1998 Chrysler Sebring Car died while I was driving and now

1998 CHRYSLER SEBRING
98,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JACOB.STANSBERRY
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  • 1 POST
I had the cruise set at 60. All of the sudden the RPMs fell off and then car slowed down gradually. The power brakes and steering would not work. The engine will crank if I try to start it but it won;t actually start. I know someone that has a little experience with cars and they checked the fuel pump and the alternator. He told me that there was no spark and it might be an issue with the computer. Any ideas?
Apr 7, 2009 at 1:42 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
There's a whole bunch of things that will cause loss of spark. The Engine Computer is about the last thing to suspect. Take the car to someone who understands how the system works. Why anyone would check the alternator when the starter cranks fine, I don't know. The alternator keeps the battery charged, and the battery is obviously working. Alternators are tested while running the engine.

My first suspect would be a defective camshaft position sensor. With lack of pulses from this sensor, the engine computer assumes the engine stopped running so it turns the Automatic Shutdown Relay off. That relay turns off voltage to the ignition coils, injectors, and fuel pump or pump relay. It's a very effective system to prevent a fire hazard in the event a fuel line is ruptured in a crash.

A new camshaft position sensor might be supplied with a new connector too that must be spliced into the wiring harness.

caradiodoc
Apr 8, 2009 at 7:17 AM
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