Engine shut off while driving?

Tiny
KELLEY JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 245,000 MILES
I was driving and it all of a sudden quit running. Battery is good and fuel pump is working. Replaced coil pack and crankshaft. I don't have spark. I'm stuck with a van that does not run and I am out of town and have no money. Please help.
Sunday, April 28th, 2019 AT 5:54 PM

65 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This could be a problem with your Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). It is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in your vehicle's engine compartment by the battery. It controls power to the coils, which in turn provide electricity to the spark plugs, making them spark. In the diagrams down below I have included all the information that you will need to test and if necessary replace the ASD relay. Please get back to us with what you are able to find out.

This guide can help fix it as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Thanks,
Alex
CarPros
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, April 28th, 2019 AT 10:44 PM
Tiny
ROVONOVICH TABORSKI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
So, tThis vehicle is very well maintained and not to brag but AZDOT ran emissions twice due to they could not believe first result of how little emissions where and how clean engines was.
Anyway. Vehicle stalls while driving after I changed serpentine belt. So I got tension-er pulley. Then became. A very good customer at Autozone. Or whoever had sensor, fuse, fuel pump you name it. Then tonight I fixed problem. Duh.
The oil gasket blew and leaking onto A/C condenser and when hit brake after cleaning everything of squeaky clean I ran test. Accelerated fast, decelerated fast turn lest and right rapidly, U- turns. Lol. Oil from leak was spitting onto serpentine belts and when it got onto pulley that is when it would stall and then run. It cannot totally stall doing high rpm 's. It kind of like jumping a manual when battery dead. If you catch my drift That is also why it would just shut off in idle the oil was getting onto belt. Well months ago I purchased oil pan gasket and so I installed and adjusted tension-er to both A/C and serpentine belt and drove one hundred miles and nothing. Hopefully tomorrow will be the same. Lol
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
Hello,

I am sorry I cannot understand what the problem is. Does the engine stall or not run is it not cranking over?

Please clarify:)

Best, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:20 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LIJABLUEEYEZ2003
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,000 MILES
What is causing my car to turn over and stay running for at least a minute then the car just clicks off? Please help me?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
XXRAWRXX
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
That description isn't very specific so it could mean a number of things. My only guesses would be spark plugs or fuel pump.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MRS.ALFONSO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
After my van warms up or runs for about 20 minutes it stalls out, somtimes wont start right back up but most of the time it does. What could be causing this.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
A lot of times, it is the ASD (Auto Shutdown) relay. Try swapping the relay with another, and see what happens.

If that doesn't help, you have to test a few sensors: ECT Engine Coolant Temperature, TP Throttle Position, CKP Crankshaft Position and CMP Camshaft Position sensors.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:31 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,542 POSTS
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 211,000 MILES
While driving at highway speed the engine cut off, the engine wouldn't crank for a couple of hours. After it cooled down it cranks and runs like normal. The service engine light didn't come on. What could have been the problem? This has happened twice.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
If the check engine light didn't come on, I question the fuel pump. When it doesn't start, check to see if there is fuel pressure to the engine that is within the manufacturer's specs.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOLDEROON85
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 184,147 MILES
I have a 98 dodge caravan with a 3.0 in it. When I start it up of a morning it runs fine but as the engine warms up it cuts out badly. The engine light is on. When I hook it up to a computer it says random multiple misfire. I have changed the plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter and fuel pump. When I changed the plugs and wires it ran great for a little bit but started cutting out again. The only other thing I think it could be is the coil but I dont wanna buy one if thats not it. Ive never seen anything like it. Can you please help me.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Check the following.

†Check fuel injectors and Injector Harnesses - Special Tools Needed

†Check for gasoline in oil. Could indicate open or leaking injectors.

†Check for vacuum leaks.

†Check EGR System

†Check engine mechanical condition. Check Compression (178 psi)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PAUL07
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
It started when driving for about 20 miles, it started running rough such as lose of power and sputtering. Then it eventually died. I listened to hear the fuel pump, it was running but had a deep low growling noise. I figured it must be a bad fuel pump, replaced fuel pump and still no change. The fuel pump still sounds low and growling. It does start and run for awhile and then it does the same thing again. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,320 POSTS
You may have too much fuel pressure building up for other reasons. The fuel filter must be changed with the new pump, if you did, I would get another pump after first checking pressure with a fuel gauge, there only around 40 bucks at the store here. This way you can be sure, the regulator or something else may be causing the new pump to act up. Fuel filters clog with the material from the old pump. Pressure should be 55 psi.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
XXRAWRXX
  • MEMBER
  • 22 POSTS
Though you seem to be set on blaming the fuel system, I would inspect the spark plugs as well. I had a similar problem on my '96 caravan, it would just randomly die on me while driving, but once I changed the plugs she runs perfectly; that may be your problem?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GMEXEC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 120,000 MILES
I start my van, it dies after 2 to 3 seconds, did that 3 or 4 times. I let it set about 1 hr. It started and stayed running what could it be? This is the first time the van has had any trouble. With 120000 mile maybe it is the ignition switch.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Check fuel pump pressure. Chances are that is where the problem is starting. Let me know what you find. If you need directions, go to our homepage under the DIY section. NOTE: If pressure is good, check for spark, but I don't think that is the problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VERLYNK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE CARAVAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 11,123 MILES
Our 1998 Dodge Caravan has been dying out. When we drive and then turn it off, come back maybe 30 min. Later it will start and then die out. This will happen about 3-4 times and then it will not start at all. If we let it sit 20-30- min. It will then start and run fine again for 1 month, sometimes 3 months.
The Chrysler dealer cannot find anything wrong with it, we had it there 4 times, nothing shows up on scanner. Precision Auto had it for 10 days, drove it, nothing happened, ran like a top. Any help you can giive us sure would help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
When this happens you will need to check the fuel pressure and spark/ignition, I give directions.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 21st, 2020 AT 12:33 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links