Engine will not stay running?

1996 DODGE CARAVAN
180,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, it will start and run but for only about twenty to thirty seconds and then it will shut off slowly if you Pat the gas. but will shut off immediately if you don't pat the gas. let it set for a hour or so and it will repeat this process.


I have changed:

The fuel pump.
Fuel filter.
Crankshaft sensor.
Camshaft sensor.
Ignition coil.
And I've checked fuel pressure all are okay.

From what I can tell it's only firing every third time through the firing cycle or something like that.
Video (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Feb 10, 2019 at 7:11 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I suspect you have a fuel delivery issue. You need to check the actual fuel pressure.

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

You can rent a tester at a parts store to verify a fuel pump failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.

Roy
Feb 10, 2019 at 7:32 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, it seems to run a lot different from what I can tell. I only let it run for a few maybe minute or two and then it went dead but it fired back up and ran for another 30 45 seconds and shut off again. Then it would start but only stay going for a half a second or two.
Feb 12, 2019 at 7:44 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Did you disconnect the catalytic converter? Joe has a point that the cat converter may be clogged.

If you disconnect it, see if it continues to run.

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 7:46 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Yes that's what I did.
Feb 12, 2019 at 7:51 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Might just because it unhooked and all, I do not know.
Feb 12, 2019 at 7:53 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
No, not at all.

Can you check the fuel pressure with a gauge to be sure the pressure is not going away?

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 7:57 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Yes, I did it and it had good pressure.
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:02 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
What is the exact pressure and does it stay when it stalls or does it fall away?

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:05 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
A little over 50 psi.
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:23 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, good.

Did the pressure stay the same when it stalled? Trying to see if it is losing voltage to the pump.

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:26 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I do not know. i didn't really pay attention when it stalled when I tested it.
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:30 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Test it again and see if the pressure drops off and it stalls.

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:32 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, I understand I think. so look for a pressure drop when it stalling out but still running a little.
Even if it's stalling out it should still keep that same pressure until it's totally dead.
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:39 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Yes, it should stay constant if the key is on.

If it drops, there is something turning off the voltage such as the ASD relay.

If it does not then we need to look toward loss of spark.

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:44 AM
Avatar
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Okay, I'll check it. I do not know about tonight but maybe tomorrow night after work.
Feb 12, 2019 at 8:59 AM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Sounds like a plan.

Roy
Feb 12, 2019 at 9:03 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle