Engine shut off while driving

Tiny
TINA BRANDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 206,000 MILES
We were driving our car down the road and it just quit running. We did have to replace the battery, because it was bad. The codes that came up on the car showed camshaft position sensor and O2 sensor needed replaced, which we did along with the crankshaft sensor. We just bought sensors at local automotive store. We took alternator off and had it checked, which showed it was good. We have checked most of the fuses and relays. When we start the car you can hear fuel pump engage. We checked to see if we were getting fuel on one line and we did. We did the security reset, since we changed battery. We have cleared the codes and they still are showing O2 sensor and camshaft sensor. My son tested for spark by pulling plug and checking for spark and compression and said we had both. I have a lot of your discussion on this topic and we have tried all of these this things so far. Is there anything else we should check and any advice to what else we should try next? Thanks
Tuesday, February 11th, 2020 AT 11:24 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey TINA BRANDEL,

How does the engine sound while cranking over?

This engine is fitted with a timing belt.

If the timing belt breaks the engine will turn over very quickly as there will be a lack of compression.

There is a quick way to check this if you remove the oil filler cap and can see the camshaft. Get someone to briefly crank the engine and watch the camshaft through the oil filler hole in the valve cover.

If the camshaft does not rotate when cranking you have a broken timing belt.

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let us know how you go with this test.

Regards, Joe
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Tuesday, February 11th, 2020 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
TINA BRANDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Joe,

I will definitely try and check this and let you know. I’m not sure if the engine seemed like it was turning over any faster, but will definitely check the timing belt this way. Thank you
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Tuesday, February 11th, 2020 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
TINA BRANDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Joe,

We tried the timing belt test and could see camshaft crank.
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Tuesday, February 11th, 2020 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?
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Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
TINA BRANDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ken,

Yes we can.
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Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey TINA BRANDEL,

Here is a guide to help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Regards, Joe
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Wednesday, February 12th, 2020 AT 6:02 PM
Tiny
TINA BRANDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Joe,

Here are images of the scan:
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Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
This looks okay. when the engine will not start can you get it to run on starting fluid? Also does the engine have spark? this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
TINA BRANDEL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
We were able to see readings until we got to the last check with test light and coil and seen no spark.
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Saturday, February 15th, 2020 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey TINA BRANDEL,

With no spark and a camshaft sensor fault code I would suspect an issue with the crankshaft/camshaft sensor wiring or connectors.

Can you please check what you have at the camshaft and crankshaft sensors for power and ground?

In the first diagram in the wiring diagrams attached you will see that both camshaft and crankshaft sensors have a 5V supply, a ground and a signal wire.

You will need a multimeter for these tests.

Can you unplug the sensors and check for voltage between the harness pin 1 pink/yellow wire and the battery negative with the ignition on.

You should get around 5V

Then check between pin 1 (pink/yellow) and pin 2 (dark blue/dark green) on the harness connctors, you should again have 5V

The wiring colours are the same for both sensors.

Let us know what you have here.

Regards, Joe
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Saturday, February 15th, 2020 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
I would try a new crankshaft sensor. Here is the location and instructions in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, February 17th, 2020 AT 9:14 AM

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