97 3.3 dies while driving - hard to start

[cj99]

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?

[gforster]

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?

[MegaMax]

It may also be the Cam Position Sensor (sp)

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

[cj99]

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.

[MegaMax]

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.

[cj99]

Originally Posted by MegaMax

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?