My Van is giving me an issue. It has roughly 62,000 miles on it give or take 500. It will be fine for a short drive (5 miles or less). I noticed a stalling issue a couple weeks ago and stopped driving it. The van didn't give me trouble for about 35 miles and then it stalled. About 2.5 miles later, I heard a Loud metallic thunk/clap. I forget if it stalled out that time. The time it stalled there was a loud clicking as the van slowed down and then it stalled out and wouldn't start up. About 10 minutes later it started up, I had no additional issues, but I had kept it in first gear (it is an automatic transmission with gears 1 and 2 on the column). What is going on with this thing?
Veteran
Quote:
You're light on some details but reminds me of some of my own failing crank sensor experiences...Originally Posted by MightySteelcorePen
My Van is giving me an issue. It has roughly 62,000 miles on it give or take 500. It will be fine for a short drive (5 miles or less). I noticed a stalling issue a couple weeks ago and stopped driving it. The van didn't give me trouble for about 35 miles and then it stalled. About 2.5 miles later, I heard a Loud metallic thunk/clap. I forget if it stalled out that time. The time it stalled there was a loud clicking as the van slowed down and then it stalled out and wouldn't start up. About 10 minutes later it started up, I had no additional issues, but I had kept it in first gear (it is an automatic transmission with gears 1 and 2 on the column). What is going on with this thing?
When was your last tune up? Spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, plug wires if necessary... Is the check engine light on? If so ,have you had if checked for codes?
I am no expert but have had 3 times a crank sensor fail and 3 times different type symptoms of stalling, but all stalled while driving atleast 30-45 mph. One would restart right away and drove it for well over a year like that until finding this site and asking about it. Another would only restart after waiting 5-10 minutes, drive a short distance aand then would stall quietly like the key was just turn off. 3rd one I could drive for approximately 7-8 miles and the engine would begin to spit and sputter, make strange sounds a few seconds around 30-45 and shut down. 10 minutes or so later would restart and go approx. 7-8 miles and do the same scenario.
The noises you are hearing just may be the result of the engine not knowing if it's shutting down, or still running, confused.
I'm not saying run out and spend 60 bucks on a new parts store crank sensor, but check to see if there is spark first when it stalls. There are good tutorials online using a multi meter to check if that sensor wiring checks out good too. The word is "if it is the crank sensor" failing, it's best to buy an OEM mopar replacement from the dealer or online, or take yer chances on aftermarket, I have had aparts store bought one in mine for a couple 3 years or so now and so far so good.
good luck
