Shuts off with no warning

Tiny
GPE`
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
Problem started about a month ago, Car shuts off/stalls without warning.

Just shuts off, all electrical components, lights still on.

Slide into neutral, starts right up.

RPMs seems to drop when at light in drive, foot on brake, foot off gas.

Had it to 3 different mechanics and inquired with Just Answer online (a retired Dodge Mechanic).

No codes.

These are items replaced and is in the order of replacement:

Water pump.
Serpentine belt and tensioner.
Rack and Pinion.
Outer tie rods.
Lower control arms.
Struts.
2 motor mounts.
Plugs, wires, 2 coils.
Alternator.
Front AC coil.
Power steering pump.
Ignition switch.
Intake manifold gasket.
Trans filter fluid.
Various suspension bushings.
Cam sensor.
Idle control valve.
Throttle position sensor.
PCV valve.
Fuel pump, Fuel pressure regulator, fuel Filter.
PCM from Car Computer Exchange. $200.00 They program the refurbished PCM I bought from my VIN.
Cleaned throttle body completely.
Did wire wiggle test on wires I could reach, nothing.

Bad wires/connectors?

Help
Friday, May 21st, 2021 AT 10:27 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,644 POSTS
Hi,

I have to be honest. The work that has been done doesn't seem related to the stalling problem. Does this only happen at an idle? Does it only happen when the vehicle is warm?

Do me a favor. Take a look through these two links. The first one is about an engine stalling at idle and the second describes the symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor. Let me know if the sensor link seems to mirror what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

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

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, May 21st, 2021 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
GPE`
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The crankshaft sensor failure mirrors my issue. I'm going to replace it we'll see. Thank you for your help. Will let you know.
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 AT 5:03 AM
Tiny
GPE`
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hey Joe,

Put in new crankshaft sensor. Did a 30 mile, few stop run at 30 -45 MPH. Car seemed to hesitate 3 times when accelerating from stoplight. On the return run, at a steady speed, car seemed to hesitate a few times and quite honestly, I don't know if it was the transmission or engine, but felt like engine. Came up to a light, all is good. Accelerated short distance to next light, as soon as I took my foot off gas to stop, car stalled. Started right up. I pulled into a store, went in for 4 minutes, came out, started car and before I could touch the gas or put in drive, it stalled. Started car with foot on accelerator, started and it got me 4 miles home. Weird.
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 AT 5:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,644 POSTS
Hi,

Something is telling me we have a connection issue. I attached the entire wiring schematic below for the powertrain management system. I highlighted everything related to the ASD (automatic shut down) system. If you haven't already, switched that relay with one in the relay box having the same part number.

If that doesn't change anything, I need you to seek the splices I have highlighted in pic 1 and check to see if they are in good condition. If they are bad, it shuts down the injectors and ignition coils.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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+1
Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
GPE`
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I'll check it out. I bought a Haynes, used manual. Used to love these things. I bought a new ASD relay month ago. Swapped with trans relay, no change. I'll check out the wiring. Geeeez. Thank you much.
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
GPE`
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Regardless of this outcome, I am going to buy you dinner. So send me you name and address so I can send gift card. Thank you
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,644 POSTS
LOL. You don't need to buy me dinner but thank you for the thought. I just want to help you get things fixed. Electrical problems like this can be a nightmare.

You take care of yourself and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2021 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
GPE`
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hey Joe,

Replaced MAP sensor. 3 days now. No stalls! Amazing. Offered is still good. Give me your name and address and I am buying lunch!
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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,644 POSTS
Hi,

I'm glad to hear it's fixed. And, you fixed it, not me. LOL You need to buy yourself lunch. Great job!

Please feel free to come back any time in the future if you have questions. You are always welcome here.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe
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Sunday, May 30th, 2021 AT 6:13 PM

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