Runs for twenty minutes then shuts down without warning

Tiny
WABBIT1988
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 VOLKSWAGEN CABRIOLET
  • 120,000 MILES
When it runs for more than twenty minutes sitting or driving an operating temperature it will shut down until it cools off and it will start right back up again. We have gone through all the codes nothing shows. Change fuel filter, check the ECM, everything common that would make the car shut off. If there's no kill switch no alarm issues what could be my issue with the car shutting down with no warning? You guys have been great you've answered all my questions in the past. Thank you very much, but I'm stumped on this one. Thank you
Friday, September 6th, 2019 AT 9:03 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

When this shuts down and does not restart, I assume that it will just crank. If this is the case, can you pull a plug out and connect it back to the ignition system then hold it against the engine block and crank the engine. We need to see if there is spark. I suspect you do not have spark.

If you don't have spark then we can go down that path. We have to figure out why the spark is going away when it gets hot. I suspect you have an issue with the Ignition Control Unit. These are hall type sensors and they are sensitive to heat so this is where we need to start assuming we don't have spark.

Let me know that.
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Saturday, September 7th, 2019 AT 9:02 AM

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