Shuts off while driving, which module is failing?

Tiny
JBH81382
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,435 MILES
I've had my vehicle listed above for about 7 months, but just recently it has been shutting off on me while driving. I noticed about the same time that my gas gauge would randomly go from full to empty and to half. So, I thought maybe I ran out of gas but got towed to the nearest gas station and filled it up. However, the gas stopped pumping after just 3 gallons. It happened two more times after that. Now when trying to drive it, it will go from 1st to 2nd and once it shifts to 2nd it just drops like it is in neutral and can't shift out of it until I park and turn the car off and back on. Also, to mention I have no reverse and the car will go in 3rd very slowly if 2nd is jumped quick enough and it drives till it's told to go into 2nd, and I lose the ability to accelerate. I ran an obd11 and got back codes p0720 which is the output shaft speed sensor. So, I replaced it, and code p0700 the Transmission control module. I cleared everything, but the same codes came back, this time including 2nd gear ratio not matching and same for 4th gear. I don't believe my transmission is shot. So can this problem be coming from the power train control module, the transmission control unit or is it one or pack of solenoids in the transmission. And I'm leaning as it not having to do with the ECU but I don't know, I'm hoping one or more of you have some knowledge on my situation and wouldn't mind sharing your experience, thoughts and opinions.
Thank you for reading.
Sunday, September 10th, 2023 AT 8:31 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,070 POSTS
I have seen the IPM start to go out and cause this problem, we should do a CAN scan though to see if any codes are stored. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

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

Here is how the IPM is replaced if a code comes up for it. It is easy to replace because it-self learns. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
JBH81382
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you, Ken. I'm definitely going to do as you suggested. So, from your experience and knowledge, this could be the culprit of my car problems?
I'm excited to get started with this. I'll be sure to post the outcomes.
Thank you.
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,070 POSTS
You are welcome, I have seen this problem before and the IPM fixed it.
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Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 AT 10:14 AM

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