Car shuts off randomly

SERGA1VISC

MEMBER
1998 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
165,000 MILES

Hello, I just changed the fuel pump, oil pan, fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, and wires. I changed the oil pressure sensor. There is a small sound, not sure how to describe it. A small rattling when accelerating at a time or slowing down. The car runs smoothly but just spent a lot of money for this little car. It has been great. I am frustrated. Any ideas what it can be?

Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 2:35 PM

6 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,520 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like the crankshaft sensor (RPM sensor) is failing which will leave no code. For the noise can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can hear the noise, that would be great? You can upload it here with your response. When the engine stalls can you hear the fuel pump in the tank running?

Here is a guide that can help:

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

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

Cheers, Ken

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Thursday, November 15th, 2018 AT 5:16 PM

SERGA1VISC

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4 POSTS

I uploaded two videos. One for the position if the crankshaft sensor. The other is the rattling sound of the car. So it rattles at different times. I am almost thinking it sounds like the chain on the oil pump? Not sure. Just guessing but it is a little disturbing.
I bought this car with I believe almost all its original parts. So, those things are starting to fail. But the rattling I am not able to pinpoint it. It is when I accelerate or drive.

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Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 AT 8:00 AM

SERGA1VISC

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4 POSTS

Sorry, so when it stalls I am not sure if the fuel pump stays on. I think, this is a guess, it makes a small buzzing sound. But it is quick when the car shuts off.

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Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 AT 8:09 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,520 POSTS

Thanks for the videos they help. I believe the crankshaft sensor is under the ignition coil, but the noise the car makes sounds like the catalytic converter is falling apart which can clog the exhaust causing the engine to stall. Can you lift the car and check the catalytic converter? This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken

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Friday, November 23rd, 2018 AT 11:35 AM

SERGA1VISC

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Wow, you know this seems about what I hear. You know I changed the converter either one or about a year ago. But with the things it mentions, this is what makes the most sense. I needed to change the middle and last end muffler as well. So, maybe it is time to change them all and the car again?
Can this cause the car to seem a little heavy or "tired"? My car used to zoom, I kept it well, even though I bought it as a salvage. Started to change parts, but became ill. So Issues started to happen which I just could not afford to repair.
I will double check, but this sounds about right.
The crankshaft sensor I unplugged but was unable to unscrew it, but it has some grease build up. I will have to take it to a mechanic friend this Wednesday. He said he would help me take off the sensor.
I will let you know what happens after that. I borrowed a code tester as well.
Thank you so much for the help.

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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 1:24 PM

KEN L