Shutting off while driving

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Old 03-23-2012, 03:34 PM
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Default Shutting off while driving

Sof's gone through a lot of changes since I've been on here last. But the only problem I'm having with her now is she likes to shut off while I'm driving. It seems like it's completely random. Nothing unusual with the gauges, nothing unusual feeling. Plenty of fuel. The length of time driving and temperature outside has all been different every time. Just shuts off. I had the same problem with my Nissan and it was the temp and knock sensor. My knock sensors are desensitized through the tune. Nothing has been done recently though that I know of that could have caused this to start happening. I'm guessing a sensor is getting overheated? If I let her sit for a few minutes, she'll start back up. New plugs were put in just incase it had something to do with them. Also a new crank and cam position sensor. My throttle body started sticking closed, but it only sticks after being parked for awhile, not while actually driving. Also the starter is going bad (just installed a new one a year ago, go figure). I'm at a loss at what it could be that causes her to shut off. I'm leaning towards a sensor, but which one?
 
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Old 03-23-2012, 03:46 PM
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Does the motor shut off while under throttle (like going up a hill) or as you let off (coming to a stop)?
 
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Old 03-23-2012, 04:00 PM
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Seems like while I'm lightly on the throttle. No hills, all flat. I forgot to mention the fuel pump has just been placed as well about 3 weeks ago. This issue just started about a week and a half ago.
 
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Old 03-23-2012, 04:16 PM
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I wouldn't be surprised if it was your ignition control module overheating and crapping out. The hard part (without blindly throwing parts at the car) is waiting for it to quit so you can test it while out on the road. Part 1 -GM 3.8L Ignition Module Test and Crank Sensor Test (3X, 18X)
 
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Old 03-23-2012, 04:37 PM
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oh boy a random failure, they suck,. try confirming fuel pressure and spark when it wont run. so everything works, starter and all, but it wont run? ignition module will do that, coil will do it, some guy on here was saying something like a ignition relay was doing that, not sure it that was the module or not,.
 
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Old 03-23-2012, 05:53 PM
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Luckily I have a spare ICM and coils to swap in there.
 
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Old 03-23-2012, 06:06 PM
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It would have to be all 3 of your coils going out at once to do what you're getting. One coil fires 2 cylinders. If one went out, the engine would still run on 4 cylinders, but like crap. One bad coil wouldn't make it act like pulling the plug, as you're describing. If all 3 coils are going out on you at exactly the same time, you better run out and buy some lottery tickets!
 

Last edited by Camaro 69; 03-23-2012 at 06:09 PM.
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Old 03-24-2012, 04:47 PM
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well, they were purchased from a scrap yard from an l67 simply to repair a damaged terminal in the plug. that problem at least threw a code, something like high voltage in primary ignition...
 
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Old 04-02-2012, 01:12 PM
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the l67 icm is different, so i got one from napa for $125. shes been running great now for a week, has a lot more power and fuel economy is back up to 20 mpg with a heavy foot
 
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Old 04-02-2012, 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by craby
oh boy a random failure, they suck,. try confirming fuel pressure and spark when it wont run. so everything works, starter and all, but it wont run? ignition module will do that, coil will do it, some guy on here was saying something like a ignition relay was doing that, not sure it that was the module or not,.
Glad Ive left my mark lol... But anyways my issue was that the connector pins were dirty and and really loose so there was a poor connection between the ICM and the coils. Causing a misfire in random cylinders (Commonly my first because i have a bad valve) But my car woulddnt shut off, just run overly rough. Couldnt hurt to check those connections too.
 
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