QuestionQUESTION: Hi Russell
I bought a brand new 1987 Plymouth Horizon for my mother. The vehicle only has around 50000 miles on it. When you drive the car you can be motoring along just fine and all of a sudden all electrical power to the motor seems to shut off. I took it on the interstate highway and watched it one day just drop the tach to 0. You can crank all you want on the starter and nothing. If you wait around 1/2 hour to an hour it will start and you can drive it till it decides enough is enough and shuts off again.
What would cause the engine to just loose electricity? Is there a ground strap that might be corroded or something of this nature?
Thank you - Joe
ANSWER: Hi Joe,
It is probably one of the engine rotational sensors that is beginning to go when it gets warm, then recovers when cool. Tell me does the 2.2L engine have a turbo? Also, use the self-diagnostic capability using the ignition switch:"on-off-on-off-on and leavon on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time.
Then watch the 'check engine' light, which remains on, to see it begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process to be sure of an accurate set of flash counts. Tell me what they are and I can probably tell you which sensor needs to be replaced.
Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool'.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider giving a 'yes' response. Thank you
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QUESTION: Thank you Roland for the response
No turbo on this engine - just a carburetor. I will check the self diag as you requested and report back when I know the answer - until now thank you so far! Joe
AnswerHi Joe,
I will await your response with interest. I didn't appreciate that in '87 they still have some 2.2L engines with carbs. I am not certain whether the code readout is applicable to that set up, but let us see. In any case, there is a single spark timing sensor in the distributor, called the hall effect sensor. It is easily removed and replaced and costs around $40. So tell me any flash counts and if there are none I would still be inclined to replace the sensor in the distributor as the symptom you describe is 'text book' as a likely cause.
Roland
PS If you would be so kind as to 'rate' either or both of my answers that would be appreciated.
