The car drives for ten minutes then it shuts off?

KARINAMAREE1963

MEMBER
2000 MAZDA 626
2.0L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
25,000 MILES

The car will drive fine for 10 mins then stop. You couldn’t restart it for at least an hour even though it would crank. Garage replaced cam and crank sensor. Problem still there. They then said it’s the ECU needs replacing. So got another ECU immobilizer and key. Had that fitted problem still there.
Plugs cool and temperature sensor also replaced.
I keep saying it’s like fuel or temperature related. But no one is listening to me probably because I am a woman.

5 Replies

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

You have changed a lot of components without actually diagnosing the issue.
For the engine to run we need fuel, spark and compression.
Compression will not sporadically disappear. So that leaves either spark or fuel.

How to check for spark using a special tool:
https://youtu.be/9UyxRc2lCvk

Checking spark:
https://youtu.be/9K78XIhhjAQ

If you have spark with the engine not starting the next thing will be check fuel supply.
The vehicle has an in-tank fuel pump, see image 1 below.

To check if the engine has no fuel supply simply remove the intake pipe from the air filter housing and spray some starting fluid into the intake pipe. Next try starting the engine, if it fires up, it should fire up and run for a few seconds, then this proves that the fuel supply is not working.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

Hope this helps to conduct basic diagnosis.

Cheers, Boris

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Thursday, October 27th, 2022 AT 2:03 AM

KARINAMAREE1963

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Boris, so you mean drive it to it stops then do that test on the fuel? Or can this be done at any time?

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Thursday, October 27th, 2022 AT 3:22 PM

KARINAMAREE1963

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Tried the spray into the inlet pipe after it stopped. It didn’t make it start. Spark plugs are all new. Car will run or drive for 10 minutes then stop. Then I have to wait over an hour for it to restart. For it to do the same thing.

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Friday, October 28th, 2022 AT 9:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

What you have described sounds like a textbook account of a failing crankshaft position sensor. If the vehicle wouldn't start for a couple of seconds using starting fluid, chances are the sensor is failing. You will lose spark to the plugs if that is the case.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience.

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

Let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have a tachometer, when it fails to start, see if the tachometer moves a little when cranking the engine or simply check for spark. If the tach doesn't move at all, there is no RPM signal from the sensor indicating it is failing.

They are adversely affected by heat. Once they cool off, they can begin to work again.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, October 30th, 2022 AT 10:09 PM

KARINAMAREE1963

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Right garage had replaced the crank sensor first. But hadn’t done the cam sensor. So, after all that mucking around and extra cost. It was the cam sensor all along.
Thanks so much for the help.