my sho keeps killing

[rob 4 sho]

a few weeks ago my sho just killed and wouldn't start, i changed the control modual and the valve cover gasgets, i also cleaned out the fuel injection using a cleaner. you would think that this would solve my problem, however it didn't work. it will start and run for a while but once you come to a stop it will **** and not start again. it will only start again after it sits for a while. i think that the engin either isn't getting a spark or isn't getting fuel. i don't know what to do please help.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Rob, your problem seems to be that you are just guessing. You need to actually do some detective work and find out what the problem is. You first train of action is to run the computer codes and see what the car thinks is wrong with itself. To do this, click the link in my signature.

Going off the few symptoms you give, I would guess that your crank sensor is in need of replacement.

 

[sdpatt]

To add to what the last post suggested, it is very easy to read the error codes stored in the electronic engine control (EEC) computer. Check out the testing instructions and resulting error codes on this site. You didn't indicate what the model year and engine/transmission configuration your car had, so you will have to follow the 2- or 3-digit codes links near the top of that site to find the code descriptions. The 2-digit codes were used through 1991 and the 3-digit codes thereafter.

I also agree that it sounds like a crankshaft position sensor (CPS) failure that is causing yoru engine to stop running. This sensor charcteristically fails and then resets a period of time later. There are apparently thermal (heat) related factors on the failure modes of this sensor. When this sensor fails, the EEC and distributorless ignition system (DIS) module think that the engine is not spinning and they see no need to generate a spark. This sensor provides an input to the DIS module and the tachometer. If the tach drops immediately to zero even though the engine is still spinning, this sensor is likely the problem.

You can get a replacement sensor from AutoZone, the Wells brand SU242 for $34.99. Installing it is more involved since it is located behind the crankshaft damper in the lower timing belt cover. Before you take this route, you should first read the codes. It may save you a lot of trouble and money repairing things that are not broken.