Car shuts off

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MEMBER
1998 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
158,000 MILES

MY 1998 Honda CRV works very well, however just reciently, I can be driving along the highway and with no warning(no sputtering, jerking or any other indication that the engine has shut off )the engine shuts off. Just like you shut the key off. Sometimes you can start it right away or wait up to 10-15 min and it starts and away you go. This is happening more frequently and the wait times are getting longer befor it will start.
I have taken it to the dealer and they put a new ignition switch and fuel filter but these were not the problem. Do you have any other ideas what this could be?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like an issue with the crankshaft speed fluctuation sensor.
With the heat and vibration from the engine that sensor can loses its calibration and send error signal to the ECM. And that triggers an engine shut down. It can happen regardless of if the vehicle is in motion or stationery.
That sensor is located on the lower part of the engine, next to the crankshaft pulley (see picture below).

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.

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