QuestionQUESTION: Hey, 97 sebring coupe lxi 2.5 stalls randomly while I'm driving. Sometimes it will start up right away other times I have to wait up to 20 minutes before it will start. Didn't throw any codes when put on the scanner. I have no idea where to start looking for the problem. Distributor or possibly sensors? Very frustrating that it is so random. Help?
ANSWER: Hi Nikki,
My suspicion is that the sensor in the distributor OR the crankshaft position sensor is failing when it warms up, then recovers as it cools down, which is a very common behavior. The quickest way to find out which is to be prepared to check the sensors when the engine won't re-start by measuring the signals coming from the sensor with a voltmeter attached between the sensor signal and ground wires. You would put the key in the 'run' position, then turn the engine over by hand using a ratchet handle on the crankshaft pulley bolt. You would expect to see the voltage oscillate between 5 and 0.3V as you rotate the engine. If not, then that sensor is the cause of the failure.
On the distributor the wires would be tan/yellow and black/light blue on pins 3 and 1 of the 6-pin plug, while the crank sensor would be the gray/black and black/light blue on the sensor plug. You could also access them at the pcm on 33/43 and 32/43, respectively by piercing the insulation with a fine pin to which to attach the leads of the voltmeter. But check to be sure it still won't start before you check the voltages.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the 'pool' to which the other expert had referred it. If you would 'rate' my answer I would be most appreciative; and where you see the question about "volunteer of the month" please consider a 'yes' answer.
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QUESTION: Thanks so much. I was thinking it was the crank sensor however someone suggested that I should unscrew the gas cap because it may be a plugged vent. I did this and it has not quit since. Now the check engine light came on. I did the self check with the ignition test and it showed code #31????? Not sure what this is... Please help?
ANSWER: Hi Nikki,
Thanks for the update. On the code 31, that is probably related to running with a loose gas cap because now the system that verifies the proper collection and recycling of fuel vapors says it is not happy with what it is seeing. So I suspect that if you put on a new gas cap it might resolve that problem too. So you might want to give that a try.
Roland
PS: I would really appreciate your 'rate' of this answer. You will also come to a question about whether to nominate me to be 'volunteer of the month' and if you would give me a 'yes' I would be grateful.
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QUESTION: Hi Ronald. As to the stalling problem. I replaced the crank sensor and it ran fine for a week. It then started to stumble on acceleration and would sometimes quit. I replaced the distributor as the code it was giving me was ???54?? for the cam sensor. Still has the problem with the acceleration on take off. It is not showing any codes. Also, the car will idle fine, however i shift it into park and it still idles fine but when i shift from park to neutral when idleing it dies everytime... Any clue as to what is making it do this?? Thanks for your help!!
AnswerHi Nikki,
Because this is a '97 it is OBD-II code compliant which means that there is a much more extensive list of 4-digit fault codes for both the engine and the transmission available to yo via a plug under the dash by the steering colulmn. I suggest you get a free code readout at an Autozone parts store or for under $40 at an independent garage. Let me know the numbers and we can go from there. Rather than guessing about the acceleration and shut off issues the code readout may give us something specific to look at.
Roland
