Shut off while driving?

Tiny
KIRA)43
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE
  • 137,000 MILES
It was running perfectly fine when it cut off out of nowhere and even after I cut it back on it turned on and still sounded perfectly fine, but the service engine soon light had popped up... However, I put gas and drove off and it cut off again at the light and my wheel was locking up... I pushed it to a parking structure but I turned it on again and I was able to park it... But before that happened, it was jerking a little bit but not too hard. Other than that, I had just got an oil change. So, what do you think could be the issue?
Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 8:00 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

This could be a few things. It could be a fuel pressure issue or a crankshaft position sensor failing. Since the check engine light is on, there will be trouble codes stored that should point us in the right direction.

Here is a link explaining how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Does the vehicle start now? Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you experienced:

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

If the engine is not starting now, I want you to try something. See if it starts using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then it is likely related to the loss of ignition spark.

Here is a link to check that:

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

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
KIRA)43
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Interesting! Actually, my throttle body cable for my pedal is loose, do you think that can be an issue too? It was jerking a little so I'm guessing it wasn’t getting all the air it was supposed to receive.
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
KIRA)43
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The car starts and runs without any noise, but I'm scared to drive it home because it kept cutting off after 2-3 minutes of me driving.
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Hi,

I don't feel the cable has anything to do with the issue. Does the engine restart right after stalling?

Also, did you have a chance to review the links above?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
KIRA)43
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, it starts. I got the issue taken care if it was the crankshaft, thank you so much for your time!
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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
I had a feeling that was the issue. That's why I was asking if the spark was lost and if it restarted right away. LOL

Regardless, I'm glad to know it is running properly. Feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome.

Take care,

joe
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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
KIRA)43
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so much for your time! I most definitely will!
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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 11:02 PM

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