Engine shuts off when idling

Tiny
KERRY CLAXTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 135,000 MILES
After driving this car about 10 miles, the car will start to idle a little rough, will lose power when giving it gas on the freeway and stall out completely at stop signs. The car will start back up after turning the ignition switch off and run fine for a while then do the same thing. Have already replaced fuel filter and no codes show on computer.
Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 2:36 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If there are no codes, it could be a fuel pressure issue or related to the crankshaft position sensor.

Does the vehicle always start right back up? Have you checked fuel pressure? If not, check to see if it is low. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

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

Also, take a look through this link that explains the most common symptoms related to a failing crankshaft position sensor. See if you feel what it describes mirrors what you experience.

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

Let me know. Also, let me know if there are any other symptoms you feel may be helpful.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
KERRY CLAXTON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes, it always starts right back up. Will sometimes shut off right away again and once it starts shutting off it does it at almost every stop. Can sometimes prevent it from doing it by keeping foot on brake and giving it gas so it isn't just idling.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That leads me in the direction of fuel pressure. As far as your last question, you should be able to gently touch the throttle with your foot on the brake to see if it stays running. However, I would check fuel pressure.

If you do, let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
KERRY CLAXTON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Will go to AutoZone tomorrow and see if they have fuel pressure gauge to test fuel pressure and will let you know. Thanks for the help.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 8:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi Kerry,

Sounds like a plan. Also, if this happens again and the vehicle has a tachometer, see if it is moving a little when it won't immediately restart.

Take care and hang in there. We'll get it figured out one way or another.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
KERRY CLAXTON
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Seems it was the idle air control valve. Thank you for the help.
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Thursday, March 10th, 2022 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Kerry,

I'm glad to know you got it fixed. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, March 10th, 2022 AT 5:36 PM

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