Engine idles rough and shuts off while driving?

Tiny
ROBEA62
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 161 MILES
Engine suddenly began shutting off while driving, always starts right back up but has started to shut off more frequently and runs quite rough.
Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 8:57 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Oftentimes, a rough idle is the result of an engine vacuum leak. However, stalling usually doesn't happen while driving.

Is there any smoke from the exhaust? Also, are there any strange odors while it is running? Do you notice any rattling under the vehicle when it's running?

Also, this vehicle has a crankshaft position sensor that could be failing.

Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you experience:

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

Also, I need you to check something for me. This vehicle has an OBD1 system that doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes.

Follow the directions in the link below and let me know if you retrieve any codes that could point us in the right direction:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Let me know. Also, let me know anything you can think of that could help diagnosis.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, July 28th, 2022 AT 9:44 PM

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