If you’ve ever had your car just randomly die while driving, you well know the panic that situation causes. Even if you get it started again, you might feel like major repair costs are headed your way. Thankfully, that’s not necessarily true.
What can you do to stop your car from randomly dying?
#savagescotty has the answer.
He says to:
- Break out your scan tool
- Grab the codes and decipher them
- Replace the broken sensor
Ready to solve the issue and keep your car running strong on all your travels? Let’s follow along with mechanic Scotty Kilmer to move through all the steps with confidence.
How to Fix Cars That Die Randomly
Kilmer points out that many different problems can cause your car to stall while driving, including bad fuel pumps and ignition systems. That means you’re going to have to do a little investigating to figure out what’s gone wrong. He makes it easy, however, by guiding you through the following steps.
1. Get a New or Used Scan Tool
You will need to get a scan tool to accurately look into the problem on your own. Scotty says not to worry though. Used professional scan tools will only set you back about $30, while cheaper models are available for around $50 new.
2. Plug in Your Scan Tool
With your scan tool in hand, figure out where to plug it in. The Mazda featured in the video has a port near the driver’s footwell just above the fuse box. The one for your car is likely around that same area. Once you find the port, just plug in your scan tool.
3. Turn Your Ignition on
Leave your scan tool plugged in and put your key into the ignition. Turn it to the on position, which will turn on the dummy lights on the dash. You don’t want your car running while you scan it, so don’t turn the key farther than that.
4. Read Code and Look it up
Flip through the menus on your scan tool to find ‘Read Codes’ or similar. Press enter to select that option. The tool will let you know to wait while it’s communicating with the car.
Within a few moments, it should pop up any codes stored in the onboard computer. On the car Scotty is scanning, the P0340 code for the cam position sensor comes up. The scanner also lets him know that it’s the sensor at bank one, which is on the passenger side of this Mazda.
5. Check the Most Likely Culprits
According to Kilmer, the P0340 code for the cam position sensor could indicate that the sensor is bad.
But that’s not necessarily the case. It could also be a fault in the wiring or even the onboard computer.
You have to check them all to be sure and avoid throwing expensive parts at the problem.
6. Tap Your Sensor with a Hammer
Depending on which bank is noted on the scan tool, you’ll want to look over the valve cover to find the cam position sensor. On the Mazda that Scotty is fixing, this sensor is located at the back of the valve cover near the firewall.
To check the sensor, get a hammer and start up your car. Then, lightly tap the top of the sensor a couple of times. If your engine stalls or even starts to miss, then the sensor needs replacement.
7. Replace the Bad Sensor with a New One
If your sensor is bad, you can easily replace it on your own. Just squeeze the connector to remove the wiring. Then, loosen the bolt using the appropriate socket. For Scotty, it was his trusty 10mm socket.
With the bolt removed, you should be able to give the sensor a wiggle and pop it out. The new sensor pops right in just as easily. Just secure it back down with the original bolt. Don’t tighten it down too far though, or you could break the plastic.
8. Apply Electrical Cleaner and Grease
Before you put the connector on the new sensor, clean it out with electrical cleaner. After that, apply electrical contact grease to the connector as well. With those steps, you can keep the electricity flowing through the sensor without a hitch. With that done, just click the connector in place with a firm press.
9. Erase Codes to Reset Your Check Engine Light
Before you can give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, you’ll need to reset the check engine light. To do so, select ‘Erase Codes’ on your scan tool and press enter. Then, select ‘Yes’ to confirm. The scan tool will think for a moment while it erases all the codes stored in the computer’s memory.
Once you start the car, you’ll notice that the check engine light has disappeared. Your car should start normally and run well if the problem is fully resolved.
Once You’re Done, Start the Car and Take it on a Test Drive
After you’ve finished up these repairs, all you have to do is take your car on a test drive. If it dares to stall out on that drive, then swing around by your shop of choice to have them take a look. Have your Vehicle History on hand during your visit, so you can fill them in on any information they may need.
