Engine fires and shudders for a second or two then shuts off

309,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TKELLY2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
High mileage, started vehicle and backed up 75 feet. Engine shook and shuddered and shut off. Now engine turns over easily, sometimes it may fire and shudder for a second or two then shuts off. My question is, is this the timing chain, or could it be the camshaft angle sensor?
Feb 25, 2019 at 10:46 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

When you say it turns over easily, do you mean it is cranking faster than usual? If it is, then I suspect the timing chain jumped. However, there are many other things that can cause this issue if the starter speed is the same as always.

First, take a look through this link. It focuses on a crank no start condition.

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

If nothing there helps, I need you to check two things, fuel pressure and ignition spark. Here is a link that shows in general how to test fuel pressure:

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

Next, here is a link that shows how to check ignition spark:

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

If you have spark and fuel, then I need you to check engine compression. This will show if the timing has jumped or even if the compression is too low for the engine to run.

Here are a few links you may find helpful. Also, the last link shows how in general compression is tested.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Perform these tests and let me know the results. Also, the 5.0L wasn't offered this year. If it is a V8, it should either be a 4.6L or the 5.4L. So, let me know specifically what engine you have.

Let me know if I can help or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Feb 26, 2019 at 9:32 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle