Car shut off while driving and will not start now

Tiny
EFROSENIA71286
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 243,000 MILES
Full tank of gas. I turn the key and it cranks but wont start. Plenty of power but I can no longer hear the fuel tank humming when I try to start it.
Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 7:46 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Chances are you either lost fuel pressure or spark to the plugs. Take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

The easiest way to identify the problem is to see if it will start for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it starts, then the problem is fuel related. If it won't start with starting fluid, then it is most likely ignition related.

If you don't feel comfortable using starting fluid, what I suggest is to first check fuel pressure since you no longer hear the pump. Here is a link that shows how that is done:

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

The specific pressures required are as follow:

FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE

400 kpa ±34 kpa (58 psi ± 5 psi)

If you determine the pump is bad, here are general directions for replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

________________________________________________

REMOVAL
1. Release fuel pressure.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable.
3. Remove fuel tank.
4. Vacuum area before removing fuel pump module lock ring.
5. Disconnect vapor line and electrical connector.
6. Remove Fuel Pump Module lock ring.

Locking Ring Contact Points
picture 1
NOTE: Use a brass punch to remove the 1/4 turn lock ring. Make contact only at the points.

7. Remove fuel pump module top.
8. Drain Fuel Tank using an approved gasoline draining station.

Electrical Connector
picture 2
9. Disconnect electrical connector.
10. The wire connector to the passenger side level sensor needs to be disconnected before removing the reservoir from the tank.

Return Hose And Fuel Line Locking Tabs
picture 3
11. Tab location in fuel pump module for return line and fuel supply line.

Return Hose Removal
picture 4
12. Remove return line from pump module. Use a small screwdriver to pry tab back and tip hose to one side. Pry tab on other side back to release hose.

CAUTION: Care should be taken to not crack/break the locking tabs or supply line fitting.

13. Remove fuel line from top of the pump module. Use a small screwdriver to pry tab back and tip hose to one side. Pry the tab on other side back to release hose.
14. Tip fuel pump module on its side to remove fuel from reservoir.
15. Remove fuel pump module.

INSTALLATION
1. Install fuel pump module into fuel tank.

Pump With Top Removed
picture 5
2. Connect siphon and fuel line to fuel pump module.
3. Connect fuel pump electrical connector to bottom of module top.
4. The wire connector to the passenger side level sensor needs to be connected.

Module Top Alignment Pins
picture 6
Alignment Pins In Place
picture 7
5. Install fuel pump module top to module.
6. Install Fuel Pump Module gasket and lock ring.

NOTE: Use a brass punch to install the 1/4 turn lock ring.

7. Connect vapor line and electrical connector.
8. Install fuel tank.
9. Connect negative battery cable.
10. Fill fuel tank. Use the scan tool to pressurize fuel system. Check for leaks.

__________________________________

Here are the directions for removal and replacement of the fuel tank. Attached pics correlate with these directions.

PROCEDURES
REMOVAL
1. Release the fuel pressure.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Drain fuel tank dry into holding tank or a properly labeled GASOLINE safety container.
4. Raise vehicle and support.
5. Disconnect the exhaust system between the catalytic converter and the muffler.
6. Support the exhaust system with jack stands.

Muffler Hanger
picture 8
7. Remove muffler hanger rubber garments.

Exhaust Hanger
picture 9
Exhaust Hanger Removed
pic 10
8. Remove the center exhaust hanger rubber grommets.
9. Remove the rear portion of the exhaust system and set on floor.

Fuel Tank Electrical Connector
picture 11
10. Disconnect the fuel tank electrical connector.

Fuel Supply Line And EVAP Lines
picture 12
11. Disconnect the fuel line and EVAP line.

Fuel Tank Vapor Recirculation Tube
picture 13
12. Disconnect the vapor recirculation tube.

Marking Driveshaft
picture 14
13. Mark the driveshaft rear connection.

Driveshaft Rear Connection
picture 15
14. Disconnect the driveshaft rear connection.

Driveshaft Support/bearing
picture 16
15. Remove the driveshaft support/bearing.
16. Support driveshaft on jack.
17. Remove the left rear tire and splash shield.

Fuel Filler Tube
picture 17
Filler Tube To Rubber Hose
pic 18
18. Remove the fuel filler tube from the rubber hose at fuel tank.
19. Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack.

Fuel Tank Straps
picture 19
20. Remove the 2 fuel tank straps.
21. Lower fuel tank
22. Drain Fuel Tank, use an approved GASOLINE draining station.

Fuel Tank Assembly
picture 20
23. Remove tank from vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack.
2. Raise fuel tank and install to vehicle.
3. Install the 2 fuel tank straps.
4. Install the fuel filler tube to the rubber hose at fuel tank.
5. Connect the vapor recirculation tube.
6. Connect the fuel line and EVAP line.
7. Connect the fuel tank electrical connector.
8. Support driveshaft on jack.
9. Install the driveshaft support/bearing.
10. Align the Marks on the driveshaft to the rear connection.
11. Connect the driveshaft rear connection.
12. Install the exhaust system and tighten clamp.
13. Install the center exhaust hanger rubber grommets.
14. Install muffler hanger rubber grommets.
15. Install the left rear tire. (16) Lower vehicle.
17. Connect the negative battery cable.
18. Fill fuel tank. Use the DRBIII(R) scan tool to pressurize the fuel system. Check for leaks.

