While driving engine started losing power and then shut off and will not start

Tiny
DEEDOWLER268
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 4.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100 MILES
Driving down the road and all of a sudden the needles start jumping and the acceleration starts decreasing we get to a side road to turn and it shuts off. It turned over started but shuts off. Tried again and same thing after so many attempts it will not start up until we have let it set for some time. Then it only starts maybe once or twice dies and won't start again. We got one code for the TAC. No its not pulling any codes and says the engine light is off but it's still on. We have replaced alternator, TCM, all 6 spark plugs one of the spark plug coil, cam shaft, crank shaft, fuel pump, starter. Now we're stumped. So much money put in we hate to take it to a shop now and spend even more money. There is about 100,000 miles on it. Please help? We were thinking of changing the air filter and fuel regulator next.
Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 3:52 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

What you described sounds like a bad crankshaft position sensor. Was it the tachometer that was jumping around? I ask because that would support my thoughts. At first, I thought fuel issues, but the needles jumping around is what changes that idea. Let me know if it was the tachometer.

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link. It discusses common symptoms of a bad crankshaft position sensor. See if it seems to mirror what you are experiencing.

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

If it doesn't and the vehicle doesn't start at all now, try this. Using starting fluid, see if it will start for a couple seconds before it stalls. If it does, then we can assume it is a fuel related issue, possible fuel pump. If it doesn't even try to start, then suspect ignition, specifically the crankshaft position sensor.

If you would rather, here are two links you may find helpful. One explains how to check for ignition spark and the other how to check fuel pressure.

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

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

Let me know what you find and I can further direct you.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
DEEDOWLER268
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
We have replaced the crankshaft position sensor and fuel pump (full assembly) and cam shaft. I remember the speedometer needle jumping before it shut off but I was not driving my husband was. It has been almost 2 weeks ago. After replacing the fuel pump we started it and it stayed on longer than it had been but shut off. Then we started again it shut off quickly and there was a sound of high air pressure is how I can describe it after it shut off. Then it wouldn't start again until we let it set for a little while, but just shuts off after starting it and running for a few seconds. We figured there was air in the lines so we released that before we started it up and heard the air pressure.
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Sunday, May 10th, 2020 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked fuel pressure? I realize the pump is new. However, the idea that you are hearing a high pressure sound after it stalls could indicate a pressure issue. Likely, it's too high.

Is it possible for you to record it starting and the sound so I can hear it?

Let me know.
Joe
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Sunday, May 10th, 2020 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
DEEDOWLER268
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It is not doing the air pressure sound upon shutting off like before, but this is what sounds like. When we start it again it shuts off even quicker then it won't start a third time until it sets for a length of time. When he asked if the needle moved he was doing the fuel pressure gauge test which failed because it wasn't hooked up correctly. It's in a hard to reach spot to do the testing but he is working on getting to it now.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
DEEDOWLER268
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  • 5 POSTS
Air pressure test came back good. It jumped to 60 down to 50 turning the key off and on it stayed at 50.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I hear you cycling the key. Are you continuing to try to start it and nothing is happening? (no starter engagement)?

If that isn't the case and pressure is good, it is likely ignition related. If I had the vehicle, I would check to see if spark is lost when it refuses to start. If it's lost, replace the crankshaft position sensor. You can use the test procedure I listed above. If you guys have a live data scanner, check to see if the RPM signal is lost when it won't start which would indicate the same thing.

With pressure where it should be, my first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. Check to see if spark if lost when it won't start at all.

If you determine the sensor is the issue, here is a link that shows how in general one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

________________________

Here are directions specific to your vehicle. The two attached pics correlate with the directions.

_______________________

2006 Chevy Truck TrailBlazer 4WD L6-4.2L VIN S
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Crankshaft Position Sensor Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACEMENT
CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.

pic 1

2. Disconnect the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor harness connector.
3. Remove the CKP sensor retaining bolt.
4. Remove the CKP sensor from the engine block.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT: Inspect the sensor O-ring for the following conditions:
- Any wear
- Any cracks
- Any leakage

Replace the O-ring if necessary. Lubricate the new 0-ring with engine oil before installation.

pic 2

1. Install the CKP sensor into the engine block.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten the bolt to 10 N.m (89 lb in).

2. Install the CKP sensor retaining bolt.
3. Connect the CKP sensor harness connector.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Perform the CKP System Variation Learn Procedure.

__________________________________-

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
DEEDOWLER268
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  • 5 POSTS
We have replaced that crank shaft position sensor and we have ran the scanner and no codes are popping up. We just bought a $200.00 Foxwell scanning tool and no codes. We used an old II scanner prior and it also read no codes.
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 3:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Try this for me. Connect the scan tool and when the engine will not start, see if there is an RPM signal.

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 AT 9:18 PM

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