Shuts off while driving?

BRENDAB

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
2.2L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
294,000 MILES

Coolant light comes on and my car is front wheel drive it cuts out while I'm driving it and sounds like it's sucking a lot of air.

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 AT 3:26 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,320 POSTS

Hi,

Have you checked the coolant level? Also, when the engine cuts out, does it turn off completely? Is the check engine light staying on while it runs? Also, you indicated it is sucking a lot of air. Check to make sure the air filter box and inlet tube are secured properly. Also, with the hood open, see if you can narrow down where the sound is coming from.

I'm not sure if there is a problem with the front-wheel drive or if you are simply indicating it has front-wheel drive. If you have other questions, let me know.

I attached a pic of the air filter box. I highlighted where the air inlet tube connects, and the arrow indicates the tube runs to the throttle body.

Let me know what you find,

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)

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Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 AT 8:02 PM

BRENDAB

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The air flow system is fine, the sound is coming from the back of the motor on the passenger side of the car. The coolant level is on the full mark and there are no leaks. I replaced the water pump and thermostat when I got the car, it doesn't cut off all the time but most of the time sometimes it acts like it has no pulling power when you give it gas and when it starts acting up I have to turn the Trac off/on stitch to off and then switch it back on. The lady I got it from had it in and out of the garage because of it shutting off rapidly while driving it but they never found out the cause of it. Since I had it, it had stop doing that for about 3 months then started back up again.

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Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 AT 9:01 PM

BRENDAB

MEMBER
3 POSTS

When it turns off it shuts down completely to where you have to put it in neutral to start it back up the check engine light doesn't stay on all the time just when it shuts down and the check gauges light sometimes comes on, but does not stay on.

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Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 AT 9:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,320 POSTS

Hi,

What you are describing sounds like it could either be fuel or ignition related. Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if you feel anything indicated mirrors what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

If you feel it doesn't the sensor is a suspect, then I would recommend checking the fuel pressure. If could be off.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

You will need a fuel pressure gauge for that test, but most parts stores will lend one to you free of charge. Additionally, I attached the manufacturer's fuel pressure specifications below.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)