Engine shuts off while driving?

Hi and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

A crank no start can be caused by many things, however, you already identified there is no spark. My first suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. Take a look through this link:

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

Now, the easiest way for me to identify a bad crank sensor is by checking for an RPM signal with a live data scanner when the engine is cranking. If you don't have one, see if a parts stores will lend or rent one to you. Here is a quick video that shows how one is used:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

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

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for sensor replacement.

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PROCEDURES
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise vehicle and support.

Fig. 8 Crankshaft Sensor 2.4L See pic 1

3. Disconnect the electrical connector.
4. Remove crankshaft sensor bolt.
5. Remove the crankshaft sensor.

INSTALLATION
1. Install the crankshaft sensor.
2. Install crankshaft sensor bolt and tighten.
3. Connect the electrical connector.
4. Lower vehicle.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

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

Take care,
Joe

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The sound I hear seems to be a loose catalytic converter. What happens is the insides come loose and then rattle like that. What I need you to do is take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust system to see if you can recreate the sound.

Take a look through this link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

I attached a picture that shows where the converter is located. I have a feeling internally it has come apart and is causing the noise and restriction of air flow. Thus, the poor running conditions and the smell you get.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

Does the black fluid evaporate if you let it sit? Does is seem like oil? Where is is aprox under the vehicle?

Also, have you tried following the link for checking a converter?

Let me know.

Joe

Hi, it should not be stalling, not with idle speed and ignitions computer controlled, I am sure there may be a problem that may show up with a diagnostic scan, does your check engine light come on? Your van uses a idle speed motor(IAC). It should be controlling air pressure, maybe bad or dirty. Ok
It is mounted on the throttle body.
You can understand fuel injection trouble better by reading 'how it works'
To scan your engine computer you'll need a scan tool, they sell a nice couple of them at the store, they are updatable, and you'll have em for life, a fuel pressure tester and scan tool can save you thousands of dollars in just a couple of uses. K

What do you have for engine size?
Check for spark as you cranking
do you have check engine light on and does it go out when cranking
check for codes
let me know

Sounds as if you have a major vacuum leak
when it start and run do you hear a load suction under the hood
and when its running do you have a check engine light on
check for codes
check for vacuum leaks
check ignition switch operation

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor (3.3L) is located On intake manifold good luck

Disconnect all O2 sensors and give it a run

A few questions and I will try to help;

How many miles on the vehicle?
When it stalls when driving, is the vehicle in motion or at a stop?
Does it matter if the vehicle has had a chance to warm up or not when it stalls when driving?

Let me know and I will look for your response and we can figure out the source of the problem.