Wife was about 10 miles from home, car died, after a few minutes it started again... drove 4 more miles, died again. when it dies it will turn over, just wont start. all the dash lights light up when it dies. Well, I came to her rescue, went to the local autozone. I bought a spark module and a new battery(needed a new batter anyway.) replaced the spark module, it started and ran fine, drove it home. couple hours later I replaced the battery then went for a test drive around the neighborhood to try to get it to replicate the issue. nothing for about 40 minutes, so I came home.

This morning the car would not start again. It turns over but wont fire, ocassionally hitting on one cylnder, but nothing.

This leads me to believe the following is the issue.

clogged fuel filter
fuel pump
fuel pressure module
coil packs them self
or the main brain in the car.

I do not thing it is the dreaded pss lock issue, no security light coming on...

So, what do you experts think? I'd especially want to hear from those that have had simular issue.

Ken

 

ordered a fuel pump and fuel filter... can be my only guess.

 

Stop right there. This is an ignition issue, not fuel. You have a crank position sensor and a cam position sensor. It's one of those two.
The plastic housings get brittle from the heat cycles and crack. Then the sensors start to short out intermittently and you go nuts trying to find the issue.

I knew a guy that had a 96 with the same symptoms. He took it to 3 different mechanics and they couldn't find the problem. I made the suggestion and he had it checked out and sure enough the cam position sensor was toast. He was getting ready to trade the car in because it was getting so bad.

 

$20 part, ill try it!

 

I had the same problem years ago with my 02, and it was the passlock sensor. My wife just told me that it's doing it again today, so I'm hoping it's not that again. If it's the $20 part I'll be happy. Last time it cost me $500.

 

Oddworld, have you read the sticky on Passlock at the top of this forum? That may be helpful this time.

 

Thanks, that does look pretty informative. I wish I would have known about that bypass years ago.
I asked my wife if the security light came on and she said it didn't, so it doesn't sound like that's the problem this time.
She also said it's 'bucking' pretty hard from time to time. I've noticed it a little bit, but I'm hardly ever in that car. When I felt it, it was almost like it was skipping or something while it's in motion. Her dad said it's probably water in the gas, but we've added drygas and it doesn't always help.
Do you any thoughts on this problem?

 

If you have the 3.4, I'd start with spark plug wires, especially if they've never been replaced.
If there is no security light, it most likely isn't passlock, as you said.
What are your exact symptoms?