Starts to sound like it is choking after running a while then shuts off

TODDFATHER

MEMBER
2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Are there sensors that will make car not fire or run properly? It will sometimes start fine but after running for a while in idle or driving, it starts to sound like it's choking, then shuts off. Other times it will start and run fine, but after shutting it off it will either not start or start and stall right away then battery goes dead. Is this a sensor? Is there such thing as a crank shaft sensor? If so, how do I replace it?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

Here is a guide that explains what the symptoms of a crank sensor are:

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

https://youtu.be/dCjmRL3p4Cs

Unfortunately the service manual that we use does not have step by step instructions but this is pretty straight forward. It is located next to the crank shaft pulley and just unbolts.

In addition there are other sensors that can cause this. Also, it could be a fuel pump.

Let's start with checking for codes and go from there. Hopefully we have a code that will narrow this down for us. Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-mass-air-flow-sensor-maf

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

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