Engine will not stay running

Tiny
DERWIN TAYLOR
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK CENTURY
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Car only runs for twenty seconds.
Saturday, December 8th, 2018 AT 5:00 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

When it stalls, does is start right back up? Has the check engine light come on? If it does not restart, have you checked for spark and fuel to the engine?

It sounds like a few possible things. However, my first suspect is a bad crankshaft position sensor. Here are a few links to look through. However, the first one I listed is related to a bad crankshaft position sensor symptoms. To determine if the sensor is bad, check to see if the plugs are getting spark when the engine won't start. See link 2

Link 3 discusses general causes for engine stall.

Also, a weak fuel pump can also be an issue. See link 4.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

The fuel pressure specs are as follow:

Fuel System Pressure

Key On Engine Off 52-59 psi

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Saturday, December 8th, 2018 AT 9:00 PM

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