Shut off while driving, will not stay running

Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 240,000 MILES
Okay, my son was driving on the expressway, and it started making a loud clicking noise like something was going on and off and then it just shut off. After sitting for a little bit, it started but didn't want to stay running. We tried to use an OBD reader on it, but it kept clicking and the OBD reader couldn't read it and also kept resetting. Any ideas what could be happening? Also, there's gas in the oil.
Saturday, February 26th, 2022 AT 10:22 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If there is fuel in the oil, it sounds like there could be a fuel pressure issue or a faulty injector. However, that doesn't explain what happened with the scanner.

By chance, could you video what is happening so I could see and hear it? Also, when it does start, are you seeing dark smoke from the exhaust or anything that is out of the ordinary? One other thing. If you haven't checked fuel pressure, I would start there since there is fuel in the oil. Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I need you to do something else. Take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust around the catalytic converter to see if it rattles inside.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Sunday, February 27th, 2022 AT 7:03 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Well, the catalytic converter is only a year old so I'm pretty sure that's not it. It does have fuel pressure also and I'm not sure about the smoke part I'll have to ask him. He said he was on his way to work, and it just quit on him doing 75 MPH.
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
My son said it did start running rough right before it quit.
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Also it didn't smoke.
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Okay, there are a few things that could have caused it. However, I need a little more information. First, does the truck have the 3.9L V6 or the 5.2L V8?

Next, is the mileage you indicated original on this engine?

I have one request. If possible, have your son record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. I'm questioning if the timing chain jumped or has broken (if that is the mileage on this engine). If I hear it crank, I can usually tell if it's a timing issue.

If he hasn't, ask him to check for spark to the plugs. Here is a link to help. Also, let me know if he has scanned the computer for codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Take care,

Joe

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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
It has approximately 240,000 miles on the engine, and it started once since this happened. I will try to record the sound tomorrow sometime because I have to take him to work in the morning but when I pick him up, I will try! As I said I cannot get a reading with my OBD reader because when I hook it up and turn the key it will start to connect but then stop and say unfortunately it wasn't able to connect and will keep trying.
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 7:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Confirm there is power to pin 16 in the DLC. Also, let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Will do.
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Monday, February 28th, 2022 AT 8:57 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Okay. Now, I have a problem with my 2008 Saturn outlook. It was a quart low on oil today, so I put oil in. Took my son to work and headed home I turned the corner on my road, and it got loud as if the muffler blew but it lost a little power got home looked under my vehicle and there is oil all over! I looked under there but can't really tell where it's coming from but it's somewhere around where the filter goes and as far as I can tell it's not the filter.
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

That doesn't sound good. I have a favor to ask. We will be happy to help you with this issue, but could you start a new thread? We try to keep the threads specific to one topic, so they are more helpful for others.

Here is the link for starting a new thread. Simply copy and paste your question and we will get to it for you.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

I hope you understand.

Thanks,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 1st, 2022 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks, I figured this out!
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I'm glad to know it's fixed. If you don't mind, what was the cause? I'm interested in knowing.

Also, and don't laugh, which one was fixed? LOL

Joe
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
LEW992001
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The oil leak on the Saturn was fixed! It had an oil ring leaking, and the pipe separated from the muffler.
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 6:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. Anything to make things a little more interesting. LOL Let me know how things are going with the Dakota.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 AT 6:24 PM

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