Engine won't turn; shuts off while driving


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Engine won't turn; shuts off while driving

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting

jay3205
New User

Aug 8, 2009, 5:14 AM

Post #1 of 4 (3164 views)

Engine won't turn; shuts off while driving	Sign In

I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, and the engine specifications are "2,198 cc 2.2 liters 4 in-line front engine with 86 mm bore, 94.6 mm stroke" with about 70,000 miles on it.

Recently, the car has been shutting off while driving at very low speeds (i.e. when I'm about to turn at a stop light). There's no engine hiccups or warning; it just stops and the steering wheel locks up. Occasionally, the engine does not turn over, though it sounds like it is just about to.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 8, 2009, 2:05 PM

Post #2 of 4 (3139 views)

Re: Engine won't turn; shuts off while driving	Sign In

Have you ruled out bad battery or charging system?

T

Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Aug 8, 2009, 4:34 PM

Post #3 of 4 (3130 views)

Re: Engine won't turn; shuts off while driving	Sign In

Also after you've tested the battery you may want to clean the throttle body & idle air control motor, if they get coked up to bad they can give you some idle problems............

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 9, 2009, 12:24 AM

Post #4 of 4 (3126 views)

Re: Engine won't turn; shuts off while driving	Sign In

Jay - it's confusing when anyone uses the term "turn over" to describe starting an engine. To some it means it CRANKS but doesn't start and to others it means won't CRANK the engine. I was guessing it wasn't cranking and battery was incapable for still unknown reasons. Use the term Crank or No crank helps. If this battery is known original - replace it for new now as it's way overdo.

The steering is power assisted by a running engine on almost any car and would steer but with lots more effort which would be normal for a stalled engine as is all the dash warnings lighting up,

T

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