Lost power then shut off will not start

200,000 MILES • 5.9L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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PAT3747
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  • 5 POSTS
I'm having a hard time to change gears in my vehicle. It's weird, it starts and I was able to go on the road but it was 15 miles per hour very slow. Then the car stops and had to get it towed today. I got it a speed sensor as I got diagnosed this and now I'm not sure what's wrong here.I just need my car working again so that I can work and kids go to school normally.I also check the oil and transmission fluid. What now? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Aug 23, 2019 at 1:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

A vehicle speed sensor won't prevent the engine from starting. Have you had the computer scanned to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored?

Since the vehicle won't start, take a look through this link. It discusses the most common causes for a crank no start condition.

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

Normally, when an engine refuses to start, I check for ignition spark to the plugs and fuel to the engine. Try this. See if the engine will start for a couple seconds if you use starting fluid. It is does and then stalls again, suspect a problem with fuel supply. If it doesn't start at all, then expect an ignition issue.

Here are links to help with checking fuel pressure and for ignition spark:

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

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

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Since you were experiencing lack of power before this happened, it could even be a plugged catalytic converter. Take a look through these links.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

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Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions. Based on your description, I suspect it is a fuel related issue, but the only way to confirm that is to try one of the aforementioned tests. Otherwise, you will be replacing parts hoping one works. That can get expensive.

Take care and let me know.

Joe
Aug 24, 2019 at 2:09 PM
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PAT3747
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I said that my car starts but doesnt drive on the road. I cant back.
Aug 29, 2019 at 6:49 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
When you said it stops and you had to get it towed, I thought you meant the engine shut down. When you had it scanned and were told the speed sensor was bad, were there any other codes? Also, you mentioned, "I can't back." Do you mean it won't engage in reverse? Does is still engage in drive?

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 29, 2019 at 11:28 AM
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PAT3747
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Yeah your on the right track. I just hope it's not the transmission. I got a fuel pump recently not too long ago. What you think is wrong?
Aug 29, 2019 at 12:01 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Welcome back:

The only way to be sure it to have a scanner that can read transmission diagnostic trouble codes. Hopefully, it's not the transmission. If the present transmission has 200,000 miles, it could be the transmission.

Let me know if I can help. If you find there are other codes, let me know what they are and I can look things up and let you know what is happening.

Joe
Aug 29, 2019 at 12:08 PM
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PAT3747
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No they didnt tell me anything that transmission is bad but I'm assuming it's this. Just the speed sensor the auto parts store paper said.
Aug 29, 2019 at 12:08 PM
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PAT3747
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I just don't want to be ripped off by someone and they said transmission. Like the car starts when I got speed sensor went 15 miles a hour and was operable on street I brought my family. Then all of a sudden it stops and you can't drive it anymore.
Aug 29, 2019 at 12:11 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
When you put it in drive, does anything happen? Does the gear indicator show the correct gear selected?

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 29, 2019 at 12:18 PM
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