Car Stalled Out

[eacyde]

Yesterday my car was running 100% tip top.

After making a 20 min pitstop, the car just died while I was driving.

It seems to stall out for no reason when it is hot outside and the car has been running for a while.

After sitting on the side of the road for 10 mins, it finally started up and was fine again.

What would cause this random stalling?

The outside temp was approx 75-80*F and my temp gauge on the car was normal

Please help.

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

What it sounds like you're explaining is the Crank sensor is going out.

This is most likely due to your water pump leaking out of the weep hole, which is right directly above the crank sensor itself. It will leak down and get the unit wet and shut the car down.

This is why after a few minutes of it drying of and cooling down the car will start back up.

If you're going to have to change the water pump. Might as well do the timing belt and crank sensor while you're in there(the leaking coolant could have very well ruined the crank sensor)

Here's a good step by step(with pictures) of the front 60k service( replaces the parts that i reccomend.

http://www.shophoenixproject.com/lower60k/lower60k.htm

Hope this helps!

 

[jedhead]

I agree with ^^^

Bob

 

[eacyde]

Wouldn't there be a puddle of coolant under the car?

I replaced the water pump and crank sensor with my 60K. That was only 10K ago.

 

[eacyde]

Now I'm stranded. Is there a way to confirm if it is the crank sensor?

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

Is it getting spark at all while the car is in "dead mode"?

 

[antz]

I had a faulty fuel pump that would over heat and shut down on hot days, after sitting for a while the car would start up and drive again. could be a possibility

 

[rubydist]

Is it getting spark at all while the car is in "dead mode"?

this is how you confirm - if there is spark, then its not the crank sensor.

if there is no fuel, then the fuel pump is ill.

but you need to do this test while the car is in "dead mode"

 

[eacyde]

Well, It sat for about an hour or so, and it fired right up and drove 100%

When it dies, it usually happens while stopped. It cranks over fine and seems to want to run, but doesn't.

If it sits for 10 mins, it will run but dies as soon as I put it in drive.

This never happens on cool days, just when it is hot.

I am sure the fuel pump has never been changed. It has just under 100K miles now.

Is the fuel pump difficult to change? do I have to drop the tank or can I access it from inside the car?

 

[andysho]

I have to agree with Chris and Bob as well...my SHO did the same exact thing..but my wife was driving it at the time...bummer. After it sits about 10 min...I could start it right up and let it run for a minute or two..then it died. I searched the forums and they said crank sensor is bad from failing water pump. They nailed it. After new water pump and sensor...good to go!! But while I had to do that...I did the lower 60k since I was in there. Just wanted to reply, because that's how I learned...from seeing other replies of thier problems. Good Luck!

Andy

 

[eacyde]

So far I have had no issues today. If my water pump is weeping, would there be a puddle of coolant under the car? I park in a garage and the floor is dry and no stain.

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

So far I have had no issues today. If my water pump is weeping, would there be a puddle of coolant under the car? I park in a garage and the floor is dry and no stain.

it might be just a minor enough leak to where's its just enough to get the crank sensor damp and not even hit the ground.

 

[shotime1994]

When the car stalls out and you are cranking it what does the tach do?

 

[andysho]

When my SHO did that...there was no signs of coolant on the ground...so it had me baffled too. It was once I had the thing apart when I saw signs of leakage. Listen to the other guys on here...they are a TON of help!!

 

[NEp8ntballer]

When the car stalls out and you are cranking it what does the tach do?

this, but I'd say you're probably looking at a front 60k

 

[eacyde]

the tach operates normal. I had a full 60K not too long ago.

I think my best option is to change the crank sensor.

 

[NEp8ntballer]

if the full 60k included a water pump you may want to investigate the fuel pump

 

[eacyde]

the water pump was replaced. I suspect the fuel pump is original.

 

[intimdatr]

do you have access to a fuel pressure gauge? easiest way to check without spend big $$$ and tons of time do a fuel pump change.
without proof of it being THE issue. it me be a Regulator failing, yes i know very rare and unlikely, but it happens.

 

[eacyde]

do you have access to a fuel pressure gauge? easiest way to check without spend big $$$ and tons of time do a fuel pump change.
without proof of it being THE issue. it me be a Regulator failing, yes i know very rare and unlikely, but it happens.

I could check fuel pressure, but when would I check? The car runs 99% of the time. When it fails I am no where near tools or my shop.

So I need a bit of clarification:
When car dies, check if there is spark. No spark = Crank Sensor
Yes Spark = ?? what next
Could be fuel pump or possible regulator.

I dont have a check engine light, but could I possibly have a code?