VX shutting off in the middle of driving

[kobie]

My VX has shutting down in the middle of driving 3 times in the past 2-3 months. My local mechanic and the dealer can't tell me what's wrong. Each instance has been under different circumstances but the engine will shut off while moving and I have to stop and wait a minute before I can start it up again. Trying to fix/ prevent this I have gotten the following work done:
- changed all belts
- changed fuel filter
- fuel system and egr cleaned
- MAF cleaned and O2 sensors replaced
- changed spark plugs
- changed steering pump
- changed water pump (not related)
In reading some posts, I need to get my codes read from the mechanic but I think I remember them saying they got no codes.
Any ideas what might be wrong? I am hoping/ praying that I don't have the engine failures that other have had in the past as it might mean I'll have to get a new vehicle.

[Y33TREKker]

So does it start missing or does it just shut off entirely? If it starts running rough, I'd say fuel system (fuel pressure regulator - and a faulty fpr may cause immediate shut-offs too) or ignition, but if it shuts off quickly I'd say some sort of problem with a wiring harness or connector. There are a couple of common areas where people have had problems with the insulation on the factory harnesses rubbing against frame rails and such to the point where bare wires get exposed causing electrical shorts. The fact that it restarts after such a short time sounds like a faulty fpr to me though.

[kobie]

My VX shuts off entirely without a warning of running rough. Might the fuel pressure regulator also be the cause of a recent and substantial loss in mileage?

[Anita]

While you are checking that, I would start the truck, go into the engine compartment and move around all the wiring harnesses you can reach. Just a thought.

[VehiGAZ]

Demons!!

I'm sorry for your problem! You hear about these sorts of problems occasionally. An old boss of mine had it happen in his Jeep Cherokee. In his case, it was a top-dead-center sensor (I think - this was like 15 years ago...) that was faulty, but it took like 2 years of "repairs" to figure it out.

[MSHardeman]

kobie,

I'm with Anita. I seem to remember this happening to a couple of other people and they found out that one of their wiring harnesses had worn through and it was causing a short that would stop the engine. Check the wiring harnesses that go through the firewall first. Hopefully someone who had this problem will chime in.

[Y33TREKker]

My VX shuts off entirely without a warning of running rough. Might the fuel pressure regulator also be the cause of a recent and substantial loss in mileage?

Yes, those two have been listed as cause and effect in the past by a few owners here.

[creeg]

Sorry if I sound like a jerk, but have you checked the connections to the battery (goes in line with checking all wirign harnesses)?

I had a problem where my car died (old studebaker), and it turned out that the wires were not securely attached to the battery. tightened them up, and it ran like a top.

Good luck!

[kobie]

Creeg;
I have checked the battery terminals recently (they're secure) but have been through 3-4 batteries since I've had the VX... I still haven't been able to figure out why that was either.

[DarkWing]

My VX will do the same thing. But, it never totally stops. I'll be driving and it feels like everything goes dead, throws you forward in the seat, then it picks up like nothing happened. I am trying to pay attention to what is going on when it happens, does the radio turn off, lights dim, what does the dash do, does the steering go out, things like that. It has only happened once where it killed the engin and it required re-cranking, but only because I was in the middle of cranking it, I had just released the key from start to run, and shifted into drive, and it killed the motor. It restarted right away.

I have some quesitons about your description. It dies and you have to coast to the side of the road, right? Will it restart immediatly, or is everything dead? What does the dash say? Is the radio on and will the lights work? I am just wondering if it is a engine thing, or an electrical issue.

D.W.

[jamessmith]

Folks,

Greeting!!!!unfortunately, due to back problems, i was forced to park my pristine dragon. Last January, I purchased an Isuzu Trooper. Now, I am having this shutting off problem.
Question, where is the( fuel transfer switch), and how do I replace it???????

Any feed back will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS!

[jamessmith]

I meant the ( Fuel pressure regulator), Where is it located, and how do I replace it?????

THANKS???

[johnnyapollo]

Top right back of engine above the intake manifold - it's round. Do a search as there's an entire thread detailed describing replacement with photos.

-- John

[jamessmith]

GUYS&GALS,

When replacing the FPR, is there still pressure in the fuel line, when the car is off???? If the the answer is yes, what do I do to remove the pressure??

THANKS!!

[Y33TREKker]

IIRC, the owners manual should have a page describing all of the fuses and their locations in the engine bay fuse box. Remove the fuel pump relay, then start the engine. Let it run until it stalls and you're good to go.

Even with no fuel pressure though, you'll want to have a few rags or paper towels to soak up the excess fuel so it doesn't get onto your engine, exhaust manifold, etc. when you take everything apart.