Chrysler Repair: 1999 Chrysler Cirrus: engine cuts-out momentarily, hall effect sensors, chrysler cirrus

Question
I have a 1999 Chrysler Cirrus.  When I am driving it will sometimes cut out, drop rpm, and then recover in just a few seconds.  Yesterday it died all together while driving but then started back up after about 20 seconds.  The check engine light has never came on.  We had it hooked up to a computer but it shows nothing.  Could it be electrical or something else?  I have no ideal where to start.

Answer
Hi Randy,
When it is intermittant for such a short time it may not set a fault code, or the fault code be something that is not codeable. You may have to let this progress a little further until it refuses to start and then check for spark (carry a spare plug, pull one of the plug wires carefully by the insulator not the wire, and then insert the plug and hold the threaded edge against the cylinder head while a helper cranks the engine and you watch for spark to last for 5 seconds, 1-2 seconds, or not at all during a 5 second crank). Also, note whether the fuel pump makes its sound for about 1 second when you turn the ignition to run. And of course read for codes again. It might be the ignition switch if flakey, and this can happen if you have a very heavy set of keys that weighs on the switch. Try jiggling the key when it happens or to try and provoke it to happen. Those are the ideas I have at the moment. Please let me know what you learn or it this isn't clear. It sounds like one of the solid state (hall effect) sensors on the cam or crank shaft is beginning to breakdown because this is often the first sign of that, but it is not prudent to throw parts at the problem; the alternative of getting a diagnosis is to be preferred.
Roland