LHS cutting off

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Freemont, Jan 27, 2004.

  1. Freemont

    Freemont Guest

    Hello all. This is a '94 LHS. The car loses power (cuts off) abruptly while
    I am driving and also at idle. This started out a few weeks ago as a rare
    occurence and is getting more common. If I am driving, the engine stops for
    1 or 2 seconds and restarts itself. If I am idling, it shuts down and
    simply restarting works- except for two times when it would turn over but
    would not start. These times, after trying to start for about five minutes,
    it would come on.
    Friends have suggested things like air filters, clogged injectors, etc, but
    I can't believe my air filter is causing this car to shut down as though
    the battery has been disconnected!
    I experienced a similar situation once with my 280ZX where it turned out to
    be an ignition module.
    Local repair shops have been unable/unwilling to diagnose this problem
    because of its intermittent and unpredictable nature.
    Anyone else had this problem or have any ideas as to its cause? TIA for
    your time-

    Freemont
     
    Freemont, Jan 27, 2004
    #1
  2. Freemont

    Mike Behnke Guest

    Probably the crank and/or cam position sensor is becoming intermittent.

    Can you provide trouble codes from the CEL? ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON (don't
    start) and read out the the codes.
    (http://www.allpar.com/fix/80s-codes.html)
     
    Mike Behnke, Jan 27, 2004
    #2
  3. Freemont

    Freemont Guest

    Thanks, that was quick!
    There were no trouble codes when the car was at the Chrysler place, about
    three weeks ago. Which was a GREAT help. I don't know if that tech tried
    what you describe, but I doubt it. I assume you're referring to the
    diagnostic computer they use? If so, they said there was no error.
    Would this sensor cause this behavior? Understand, there is no "running
    rough", no stuttering, no warning of any kind. In a split second, the
    engine stops! Then starts back after (usually) 1-2 seconds like nothing
    happened.
    Any and all ideas are *greatly* appreciated-

    Freemont
     
    Freemont, Jan 27, 2004
    #3
  4. Freemont

    Steve Raft Guest

    I second this diagnosis. The fuel pump relay is linked to the crank
    position sensor, so when that sensor stops sending a signal-the fuel stops
    flowing. Mine failed last year, but before it completely died, it would
    fail intermittently, then restart-just like you described.
     
    Steve Raft, Jan 28, 2004
    #4
  5. Freemont

    Freemont Guest

    Wow! This sounds promising then. If you don't mind my asking, what did that
    repair cost you?
    BTW, I had suspected either an ignition problem or a fuel flow problem, and
    when this crap started I noticed a fuel odor. This turned out to be a
    cracked fuel rail, and after having that replaced, I really hoped my
    worries were over. No such luck.
    Is there a resource online where I might find detailed instructions and
    diagrams for replacing this sensor, assuming it is the kind of job a non-
    mechanic can handle?
    Many more thanks to you-

    Freemont
     
    Freemont, Jan 28, 2004
    #5
  6. Freemont

    Arthur Begun Guest

    I remember back in the late 70's, Volkswagon was going to come out
    with a car that turned off its engine when stopped and then started
    again as you pressed the accelerator. Was supposed to get almost 50
    mpg. Sounds like you may have stumbled on to something.
     
    Arthur Begun, Jan 28, 2004
    #6
  7. Freemont

    Steve Raft Guest

    I let my mechanic do this one, but it doesn't look like too bad of a DIY
    job. Total cost was ~$180, $60 for the sensor and 2 hrs labor (1 hr diag
    and 1 hr install).
     
    Steve Raft, Jan 31, 2004
    #7
  8. Freemont

    Bill Hodgson Guest

    If no trouble codes set, then it's probably a battery connection issue
    between the Computer and Battery.
    Look for any terminal connections that may be loose, that provide power to
    the computer.
    - Bill
     
    Bill Hodgson, Feb 2, 2004
    #8
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