Engine shuts off while driving

Tiny
HKFROMNY.
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 DODGE CALIBER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Twice today was out just for a Sunday drive and the car just cut off. All the normal indicators were lit up just like when you start it up normally, pulled over, put it in park, turned key off completely, then tried to start it up, several tries, nothing. Let it sit for a second, and bamm starts right up like it supposed to. Any idea what might be causing this?
Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 11:59 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,692 POSTS
Hello, sorry to hear about your issue here. What Sub-model is this vehicle? Express, Heat, Mainstreet, or Uptown?
And does the vehicle still crank the engine over when it quits on you? Just doesn't start?
If the vehicle still cranks the engine over, just won't start, it sounds like the Crankshaft Position Sensor may be a fault. It's a common issue on these vehicles. I've put up some diagrams and other information to help you to check the sensor. Plus, some guides to wire testing.

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

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

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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It's a Mainstreet, and no it doesn't even click when you try to start it, then a minute later starts right up. And is this a task best left for the dealer to do, I've done most of my general maintenance on this but never delt with this.
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+1
Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,692 POSTS
Oh okay. I'm posting a diagram just to show you a specific module. This is called a TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module).
These modules have been trouble ever since they first put them into vehicles. I have seen and heard of more failures of these then I can remember. As much as I don't like to recommend the dealership, if that's where you're most comfortable going to. Unless you know a real good shop with honest technicians. The dealership usually charges a lot more.
But what you're experiencing sounds like the main ECM (Engine Computer) may be losing power, or a relay that powers up the ECM may be at fault. This will be a tough one to diagnose because a technician will have to catch the fault happening to find out what component is causing the stall out.
If you know a good shop, you may have them take a look at it to see if they can find the fault, I would think it might be a bit cheaper, but that call is up to you,

If you do bring it to a dealership, I wanted to advise you on two recalls for this car.
The first is an issue with the Steering Column (Pics 2, 3, 4).
The second has to do with the Airbag deployment system shorting out. (Pics 5, 6)
Just wanted to make sure you were aware of these 2 because they are safety concerns.
I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you more. It would take a lot of testing and special equipment to catch the issue. I hope this information helps.
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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  • 112 POSTS
Yes, you have helped more than you know, I don't want to think about how expensive the dealership will be, but think it is best since they know this car well, ( I bought it through them and do other work on it also.). Glad I'm waiting on an insurance check for an incident the other day, at least I know then I'll be able to get er done. Hahaha
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 3:04 PM
Tiny
AL514
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Let us know what it ended up being. We like to see a close to diagnostic issues.
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Monday, October 18th, 2021 AT 8:03 AM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
  • MEMBER
  • 112 POSTS
I'll be happy to. Soon as I find out I will reply.
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Monday, October 18th, 2021 AT 8:09 AM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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  • 112 POSTS
Well, been some time now to get to you, but this is the bottom lined. Besides all the electrical work, when they finally got it in to work on it, they found out the whole rear sub frame was about to fall out, one bracket broke while under it on the lift. $6,000.00 plus for them to re make my car basically. I went and bought a new car, 2018 Chevrolet Trax, loaded to the hilt. Good days ahead for you all. Thanks again.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
AL514
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The rear sub frame huh. Not what I would have expected, but after so many years of doing this, anything seems possible. Was it rusted out? Kind of strange for a 2011 vehicle. You possibly live in an area that they use a lot of salt on the roads? Thanks for the update though, appreciate it.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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Yeah, upstate NY. They showed me and I laterally put three fingers together through part of it myself.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
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They wouldn't allow it to leave the lot, guess not.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
AL514
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I see, I lived in Jamestown NY at one point, I remember all the rusted-out vehicles up that way. We would call it the rust belt. Good thing they caught before it came apart on you.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 1:16 PM
Tiny
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I fully concur, it spooked me a bit when that one bracket broke loose, as the rear starts to dangle precariously. At least no harm.
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Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 4:36 PM

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