Actually, that is not correct (sorry boss. ) There is a 1-wire CTS for the gauge, and a 2-wire CTS for the PCM. Both are installed in the intake manifold next to the t-stat housing.

FWIW, twice I had a similar temperature stalling issue many years back. The first time it turned out to be an issue with the ignition coil, the second time was due to a failing crank sensor.

 

Does your scanner view live data? If so, watching the live data as the temperature approaches the engine stall point, might yield additional clues.

 

The one wire sensor went away in 98 on the trucks. Did the vans retain it?

 

Yes, the vans still use 2 CTSs.

 

Wonder what possessed them to do that....... aren't all the other gauges fed on the communications bus???

 

Hey Alloro - I can get live temp, RPM, load and vehicle speed data. The temp seems like the most telling metric, as the idle stall won't happen until the engine coolant temp hits at least 78*C.

As far as separate temp sensors to feed the dash gauge and PCM, this is news to me. I've found the 2-wire unit on the intake manifold, but don't see anything else like it around there. Do they have different names? Chrysler service manual only references the 2-wire one I'm looking at.

FWIW, the dash temp gauge matches the PCM temp as read through my scanner.

 

In some circles, it is also referred to as a temperature sending unit.

 

Beats me, I stopped trying to figure out the thought process of automotive engineers years ago. Maybe it is a backup/failsafe design in the event the other 2-wire one fails.

 

Then when it stalls, you'll quickly have to do basic diagnostics, like is it getting spark? Also keep a can of starting fluid handy, just to see if you can get the engine to fire up with it. Also, is this issue affected by how much fuel is in the tank? Such as, it's more prone to stalling when there is less than 1/2 a tank?

 

Thanks Alloro - will look for that temp sending unit today!

As for starter fluid, no need. It starts back up very easily the second you turn the key after a stall. It just doesn't stay running for more than another minute or two. So seems like it's getting spark, fuel and air.