___________________________________________________

If the fuel pressure isn't an issue, then you need to check for spark to the plugs. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

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

If there is no spark, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. 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

Here are the directions specific to replacing the sensor for your vehicle. The last two pictures correlate with this procedure.

REMOVAL

Crankshaft Position Sensor

Picture 21

The crankshaft sensor is located on the driver side of the vehicle, above the differential housing. The bottom of the sensor sits above the drive plate.
1. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cable.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Unlock and disconnect electrical connector from crankshaft position sensor.
4. Remove sensor mounting screw. Remove sensor.

INSTALLATION

Crankshaft Position Sensor Assembly

Picture 22
1. Install sensor and push sensor down until contact is made with the transmission case. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
2. Connect electrical connector and lock to crankshaft position sensor.
3. Install battery.
4. Connect the positive then the negative battery cable.

__________________________

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

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Hello and welcome to 2CarPros.

At that mileage, with the full tank of gas, I'd put money on a failed fuel pump. The most accurate way to confirm would be to run a fuel pressure test. You can borrow the necessary gauge from the local parts stores. Here's our general guide on that process: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Actually, now that I think about it, try checking your fuses first. I'm trying to look up more specific information, but I'm having some technical issues over here. I'm attaching what I was able to dig up though. There should be more information in your owner's manual, if you have it. If you don't have it, here's a .pdf of it: https://carmanuals2.com/d/31252

And here's our guide on checking fuses: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let us know what you find and we'll go from there. Good luck!

-Harry

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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
EFROSENIA71286
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I checked for OBD codes and the ignition read back P0513, P0480, and P0340. Also I was looking for messed up wires or anything that looked wrong and I found a metal box thingy attached to my bumper that has a few wires coming out of it and it was totally unhooked. I googled it and the piece is a Radiator Fan Relay module. Don't know if that could cause a no-start. I did replace the air filter and the camshaft position sensor today and still nothing. I got my battery fully charged to tomorrow I am going to try anything else I come up with and hopefully something will work before I go broke.
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Thursday, February 21st, 2019 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Welcome back:

The codes you have are all related to different things. The P0480 is related to the cooling fan issue you found. The P0513 us related to the security system. For some reason, the computer no longer recognizes the key. If you have a spare key, try it. The P0340 is related to the cam sensor. The only thing that will cause it not to start is related to the P0513. Try a different key. If it doesn't help, I hate to say it but it needs taken to a dealer. They have the proper scanners and tools to reprogram the SKIM system.
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Friday, February 22nd, 2019 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
EFROSENIA71286
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
So I replaced the battery in my key fob and replaced the camshaft position sensor. So now I am just down to the one code P0480. Also I swapped a few relay fuses trying to see if maybe one was bad and now all of a sudden I can hear noise coming from the tank when I turn the key over. Normally when in good working condition every time I would start car I could hear a loud humming from tank and now it is making noise but it sounds weaker. Almost like it is getting power but not enough maybe. I don't know much about cars but it definitely doesn't sound the same as it used to. Also, I read online that when you replace the camshaft you are supposed to also to the crankshaft. Could this be my problem? And it is getting spark, like I said it really sounds like it is not getting enough juice to the tank and parts back there. It really wants to start.
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
EFROSENIA71286
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Oh and my check engine light was flashing. As soon as I switched relays it stopped and like I said for the first time since it broke down was making noise from the back. I was really hopeful that was it and it was going to fire up for me but nope. When it first shut off only code read bad camshaft sensor. If that part goes bad could it shut down fuel. Or is my luck that bad that a bunch of stuff broke at the same time?
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Welcome back:

Do me a favor. See if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then the problem is fuel related. If it doesn't, there could be an issue with the ignition which could be tied into the security system.

The flashing light before it stalled indicated there was a cylinder misfire. As far as the cam/crankshaft position sensor, they do not need replaced at the same time.

Try what I suggested and let me know what happens. I have a feeling the fuel pump has failed.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
EFROSENIA71286
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Did not start with starting fluid. : (
Do you have another suggestion to try?
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Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 AT 11:57 PM
Tiny
EFROSENIA71286
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Could a problem with the ignition make it shut off like that while driving down the road?
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Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 AT 11:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Welcome back:

If it won't fire with starting fluid, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor, which is part of the ignition system. We have a couple choices here. First, simply replace the sensor and hope that is the problem, or do further testing.

To test the sensor, my recommendation is to get your hands on a live data scanner. With the scanner, you need to check if there is an RPM signal when the engine is cranking. If there isn't, replace the sensor.

Another thing you could check is to see if there is spark to the plugs. Refer back to my first post for testing for spark and crankshaft position sensor.

If you determine the sensor is bad or just want to try replacing it, here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. The pictures correlate with these directions.

__________________________________

REMOVAL

Crankshaft Position Sensor

Picture 1

The crankshaft sensor is located on the driver side of the vehicle, above the differential housing. The bottom of the sensor sits above the drive plate.
1. Disconnect the negative and positive battery cable.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Unlock and disconnect electrical connector from crankshaft position sensor.
4. Remove sensor mounting screw. Remove sensor.

INSTALLATION

Crankshaft Position Sensor Assembly

Picture 2

1. Install sensor and push sensor down until contact is made with the transmission case. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt to 12 N.M (105 in. Lbs.) Torque.
2. Connect electrical connector and lock to crankshaft position sensor.
3. Install battery.
4. Connect the positive then the negative battery cable.

_____________________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, February 28th, 2019 AT 5:41 PM

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