Stalling after 30-40 minutes of driving

Tiny
BIFF770289
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 KIA SEDONA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
Recently it's started idling rough after driving for a while then struggles to stay running no response from throttle and stalling undrivable. If left sitting it will start up and run fine again for awhile before the problem occurs again. Appears to be totally random, sometimes it won't do it for months other times like recently it's every other day. It's been to KIA several times every time they give it back and say there's nothing wrong. Only for it to leave us stranded again. I have elderly parents that rely on this vehicle to get to doctor appointments and cannot have this happening. It doesn't trip a check engine light. Any ideas?
Friday, June 18th, 2021 AT 4:47 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like a faulty crankshaft position sensor. When they start going bad, they are affected by heat. Once they have time to cool off, they work again. Also, they don't always set a check engine light.

Take a look through this link. It explains the most common symptoms of a faulty crankshaft position sensor. See if it seems to mirror what you experience.

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

What happens when they fail is spark is lost to the spark plugs. If you want to check for spark when it won't start, here is a link that shows how to check for spark:

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

If you determine the sensor is bad, here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

If you look at the attachments below, they are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. Pic 1 shows the location.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, June 18th, 2021 AT 9:33 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for the reply I'll check it out this weekend and let you know the results.
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 12:08 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. I look forward to hearing what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
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Sorry about the delay was waiting on part. It's been replaced and seems to be fine it hasn't been tested yet on an extended drive so won't know for sure just yet. If the problem reoccurs I will let you know. Hoping for the best.
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Thursday, June 24th, 2021 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Glad to hear it seems okay now. Let me know if that changes or if there is anything I can do to help if needed.

Take care of yourself and please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you need help.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 24th, 2021 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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So that didn't solve the problem; quit after about 40 miles running around town today. Any other suggestions/ideas?
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

When it failed, did the engine stall and not start for an extended time again?

Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
BIFF770289
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  • 9 POSTS
You can get it started but it sputters and won't respond to the throttle before stalling out and 50/50 if it will sputter up again and repeat or just not start. It's currently sitting on the other end of town. Planning to go try to get it back home shortly been sitting for several hours. Ran fine again after sitting.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 10:02 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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If it runs okay and then does this, I'm questioning if it is a bad connection at the battery, or a sensor such as the ECT (coolant temp) that is sending a faulty signal causing it to run as you described.

Are there any strange smells or sounds when this happens? Any rattling from under the vehicle or fuel smells?

Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 11:48 PM
Tiny
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I'll have to ask tomorrow. I know they have been complaining about a humming from the fuel tank but as I understand it that's a common issue of the return hose rubbing. I'll get back to you on the sounds or smells..
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Friday, July 2nd, 2021 AT 12:49 AM
Tiny
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How loud is the humming? I wonder if it is a fuel pump related issue. We need to check fuel pressure when it stalls and won't restart.

The easiest thing to do is see if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, then we know it's fuel-related.

Or, here is a link that explains how to test fuel pressure:

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

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, July 2nd, 2021 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
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No strange sounds or smells just the fuel pump humming. It has been sitting since the last incident. I'll have to try see if it's fuel related the next time it acts up. At a loss with this vehicle. Nothing quite like having a vehicle you can't trust.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I totally agree. That's why I won't get rid of my truck. LOL it always runs even though I've had a few crazy issues.

Let me know about the fuel pressure. Also, hang in there. We'll get it figured out one way or another.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
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She took it to work again today it quit on the way home she said there was a hissing and gurgling from the front right that stopped before it quit. I didn't see anything when I looked. Nothing looked wet. I don't know what to do with it it's getting parked again. 116 degrees outside today. Can't be driving around in a vehicle this questionable and getting stuck in these temperatures. Still throwing no codes. Wasn't stuck in a good spot so I'll have to limp it home later. I'm leaning toward a fuel related issue but what it is I don't know if I have the ability to puzzle out. I'll have to try to duplicate the issue at home and try to test fuel pressure when it's acting up.
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

A hissing/gurgling sounds like it was overheating. Wow, 116 degrees is extreme.

Was the coolant full? Also, when it shut off today, ask her if it happened all at once or it was slow to happen. For example, did it feel like someone shut off the key?

Joe
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 9:33 PM
Tiny
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Yeah, that's what I thought. But the coolant is full drove home 2:00 am no problems again. I'll ask her tomorrow. I'm In Nevada summer temperatures are in the 100 range most days but it's been especially hot recently. Problem seems to get worse in the summer, or maybe it's just getting worse overall.
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Saturday, July 10th, 2021 AT 3:40 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Let me know what you find out. Hang in there. We'll get it figured out one way or another.

Take care and stay cool! I thought 90 was hot. Ugh!

Joe
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Saturday, July 10th, 2021 AT 9:12 PM

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