Engine stalling intermittently

2004 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
96,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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CAROLANN123
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Problem started shortly after radiator blew out and engine got very hot. Now car will stall within 1 to 3 miles from leaving house. No noticiable noise, rattles, nothing just engine stops. Then after stall a clicking/ticking sound comes from engine even with key out. Car will not crank while clicking noise but after a couple minutes car will then start again. Dealer changed crank sensor. Problem still persisted. Have had this car at dealer now for last 2 weeks and they can not diagnose problem. I am at wits ends I need my car!
Mar 10, 2021 at 3:37 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

You indicated a clicking sound when it would stall that prevented the vehicle from starting. Do you mean the starter won't engage at all, or does the starter engage and the engine not start? Also, if you open the hood when the clicking is happening, can you tell approximate where it is coming from? I ask because it sounds like a relay could be making the noise.

Under the hood is a fuse/relay box. Check the fuel pump relay to see if the noise is coming from it or any of the other relays in the box. The attached pic shows the location of the box and I highlighted the relay.

Let me know. Also, let me know if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
Mar 10, 2021 at 10:28 AM
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CAROLANN123
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Joe said " Do you mean the starter won't engage at all, or does the starter engage and the engine not start? ".

Yes, the starter will not engage at all until the clicking sound ceases (after a couple minutes) and then the starter engage and the engine will start.

The three times the car has stalled, the clicking sound was coming from the engine compartment but I could not tell exactly where it was coming from. Now that you said it could be a relay, I will try better to ascertain if that is where the sound is coming from.

Thank you for your answer.
Mar 10, 2021 at 7:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Mar 11, 2021 at 7:31 AM
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