause a DTC P0131 or a DTC P0171 to set. Driveability conditions that are associated with lean conditions can include hard starting when the engine is cold, hesitation, poor driveability, a lack of power, surging, and misfiring.
16. Restricting the fuel flow causes the fuel pressure to be more than the regulated fuel pressure. Using a scan tool in order to pressurize the system, the fuel pressure should be more than 325 kPa (47 psi) as the gauge outlet hose is pinched.
22. Inspect the spark plug that is associated with a particular fuel injector for fouling or saturation in order to determine if that particular fuel injector is leaking.

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Let us know if this helps and the results.

Take care,
Joe