Intermittent engine shutting off while driving

Tiny
CA1970
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 144,000 MILES
Car runs perfect, but about every 4 or 5 days, will drive down the road and shut off, try to crank it back up and it will runs for about 3 seconds and quit again.
Ran a code scanner on it, said bad MAF. So changed it, cleared codes, ran great for 3 days, then quit going down the road, towed it home, code scanner again, again says MAF (even after new one put in) cleared codes, ran great again for 3 days then same thing, been doing this like this (every 3 days) for a month now, but whenever you clear the code, runs great, no miss, nothing.
have replaced the MAF 3 times now, also put in new ignition switch, fuel filter,
Im at a loss as what is causing as code scanner only ever shows bad MAF sensor (even when it's a new one).
As mentioned, car runs great, no misses or engine lights, for 3 days, then quits while driving, when quits, will crank and run for 3 seconds and shuts off. Clear codes runs great again for 3 days.
Any suggestions on where to look next?
Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 10:58 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

First, codes rarely identify bad parts, they just identify failed systems. Diagnostics need to be done to verify the failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/check-engine-light-top-ten-reasons

When it will not start, do you hear the fuel pump run for 2 seconds with the key on?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

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

Can you check and see if it has a spark when it does not start? It could be the ignition module or a crank sensor.

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

Roy
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Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
CA1970
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
No check engine light comes on when it shuts off. When it does shuts off, it will crank and run for 3 seconds then shuts off again. So getting spark, fuel pump runs and tested fuel pressure, it holds good at 51 PSI, other than MAF, it pops no codes (and 3 new MAF sensors have been put on it since this began).
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Thursday, May 27th, 2021 AT 9:52 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It does not have to have a check engine light for the module to be bad. It can still be an issue.

I would remove it and take it to a parts store and have them test it several times. This is a free service.

Did you test the pressure when it stopped running? Testing it when it is running well will not tell you if the pump is locking up.

Roy
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Friday, May 28th, 2021 AT 1:48 AM

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