Engine will not stay running?

Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
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.
Sunday, February 10th, 2019 AT 3:11 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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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
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Sunday, February 10th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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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.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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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
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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Yes that's what I did.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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Might just because it unhooked and all, I do not know.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 3:53 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No, not at all.

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

Roy
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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Yes, I did it and it had good pressure.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:02 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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What is the exact pressure and does it stay when it stalls or does it fall away?

Roy
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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A little over 50 psi.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, good.

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

Roy
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:26 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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I do not know. I didn't really pay attention when it stalled when I tested it.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Test it again and see if the pressure drops off and it stalls.

Roy
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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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.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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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
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
USTOGETHER04LIFE
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Okay, I'll check it. I do not know about tonight but maybe tomorrow night after work.
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Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
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Sounds like a plan.

Roy
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+1
Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 AT 5:03 PM

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