Intermittent engine shutting off while driving?

Hi,

Does this happen when your foot is on the throttle or is it more so when the vehicle is at idle?

Do me a favor. Let's see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes that are stored. This vehicle has an OBD1 system that doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve codes. All you will need is either a short jumper wire or even a paper clip.

Follow the directions in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Based on what is happening, it could be a few things. For example, a weak fuel pump or something specific to the ignition system. I'm hoping that we find something stored as far as codes.

Try that and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

It stalls when I am just going down the road foot on the gas. It does not give me any warning it just stalls out and will start right up when I put it in neutral. I don't know if I can try to find the codes as I am a female and don't know much about cars. A friend put in a new fuel filter and and an oxygen sensor that did not help.

Hi,

You should be able to do this. Some of the best mechanics I know are women. LOL Based on what is happening, I suspect it is either a fuel pressure-related issue or the crankshaft position sensor is failing. If the engine shuts off as if you turned the key off, the crankshaft position sensor is where I would start. If it acts like it is losing power, then I would check the fuel pressure.

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you experience.

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

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

PS: Don't be afraid to check for codes. It's really easy to do.

I read the link, so here is my reply: The car does not lose power no matter what speed you are going, it can be 25 or 45. The engine is not at an idle. I am going down the road foot on the gas so same speed and then it just shuts off just like you turned the key off. Does not misfire or stall at an idle. It happens when the car is cold or hot. Does not happen all the time. I can drive it one day and it will not happen then the next time I drive it this will happen quite a few times. Always starts right up. It has been going on for quite some time and no one can give me a solution. I just can't afford to have anybody start changing parts and it does not solve the problem. Thanks for trying to help.

I have a feeling it is related to the crankshaft position sensor. Were you able to retrieve diagnostic codes?

Let me know.

Joe

Somehow, I lost the page that tells me how to look for the codes and what the codes mean, sorry about that.

Hi,

Absolutely no problem whatsoever. Here is the link again. Take a look through the directions and let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method


Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe