When the engine gets warm it shuts off

Tiny
SUSAN DOWNS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE INTREPID
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 176,000 MILES
The engine got ran hot for 80 or more miles. Now after you driven a mile or two, it shuts off. After it cools off, it starts again and can be driven a couple more miles. Is it a relay or the computer?
Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 AT 4:57 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Your description sounds like a bad crankshaft position sensor. However, how hot was the engine for the 80 miles? Was it overheating?

Interestingly, the crank sensor, when bad, will fail when it gets hot. Once it cools, often times it will work again and then repeat the cycle. On your vehicle (which I believe is a 3.2L), the crankshaft position sensor is located on the passengers side of the transmission housing, above the differential housing (see pic 1). Before just replacing it, take a look through these links. First is a link that explains how it works, the second discusses symptoms, and the last shows in general how one is replaced.

What happens is this. When the engine warms up, the crank signal is lost and the ignition system fails. Basically, ignition spark to the spark plugs stops. Regardless, take a look through these links and see if the symptoms mirror what you are experiencing. If by any chance you have a live data scanner, when it stalls and refuses to start, see if there is an RPM signal.

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

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

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

________________________________________________

Here are directions specific to your vehicle. Please confirm I am correct in assuming this is a 3.2L V6. The only other option is a 2.7L V6. You indicated a 3.4L. Pic 2 correlates with these directions.

_______________________________________________

2000 Dodge Intrepid V6-3.2L VIN J
Procedures
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Crankshaft Position Sensor Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
Crankshaft Position Sensor

Pic 2

The crankshaft sensor is located on the passengers side of the transmission housing, above the differential housing. The bottom of the sensor sits above the drive plate.

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect electrical connector from Crankhaft Position Sensor.
2. Remove sensor mounting screw. Remove sensor.

INSTALLATION
1. Install sensor and push sensor down until contact is made with the transmission case. While holding the sensor in this position, install and tighten the retaining bolt to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.) torque.
2. Connect electrical connector to Crankhaft Position Sensor.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
SUSAN DOWNS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes it was running hot.
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Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Okay. What I need you to do is check to see if the engine is getting spark when it won't restart. I suspect something is happening with the crankshaft position sensor. You can physically check for spark or if you have access to a live data scanner, you can check for an RPM signal.

Here is a link that explains how to check for spark:

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

Let me know what you find,

Joe
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Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 AT 8:02 PM

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