Engine starts and quits

1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
212,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
AL-PA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
A week ago the car quit after driving about 1/2 mile. Power seat and windows would not work. Mechanic found a short in wiring harness under drivers side kick plate. Drove car home - no trouble. Car sat for the remainder of week. Today daughter took car. drove about .10 mile and it sputtered and reved sporatically so she parked it. I started to bring home and it did the same thing, stalling several times. I got it to run wihile still sounding like it was missing a bit. Idled to near operating temp and reved a few times then it quit and would not start. Thinking it was perhaps a coil breaking down when warm i let it sit for a couple of hours to cool. Still will not start. I do not think the second prob is related to the first but thought I should mention it. Coil pack, control module? don't know where to start. Thank you
Jul 10, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

This issue could be due to a faulty crank position sensor.
The crank sensor sends the signal of crankshaft rotation to the ECM. Over time with heat and vibration the sensor can lose its internal calibration and can send error codes. That can trigger the engine to shut down.

The crankshaft position sensor is located next to the crank pulley.

Here are some helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-crank-shaft-angle-sensor-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Nov 4, 2021 at 8:11 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.