Engine shuts off while driving

NOTSPECIAL77

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

The check engine light will not turn off even with a code reader. Car will be driving fine then the engine shuts off. But all lights will stay on. Try starting it and it cranks but won't start. After about 5-25 minutes (seems like it's just enough time to get it pushed puta the road) it starts back up. And runs fine. Ideas?

Friday, October 29th, 2021 AT 10:34 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The engine shutting down could be triggered by a faulty crank position sensor. Malfunctioning crank sensor will send error codes to the ECM and that can trigger shutdown. After that the engine may or may not restart.

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

Another possibility is a bad coolant temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can send signal that the engine is 'too hot' and that can shut the engine down as well.

What codes are you getting with the check engine light? Typically, if the issue is not taken care of the light will come back on.

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

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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