Electrical smell, shuts off while driving

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Although this sounds like a crankshaft position sensor, I first recommend the following.

The vehicle has an older style diagnostic testing port. It is called the on-board diagnostic 1 system (OBD1). A good idea is to check to see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes are stored in the computer which may point you in the direction of the issue. It is easy to do this and really requires nothing more than a jumper wire or even a paper clip. Here is a link that shows how to retrieve the codes and what each code means. Follow these directions and let me know what codes are found.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method


If no codes are found, I have to be honest, it sounds like the crankshaft position sensor is bad. This is a common symptom. Take a look through these links:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

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

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

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Now, the easiest way to check this is to simply check for spark. You have two ways of doing this. One is simply see if it will start (when it's hot and won't restart) using starting fluid. If it does, chances are you have a fuel pressure issue. If it doesn't, I suspect the crankshaft position sensor.

Here is a link that shows how to check for spark if you don't want to try starting fluid:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

The spark test requires basic use of a couple tools. Here are links to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

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

If you determine the sensor is an issue, here are the specific directions for replacing it.

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The harmonic balancer on these engines is now press fit on to the crankshaft and requires the use of tool J-38197 for removal. The procedure to be used when replacing the crank sensor is as follows:

See pictures 1 and 2

REMOVAL:

1. Disconnect the serpentine belt from the crankshaft pulley.
2. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
3. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly.
4. Remove the right inner fender access cover.
5. Using a 28 mm socket, remove the crankshaft harmonic balancer retaining bolt.
6. Remove the crankshaft harmonic balancer using tool J-38197.
7. Remove the foreign object deflector (DO NOT use a pry bar).
8. Disconnect the sensor electrical connector.
9. Remove the sensor and pedestal from the block face.
10. Remove the sensor from the pedestal.

INSTALLATION:

1. Loosely install the crankshaft sensor on the pedestal.
2. Position the sensor with the pedestal attached on tool J-37089.
3. Position the tool on the crankshaft.
4. Install the bolts to hold the pedestal to the block face, torque to 30 Nm (22 lb ft).
5. Torque the pedestal pinch bolt to 4 Nm (35 lb in).
6. Remove tool J-37089.
7. Install the foreign object deflector.
8. Place tool J-37089 on the harmonic balancer and rotate the tool. If any vane of the harmonic balancer touches the tool, replace the balancer assembly.
9. Install the balancer on the crankshaft.
10. Apply thread sealer GM # 1052080 or equivalent to threads of the crankshaft balancer bolt. Using J-36660 Torque Angle Meter, torque the bolt to 150 Nm + 76 degrees (110 lb ft + 76 degrees).
11. Install the inner fender shield.
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (104 lb ft).
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Install the serpentine belt.

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Let me know what you find.

Joe