97 3.3 dies while driving - hard to start

Died on my wife. She said it died while they were driving down the road abot 40mph. Started right back up again. I also noticed it has been harder to start lately. Turns over quite a while then almost doesn't start.
Any suggestions?

I would first suspect the Idle Speed Motor. About the only real way to check it out is with a scantool (shop) Also I would look at fuel pressure/pump/filter.
Maybe go as far as to hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and monitor it when the engine does this dying thing... Are there any codes stored?

It may also be the Cam Position Sensor (sp)

That too will cause it to stall when driven...

Had the fuel pump and filter changed recently. I think the ISM was changed a few years ago. I too suspect cam position sensor because it almost acts like a timing problem.

Because of work schedule I have it at the dealership now being diagnosed. I will post the results.

The part is about $50.00 and it will take 1 socket and under 5 minutes to change it out.

Let me know what the dealer asks you for it if that is in fact the issue.


Only reason I know this, my van did the same thing and my uncle did the diag on it for free and I changed the part.

The part is about $50.00 and it will take 1 socket and under 5 minutes to change it out.


I just spoke with the dealership. Naturally after putting it on their computer they could find nothing wrong and they would not listen to my suggestion of the sensor so I guess I will change it out myself if its not to difficult. I priced them already - about $35.

I havent looked for it. Where is it located and how do I get to it? I wont effect the PCM by changing this will I?