03 L300 - regularly stalling
 

Hey folks,

I've had my 03 L300 for a while now, but it's just recently started giving me some problems. I was coming up to a stop light the other day and my car just stalled. It didn't turn over again for 15 minutes or so. It drove fine back to my apartment (surface streets and interstate) but stalled when driving up a small hill leading to my parking lot. It didn't start up right away so I left it overnight .

A coupe days ago, I was out and about again. This time, much closer to home, my car stalled. It wouldn't start back up and I ending up killing the battery trying to do so. I got it towed back home.

Based on the recommendation of several friends and family, I replaced the fuel filter. I didn't dare take it out of the parking lot afterwards for fear of stalling again. I sat in the car and had a cig and before too long, it died again, this time starting right back up. But, of course, it died shortly thereafter, and didn't restart.

I've noticed that the RPMs seem to be lower than usual on idle (~500-550). It seems like it only stalls while in low RPM situations. The only work ever done, as far as I know, is the fuel filter I replaced, and the normal oil and filter. "The Beast" as my car has affectionately become known, has about 85k miles. Please help!

Thanks much!!

If possible, run it down to your local AutoZone (or some such similar) and have them download the error codes. Get the list of numbers, and post them here, perhaps somebody can help figure it out.

I agree with looking for codes but, I had a 92 Buick that did the same thing. For no apparent reason it would occasionally stall. Sometimes it would start right back up but sometimes I had to let it sit for a while. It may start and run quite a while or may stall with in a few miles. I never knew. My local Buick stealer replaced the computer, coil packs etc. I was in for about $1000,00 and it still did it. I was on a road trip going through a one horse town in Idaho and it did it again. I managed to get it to a local repair shop. An older gentleman looked at it for about 10 seconds and said "crank sensor". $150.00 and two hours later I was on the road and it never did it again. I drove the car a few more years with no problems at all.

Alright so I went to Advance Auto Parts and got the diagnostic. The most likely suspect was the coolant temperature sensor. I got the part and replaced it. I got the diagnostic computer back on it and the error remained. I ran the car in idle and it stalled again. I'm thinking the wiring may be the culprit now. Any thoughts?

Engine codes were P0700 and P0727. I don't recall the one pertaining to the coolant temp sensor.

Who did you buy the ETCS from?

I bought it from Advance Auto Parts.

A quick search of the net indicates that pair of codes indicates the crank position sensor (CPS) is failing intermittently. Replace it.

I believe C6 is spot on.

Read the sticky ETCS and it's connector.

C6 was dead on. The crankshaft position sensor was faulty. I had to pay a little more (~$370 with an oil change), but it's running now. The mechanic at Goodyear also mentioned that there is a transmission fault. I currently lack funds for that repair. The symptoms I've noticed regarding that is a little jerk when it shifts gears (automatic transmission).

I did, however, notice the car feels slightly sluggish. I only drove it about 2 1/2 miles back to my place from the repair shop, so I'm not sure if it'll resolve itself in time or if it's an issue I should be concerned with. Specifically, the power steering feels a little underpowered if that makes sense. Also, the car is a little slower off the start than it used to be.

One last little thing, RPMs seem lower than usual. I maybe just didn't pay attention before I started having problems, but if anybody happens to have another 03 L300 and thinks to check, please let me know what it normally idles at. Mine idles at about 600 RPMs. It would be a load off my mind if someone told me it's normal :) I'm just a little on edge with my car and don't want to get stranded again. Thanks to you folks for all your wisdom and insight!!!