Lost power then shut off will not start

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

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

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

When you put it in drive, does anything happen? Does the gear indicator show the correct gear selected?

Let me know.

Joe