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No start, stalls while driving?

Tiny
RAIDERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,000 MILES
Car lsited above is a GL. Would start when engine is cool, but stall while driving at times and difficult to start until after engine cooled down.

I Replaced as of this message: ignition switch, new starter, fuel pump, EGR, MAF, Idol Air Control sensor, spark plugs and wires along with upstream oxygen sensor.

Currently ordered but not yet installed: catalytic converter, downstream oxygen sensor, crankshaft and camshaft sensor as of this message.

I drove the car for short distances like 6 miles since installing the parts listed as being replaced. I did notice a sulfur-like smell coming from the exhaust.

The car has yet to show any lights to which I could obtain an engine code.

There was another sensor seated next to the upstream sensor I could not identify by name. It looked like an O2 sensor. Please advise. It was tied into the same harness as the upstream sensor seated on the driver side manifold. Couldn't identify it by name. Please help

In your opinion what is the cause of no start and stalling? Also does the crankshaft sensor require relearning? Are there 1 ir 2 crank sensors such as 1 behind the starter and 1 or the crankshaft? Need the location?

Thank you for your help. Looking forward to your response.
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 8:43 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

What you described does sound like a failing crankshaft position sensor. They can fail and never set a code.

Do me a favor, take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you experience:

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

As far as the sensor, there are two. I attached a pic below showing their locations.

Let me know your thoughts on the link. Also, when the engine stalls and won't restart, check to see if spark to the plugs was lost.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 9:34 PM
Tiny
RAIDERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Joe, the link you provided is spot on. It describes the problem exactly. When the vehicle is cold, no problem starting. Once it was hot it either stalled while driving or complete no start until it cooled down.

I have a crankshaft sensor for the Alero, but not yet installed it. Does it require a tool to relearn upon installation or not?

Thank you, Joe, for your assistance. Link was a great confirmation of the problem.
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Sunday, December 4th, 2022 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

There is a variation relearn that will need to be done, but that won't prevent it from starting.

The relearn does require a scan tool. I attached the directions below for you.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
RAIDERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi Joe, I ordered some sensors and parts as described in my initial post above. Most of it is supposed to be delivered by this Friday.

I appreciate the expert advice and the time you spent helping me with this issue. As soon as I am able to install them, I will let you know the results.

Many thanks for your assistance and time.

Larry
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Monday, December 5th, 2022 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I look forward to hearing from you and hopeful it takes care of the issues.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
RAIDERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Joe,

This morning I was able to put in one of two crankshaft position sensors. The sensor I ordered for the one under the pulley has not arrived yet.

After disconnecting the battery, taking down the starter, I was searching all over and found nothing. Finally, I took off the passenger tire, looked in back of the motor near the firewall and there was the sensor mounted with a 10mm pigtail like stud.
It took some doing but I was able to use a deep 10mm so ket and come over the top of the nut and remove it.

After uninstalling, new installation of the crankshaft sensor. I was ready to test it out. It started up like a new car. I drove about 20 miles, turned the car off at a store. Started it, headed home, turned it off, it started right back up.

Captain Kirk may have had Scotty, but 2CarPros has Joe. I am still going to replace the converter, downstream sensor and other crank sensor along with the cam sensor.

So far you nailed it, Joe!
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Thursday, December 8th, 2022 AT 2:57 PM
Tiny
RAIDERS1
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
If anyone is following this post, the car had a no start when engine is warm too hot and even stalled while driving.

The crankshaft position sensor I replaced is on the back of the motor in between firewall. You can see it if you either go under the car or remove passenger tire and look behind the motor

And it is no picnic. Be prepared, it is ton work to get to it, 10mm.
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Thursday, December 8th, 2022 AT 3:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

I'm glad to know you got it fixed. We make a good team.

Regardless, I'm glad that took care of the problem. Feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Thursday, December 8th, 2022 AT 7:09 PM

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