Engine shut off while driving

[ranger690]

While on my way back from work today I was driving along coasting and all of a sudden my rpm gauge dropped from idle down to 500 or less rpm and the oil light started flashing and then the car shut off while going 60 mph luckily i was on a straight road and managed to turn it back on and get home but I had it do this while idling in the drive way a couple of weeks ago. I also have a chugging problem and was told to get the wires replaced and get the manifold cleaned and will be taking it to the mechanic soon but I wonder if this has to do with any thing else. Any suggestions as what else to get replaced to help solve this issue would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[Devin]

Clutch in, or neutral? If so my issue was caused by the camshaft position sensor.

 

[ranger690]

I think that I had the clutch pushed in. Thanks, I might as well have a new one put in If im taking it in anyway

 

[Devin]

They are one of the more expensive sensors but relatively easy to replace.

 

[ranger690]

is it something I can do with out ripping the entire engine apart as I am not really mechanically inclined or should i have my mechanic do it as he is doing my wires and taking the manifold off already

 

[ranger690]

Just to make sure I dont order the wrong part do I need the camshaft positon sensor or the crankshaft positon sensor

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[Devin]

The CKP (Crankshaft position sensor) can cause the car to die, but I think usually it keeps it from coming on and also makes the tach do wierd things. It's on the front of the engine and requires the front end to be torn down. It is mounted directly above the crankshaft where the timing belt meets the crankshaft.

The CPS (Camshaft position sensor) it appears can cause the car to die while running and is located on the front of the engine on the right hand head. You can see it if you shoot a flashlight down behind the top of the accessory belt that drives the oil pump.

I'll dig out a picture.



I removed it without taking anything else apart, but it is a tight squeeze.

 

[slyskater5]

im having a problem just like ranger690's and i was wonder if there was a way to test both of the CPS and the CKP to figure out which one it might be?

 

[rubydist]

Once the car is running, you can disconnect the cam sensor and the car will run normally, although the tach will not work and the cel will illuminate. If the problem occurs with the cam sensor disconnected, that will not rule out the cam sensor completely, but will tell you that you have additional problems such as dis, coils, ccrm, fuel pump, crank sensor, etc.

 

[ranger690]

I see you have your manifold off do I need mine off to replace the sensor, and if so is it hard to take off and then put back on. in the picture is it the loose wire on top of the crank case. just want to make sure i have the right one. Also i forgot to mention that the cel has been coming on and off but i have just put that off as needing new wires and may bee a sensor which im in the process of replacing the cam sensor.

Thanks again

 

[ranger690]

never mind i found it under the wires, that should be something i could do, since you did it with out removing anything any words of advice for installation as it is covered in oil and grime

Thanks once again

 

[Devin]

Mine was pretty gross. I just attempted not to drop anything from the surrounding area into the sensor area. Clean it off with a rag first and it'll save you some hassle.

It took about an hour for me to get my hand in there, take the old one off (without dropping any bolts!) and put the new one on. Easier than taking off the intake though.