Engine will stall when driving?

Does this only happen when the engine is warm? Since the fuel pressure doesn't seem to be the issue, it seems more related to an ignition issue. Not uncommon is a bad crankshaft position sensor.

Do me a favor. Look through these links. The first one describes the component and the second discusses symptoms. Let me know if they seem to mirror what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works

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

Let me know.

Joe

As far as the pump, the only thing you can do is check fuel pressure to see if it is weak. Here is a link that explains how that is done:

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

As far as testing the sensor, it can be done by checking if there is a low reference signal to it, power, and then a signal from the sensor. I have to ask. Have you scanned the computer to see if there is a stored diagnostic trouble code? Under certain conditions, a bad crank sensor won't set a code, but in other conditions, it will. Also, if by chance you have a live data scanner, start the vehicle and watch the RPM signal to the scanner. See if it acts odd just before the engine stalls.

Also, if you drive the vehicle before it stalls, does it do the same thing?

I'm going to add the directions for replacing the crankshaft position sensor in case you decide to change it. At least you will have the directions. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2002 Chevrolet Impala V6-3.8L VIN K
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Replacement
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Crankshaft Position Sensor Service and Repair Procedures Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Replacement
CRANKSHAFT POSITION (CKP) SENSOR REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE

pic 1

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
3. Remove the right splash shield cover.
4. Remove the crankshaft harmonic balancer.
5. Disconnect the sensor electrical connector.
6. Remove the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) shield (1).

pic 2

7. Remove the CKP sensor bolts.
8. Remove the CKP sensor.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

pic 3

1. Position the CKP sensor to the block.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the CKP sensor bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

pic 4

3. Install the CKP sensor shield (1).
4. Connect the CKP sensor electrical connector.
5. Install the crankshaft balancer.
6. Install the right splash shield cover.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Connect the negative battery cable.
9. Perform the Crankshaft Variation Learn Procedure. See: Vehicle > Programming and Relearning

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I have a couple other questions. When the engine starts and runs, does it just shut down as if you turn the key off or does it slowly die as if it is a fuel related issue? I wonder if you have a fuel pump relay that is failing.

Let me know.

Joe

Here are the fuel specs right from alldata:

Fuel pressure

2002 Chevrolet Impala V6-3.8L VIN K
Fuel Pump Pressure
Vehicle Power-train Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Specifications Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature Fuel Pump Pressure
FUEL PUMP PRESSURE

Fuel System Pressure

Key On Engine Off (KOEO) 53-59 psi

You are within spec. The info isn't helping.

I have to be honest, since it shuts down like you turn the key off, it sounds like an electrical issue. I suspect it is the crankshaft position sensor.

Let me know.

Joe

You are very welcome. If I had a nickle every time there was a problem with a crankshaft position sensor, I would be rich! LOL Keep in mind that when they start going bad, the internal wiring in the sensor can expand when it gets hot. The result is loss of a signal and the engine shuts down. Often times, they will restart after cooling, but that isn't always the case.

You take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Will it still start for a couple seconds if you use starting fluid? If it does, it is a fuel related issue. If it doesn't, then it is ignition related. I am going to provide links and directions for some general testing I need you to do.

First, here is a link that discusses a crank no start condition, which you have. Take a look through it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Now, I need you to check two things. First, we need to confirm fuel pressure is where it needs to be. Here is a link that shows how to check pressure:

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

Here are directions for connecting the pressure gauge on your vehicle:

FUEL PRESSURE GAGE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
FUEL PRESSURE GAGE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage
J 34730-262 Fuel Pressure Gage Fitting

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Refer to Gasoline/Gasoline Vapors Caution and Fuel Gage Leak Caution in Service Precautions.

NOTE: Clean all of the following areas before performing any disconnections in order to avoid possible contamination in the system:
The fuel pipe connections
The hose connections
The areas surrounding the connections

IMPORTANT: Position the fuel pressure gage fitting to avoid contact with the belt.

picture 3

1. Install J 34730-1A with J 34730-262 to the fuel pressure service connection, located on the fuel rail.
2. Turn ON the ignition.

CAUTION: Refer to Fuel Storage Caution in Service Precautions.

3. Place the bleed hose of the fuel pressure gage into an approved gasoline container.
4. Open the bleed valve on the fuel pressure gage in order to bleed the air from the fuel pressure gage.
5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool until all of the air is bled out of the gage.
6. Close the bleed valve on the fuel pressure gage.
7. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
8. Inspect for fuel leaks.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

picture 3

1. Place the fuel pressure gage bleed hose into an approved container and open the bleed valve to bleed fuel system pressure.
2. Place a shop towel under the fuel pressure gage adaptor fitting to catch any remaining fuel spillage.
3. Remove J 34730-1A from the adaptor fitting.
4. Remove J 34730-262.
5. Drain any fuel remaining in the fuel pressure gage into an approved container.
6. Install the cap on the fuel pressure connection.

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Here are the manufacturer's specs for pressure:

Fuel System Pressure

Key On Engine Off 52-59 psi

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Here is a link showing how to check for ignition spark:

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

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If you have spark and fuel pressure is correct, I need you to check for an injector pulse. Here is a link showing how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

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Here are a few links you may find helpful when testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

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I also attached two pictures showing fuel injection fuse and the fuse for the fuel pump relay. Check them to make sure there are no problems, but wait till you see if the pressure is good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find or if you have questions and what you find.

Take care,
Joe

When it stalls, does it not start right up again or do you have to wait? Roughly how long do you have to wait? When it starts after a stall, how does it run, normal or rough then smooths out. Please advise.

Check your fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If possible, leave the gauge attached to the rail so you can check the fuel pressure when the stall condition exists. Keep me posted.

Hogan,
Have you checked the Crankshsft Position Sensor?
It can shut off power to the ignition system.

My car had a problem very similar to yours. Engine stalled, could restart in 5-15 minutes, no check engine light, no malfunction codes from the computer. The only indication was that the Battery would show in the message center. The problem went away when the ssensor was replaced.

TakeChargeSarge

Is your check engine light on?

I would change fuel filter and if problem persists, have ignition module tested.