Quiz for all you auto mechanics

[JohnnyTheFox]

My 1st generation Honda CRV died on the highway, pulled over and restarted and went on my way. Did the same thing once more before i got home.
The next day threw a code PO420 which means the catalytic convertor isn't functioning properly{the downstream 02 sensor}usually throws the code.
Thought about replacing the Cat which is fairly common with this code but wanted to find out about the random cutting out first.
I reset the code and it has never appeared again.
Fast forward to a few days later and the frequency of the car cutting out is increasing.
Decided to test for spark in the driveway after i had let it run and it died out, no spark. This told me it wasn't a fuel filter/pump issue. So that left 4 possible choices. And remember there were no codes being thrown to inform me what to replace. Which do you think it was......
1. Ignition switch.
2. Camshaft position sensor.
3. Crankshaft position sensor
4. The Distributor.

 

[Tabascocat]

Crankshaft sensor

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Crankshaft sensor

No that wasn't it, thank God. Those are cheap but labor wise are a real PITA. Right by the timing belt.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

My 1st generation Honda CRV died on the highway, pulled over and restarted and went on my way. Did the same thing once more before i got home.
The next day threw a code PO420 which means the catalytic convertor isn't functioning properly{the downstream 02 sensor}usually throws the code.
Thought about replacing the Cat which is fairly common with this code but wanted to find out about the random cutting out first.
I reset the code and it has never appeared again.
Fast forward to a few days later and the frequency of the car cutting out is increasing.
Decided to test for spark in the driveway after i had let it run and it died out, no spark. This told me it wasn't a fuel filter/pump issue. So that left 4 possible choices. And remember there were no codes being thrown to inform me what to replace. Which do you think it was......
1. Ignition switch.
2. Camshaft position sensor.
3. Crankshaft position sensor
4. The Distributor.

If the lights on the dash are flickering it's the ignition switch.

If it whines a little before starting it could be the distributor.

If it sputters when giving it has then it's the camshaft sensor.

 

[rags747]

My 1st generation Honda CRV died on the highway, pulled over and restarted and went on my way. Did the same thing once more before i got home.
The next day threw a code PO420 which means the catalytic convertor isn't functioning properly{the downstream 02 sensor}usually throws the code.
Thought about replacing the Cat which is fairly common with this code but wanted to find out about the random cutting out first.
I reset the code and it has never appeared again.
Fast forward to a few days later and the frequency of the car cutting out is increasing.
Decided to test for spark in the driveway after i had let it run and it died out, no spark. This told me it wasn't a fuel filter/pump issue. So that left 4 possible choices. And remember there were no codes being thrown to inform me what to replace. Which do you think it was......
1. Ignition switch.
2. Camshaft position sensor.
3. Crankshaft position sensor
4. The Distributor.

Take it to the guy! Seems like C converter could be clogged, but the no spark thing is interesting.

 

[Creeper]

I know one thing. Don't take it to my Jeep Dealer to get it fixed. They'll keep it for 3 weeks, tell you it will cost $5000 to fix and the real problem will be a $5 fuse you could have replaced yourself.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

I know one thing. Don't take it to my Jeep Dealer to get it fixed. They'll keep it for 3 weeks, tell you it will cost $5000 to fix and the real problem will be a $5 fuse you could have replaced yourself.

Damn, was that your Jeep I was driving around in for three weeks? Yeah...We need you to bring that back up here.

 

[Captain-Crash]

ignition control module. not sure if your vehicle has one, but that is what my old truck did and that is what it was.

 

[SlammedZero]

Must be a late 90s/early 2000s vehicle? I don't think current cars even use distributers anymore. On that note, if that was bad I would think you would have issues starting the vehicle or have very rough idling.

I'm going to say camshaft sensor.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Take it to the guy! Seems like C converter could be clogged, but the no spark thing is interesting.

The CC appears to be fine. If it was clogged it is easily fixable with a punch, a hammer and small alteration to the downstream 02 sensor

ignition control module. not sure if your vehicle has one, but that is what my old truck did and that is what it was.

I replaced the Distributor and it seems to be running fine, and yes the ICM is inside the Distributor. Around 70 bucks i believe. Pretty certain it was the ICM or the Coil which is also self contained in the Dizzy. Just decided to replace the whole thing which was around 300$

Must be a late 90s/early 2000s vehicle? I don't think current cars even use distributers anymore. On that note, if that was bad I would think you would have issues starting the vehicle or have very rough idling.

I'm going to say camshaft sensor.

Yep, 1998.It was either all or nothing. No rough idling or sputtering. Replacing the Distributor did the trick. Am certain those 2 sensors{cam/crank] usually throw a code.

 

[Cowpolk]

Luckily my 2019 is still running like a new car and hitting close to 40 mpg on the highway If yours has a mass airflow sensor have it checked. On some cars they are just called airflow sensors Can make cars do crazy stuff.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Luckily my 2019 is still running like a new car and hitting close to 40 mpg on the highway If yours has a mass airflow sensor have it checked. On some cars they are just called airflow sensors Can make cars do crazy stuff.

Already fixed the problem it was the Distributor. Cars used to be so much easier to diagnose and work on.

 

[Cowpolk]

Already fixed the problem it was the Distributor. Cars used to be so much easier to diagnose and work on.

I bought a 1973 Pinto wagon for 100 bucks with 100,200 miles on it nursed it to 900.000 miles only replaced oil tires and brakes on it And 1 windshield from the hood blowing open . It had a cracked distributor on it when I bought it best car I ever owned and I have had a few Mercedes that were good cars. But the pinto wagon was better

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

I bought a 1973 Pinto wagon for 100 bucks with 100,200 miles on it nursed it to 900.000 miles only replaced oil tires and brakes on it And 1 windshield from the hood blowing open . It had a cracked distributor on it when I bought it best car I ever owned and I have had a few Mercedes that were good cars. But the pinto wagon was better

What the Almost a million miles on a Ford, a Pinto of all things.
Guessing you didn't drive it backwards...

 

[Cowpolk]

What the Almost a million miles on a Ford, a Pinto of all things.
Guessing you didn't drive it backwards...

It was my camper when I went fishing Slept in it when I went to Pat Mayes from Dallas And it held 4 fishing rod and reels with 2 large tackle boxes Ice chest with a case of beer and a bottle of Tequila and my fishing chair and a pillow with a sleeping bag

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

It was my camper when I went fishing Slept in it when I went to Pat Mayes from Dallas And it held 4 fishing rod and reels with 2 large tackle boxes Ice chest with a case of beer and a bottle of Tequila and my fishing chair and a pillow with a sleeping bag

Sounds like you for sure got your money's worth out of that vehicle.

 

[Pass2Run]

Have you checked for holes in the air intake hose?

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Have you checked for holes in the air intake hose?

No, the Distributor was replaced and everything seems to be fine.

 

[Pass2Run]

No, the Distributor was replaced and everything seems to be fine.

Check it.. if there's a hole, fix it.. it's like 20 or under to replace on a CRV.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Check it.. if there's a hole, fix it.. it's like 20 or under to replace on a CRV.

Actually had it off when replacing the Distributor, it was ok.