Engine shuts off at idle?

2001 DODGE DAKOTA
215,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ANGIEEG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It’s long but any help/advice is greatly appreciated. So, two months back I was driving, and my engine just shut off while at a fast-food drive thru but turned back on immediately. A couple of days later I drove it to the store and just shut off again, I went inside and after 30 minutes came back out and it would not start. I stopped driving and it sat until the computer was replaced and for about a week it ran fine until on my way home it just shut off while I was driving. Again, let it sit until the catalytic converter was replaced and it was running fine until yesterday it shut off while I was at a red light immediately turned on and made it work. On my way home it shut off again while I was slowing my into the turn to my home and wouldn’t turn in for ten minutes. Had the distributor cap and spark plug replaced bc I got a code saying misfire on cylinder 4. This morning on my way the engine shut off again when I slowed down to turn into my job and wouldn’t start again for about 10 minutes. I honestly don’t know what it could be.
Jul 6, 2023 at 12:58 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like it could be ignition related. Here is what I need you to do:

When it stalls and won't restart, see if it starts with starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel related issue. If there is no change, we need to check if there is spark at the plugs. Here is a link that explains how that is done.

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

Do this and let me know the results. Once we determine this, we can narrow things down.

Also, 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.

Take care,

joe
Jul 6, 2023 at 3:53 PM
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