CEL comes on at random, massive loss of power

[plethaus]

My car has been acting a little strange over the past few weeks. I haven't driven it that much since I got my new car but I had to take it to work today and that's where it really reared its ugly head. Basically what will happen is, the CEL comes on at random (it can be while cruising along in 5th, accelerating from a stop, whatever) and there is an almost total loss of power, although the engine keeps running. It will do this for 2 or 3 seconds and then the CEL disappears and the car runs great again.

Also - not sure if this is related but I'm guessing it is - I took it on a short trip to the grocery store and when I was leaving, it died on me just a few seconds after starting it. No CEL, no sputtering - it just acted like I turned the key off. Then it wouldn't start for a few seconds (just crank and crank), so I gave it about 15 seconds and tried again and it started right up.

I know I have to pull the codes, and I will do that tonight, just wondering if anyone has any ideas while I am still at work.

Molly

 

[Bizzy]

I'm guessing perhaps the beginnings of crank sensor problems but that's a total off the wall guess with the little bit of info that's been given. The lack of power could be a problem with needing to clean out the nostrils for the EGR.

When you get the codes post them up. That'll help us a lot more.

 

[ilikepoultry]

that's a crank sensor - if you can get it over i'll do it for $25 plus parts =)

 

[Bizzy]

Any updates Molly?

 

[naval-avi8or]

Pull the codes. I would have to dissagree with the Crank Sensor. Crank sensor either works or it doesn't. Your loss of power could be related to and stalling could be linked to a fuel pump failure. The loss of power alone could be EGR, Oil in the plug wells, or possible coil pack failure which is dropping several cylinders off line.

 

[plethaus]

Any updates Molly?

No, I ended up not having time last night.. tonight should be free and clear though.

 

[USHOMEISHOU]

sounds like what happened to me when my crank sensor went out. As for the loss of power? you're not getting a spark at the time the CPS stops working for those short bursts resulting in the loss of power (the engine actually isn't running the tranny is turning it)

I had the exact same problem, those sort periods of time that the cps doesn't work GET LONGER AND LONGER until it quits all together (mine took about a month and a half)

replace the CPS and you'll be fine

 

[plethaus]

(the engine actually isn't running the tranny is turning it)

Yep, that's exactly what I thought.. the engine basically was dead, just still spinning because it was in gear and rolling.. and then the sensor or whatever kicked back in and it fired right back up - just like push starting it (since the key is already on run and everything)

 

[USHOMEISHOU]

Yep, that's exactly what I thought.. the engine basically was dead, just still spinning because it was in gear and rolling.. and then the sensor or whatever kicked back in and it fired right back up - just like push starting it (since the key is already on run and everything)

YOU GOT IT!

 

[hawkeye18]

+1. I vote CKP. sounds like you're in for a fun time! (for a fun time, call...)

 

[naval-avi8or]

almost total loss of power, although the engine keeps running. It will do this for 2 or 3 seconds and then the CEL disappears and the car runs great again.

Molly

Please clearify the above stament. You mentioned in a later post that it doesn't keep running. If it keeps running than I can't see a remote possibility that its the Crank Sensor. Crank sensors either work or not. I would hate to see you pull the entire front of your motor apart and not fix the problem.

 

[hawkeye18]

no, see, what she's saying is that the engine is off. It's not firing. But, since it's still connected to the (still) turning wheels, the engine is forced to turn. Therefore, the engine is turning, but it's not running. The tach will drop to zero, though the engine still kinda sorta sounds like it's running because it's still going through its compression cycle, just without spark. Or maybe fuel. I don't know.

It's the crank sensor. I had an old 94 MTX that did the same damn thing. It would just come right back on when it finally fired again since the car was still going 35-70. hi-speed bump start lol.

 

[USHOMEISHOU]

It's the crank sensor. I had an old 94 MTX that did the same damn thing. It would just come right back on when it finally fired again since the car was still going 35-70. hi-speed bump start lol.

EXACTLY! I would bet money on it

 

[naval-avi8or]

That CEL Code would be nice. That would probably be one of the rare Crank sensor codes if thats what the code is for. Seems most owners don't even get a CEL or code when the Crank Sensor goes.

I just caught the MTX in her sig, that makes the whole power thing understandable.