Chrysler Repair: Vehicle shutdown while in motion., crankshaft position sensor, sebring lxi

Question
Maybe you can help me with this.  I own a 2000 Sebring Lxi and recently while driving the engine turned off without warning.  There was no "check engine" light or anything.  All of the vehicles electronics continued working (fans, radio, etc.).  I pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and attempted to restart the car, but no luck.  The starter turns and the vehicle generally seems as though it wants to start, but does not.  This is the second time that this has happened. I don't want this vehicle shutting down while in motion and I consider this unsafe, especially at highway speeds.  After a few attempts at starting, it will start again.  Do you have any suggestions ?




Antoine K.Bass

Answer
Hi Antoine,
There are many possible reasons for an intermittant shutdown as you describe but because it heals itself after a few minutes it means that to learn about the problem you have to be ready to diagnose it at the time it won't start.
This is a fairly lengthy list of measurements and in addition for a complete inspection it is helpful to have a fault code scanner on board at the time which is plugged into a receptacle under the dash.
Another approach is to query the engine controller for any faults that are stored in its memory. This can be done at a dealer, independent tune-up shop, and even at some auto parts stores who will do it for free (e.g. I am told that Autozone will do this gratis). If you do that and get the code number and description then if you would like write me back with that information and I can tell you what might be the repair needed (you can compare my advice with what the shop/parts store says is the repair and cost).
I should give you an educated guess: What it appears to me is a likely cause is one of the solid state sensors in the ignition system is heating up abnormally and therefor failing, then it cools down and resumes to function normally. There are two such sensors, one is the crankshaft position sensor the other the camshaft position sensor. But it would be desireable to verify that with a fault code readout specifically pointing to one or the other so that you don't waste money by guessing (what is called "throwing parts at it").
So consider having the code readout done before taking any steps.
Roland