Engine missing/stuttering

Tiny
GRAMPAS5150
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,000 MILES
Sometimes the engine will stutter or miss once and then almost immediately it will do it a couple of times. To me it's like it's cutting out but my mechanic calls it stuttering. After the first time I had the crankshaft sensor and the coil pack replaced. The car has been good for the past two months and has done it again. The check engine light doesn't come on so the computer can't log anything in. My mechanic says that he can't say what it could be unless it does it while he has a scan tool hooked up and then does it. He said it could be in the harness, but without it doing it with a scan tool that reads data at the time it happens he can't say for sure. So my two questions are, one any ideal what the possible cause(s)? And what kind of scan tool would I need that records data while the car is being driven would I need? He said he has a tool that shows data while the car is being driven but there is no way if knowing when it's going to act up.
Thursday, July 8th, 2021 AT 7:31 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 POSTS
Hi,

There could be several things causing this. I realize the crankshaft position sensor was replaced but was it with an original equipment part? I have seen so many aftermarket parts like this fail and a crank sensor can fail without setting a diagnostic trouble code.

Take a look through this link:

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

As far as the scanner, you simply need one that can provide "live data" and provide freeze frame data. The live data is self-explanatory. Freeze frame data is basically a snapshot of multiple sensors' data at the time the check engine light is turned on. By having that information, one can determine the cause of the check engine light turning on.

If possible, find out what brand of sensor was installed. Also, let me know if you have other questions or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, July 8th, 2021 AT 9:43 PM
Tiny
GRAMPAS5150
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
I will ask my mechanic about the crankshaft sensor and the link you provided is very helpful. Can you direct me in the right direction as for purchasing a scanner that provides live data please?
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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 2:19 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 POSTS
Hi,

As far as a scanner, you can get them at most parts stores. My first one came from AutoZone. It's made by Actron and I still use it 10 years later. LOL

If you want one, stop at a local parts store and see what they have. What I suggest is to consider one that has live data and also one that can read what is called the Can-Bus. Can stands for controller area network. If you get a newer car in the future, you will be happy to have that option. Basically, the CAN connects all the different computers/modules together via a few wires. If you have the ability to scan the Can, it will identify diagnostic codes regardless of the module it's stored in. For example, an ABS control module won't communicate with a basic scanner but will with a scan tool that scans the Can. may

Your vehicle likely has a basic Can system, so you may not benefit as much at this point. But, I'm thinking of the future. The Can is here to stay. LOL And, it will get more complex as time passes.

As far as this type of scan tool, I've seen them on Amazon for great prices (around $50.00). They can be used on any vehicle with an OBD2 system, so basically anything after 1995.

If you want, here is a video showing the Can-bus being scanned. It will give you an idea of how they work and what you can expect.

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

I hope this helps. Sorry for being so wordy. If possible, let me know what your mechanic finds with the sensor. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, July 9th, 2021 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
GRAMPAS5150
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
Will this scanner big good enough for live data?
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,355 POSTS
Hi,

As long as it can read live data, it should do the job.

I don't know the price on that one, but take a look at the attached pic from Amazon. This scanner can do OBD2, live data, and Can-bus reading.

I never owned one like this, but I thought the ability to read the CAN is a good plus. The newer the vehicles get, the more it will be needed. It's just a thought. It may last you longer.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2021 AT 7:43 PM

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