Car dies at Random

[TalonMan71]

So here is the issue at hand, I have a 95 Eagle Talon ESI that has been dying at random times when driving. At first it happened once a month and it has been increasing in times. Just today it did it a total of 4 times. Two times while driving at a city speed and once going about 15, and the last time while pulling into my parking spot. The first 3 times it started back up after, the last time after i parked it, it would not start. I got a ride to work and returned about 5 hours later is it fired to life without any complaint. I can tell you a couple things i think it cant be. Spark plugs/wires are fine, starter and alt have been tested along with battery and are in very good working condition, clutch was replaced a couple months ago. I just did a fuel system clean with this last tank of gas. I don't believe it to be a fuel injector for the reason of it doesn't just bog and sputter then die its more like driving at 3k rpm then nothing. My main idea is its the fuel pump. Throughout all of this happening no cel has come on once. I know it works for the fact it did before this all happened for my battery cable was crap and needed to be replaced. I need some ideas and want to know for sure before i spend the money on a fuel pump.
Thanks for any input ill reply as soon as possible to any questions. Lets get this figured out before I give up and buy a honda.

 

[ilco187]

Next time it wont start pull one of the plug wires stick a screw driver into the end of it and put it near metal and check for spark, i have seen a few 420a's have dieing crank/cam sensors, and if it has spark when it wont start it could be the fuel pump. i have seen a few were the ecu takes a crap but not in a while i haven't.

 

[WickedBlk95GSX]

Coil pack maybe?

 

[TalonMan71]

I don't think its a coil pack, from what i've been told if one was going out it would back fire and a bunch of nasty noices when they're going out. Its just flat lining, no coughing or sputtering. As for sticking a screwdriver into the boot, it sounds just a tad crazy, but if i understood you right, im basicly checking to make sure power is going to the spark plugs for them to fire. To me i know they're firing because the car turns over it wants to start but sounds like there isn't fuel. Because when it does it starts like a dream, no crazy revs or dying right after. But i'll give the good ol screw driver a try. If it doesn't spark does that mean the crank/cam sensor is out? If it does spark then fuel pump is likely? Just confiming before i jump to conclusions.

 

[ilco187]

I don't think its a coil pack, from what i've been told if one was going out it would back fire and a bunch of nasty noices when they're going out. Its just flat lining, no coughing or sputtering. As for sticking a screwdriver into the boot, it sounds just a tad crazy, but if i understood you right, im basicly checking to make sure power is going to the spark plugs for them to fire. To me i know they're firing because the car turns over it wants to start but sounds like there isn't fuel. Because when it does it starts like a dream, no crazy revs or dying right after. But i'll give the good ol screw driver a try. If it doesn't spark does that mean the crank/cam sensor is out? If it does spark then fuel pump is likely? Just confiming before i jump to conclusions.

Yes. if it has spark when it wont start then the fuel pump can be suspect. but if it cranks over and and kinda pops a few times but not actually starting up it could be the fuel pump. idk if a 420a model has a fuel pressure check valve but if it does try and borrow a fuel pressure tester and see if its low or when it wont fire if it has any at all.

 

[DaJackal]

Do you have a laptop? Buy an OBD2->USB cable for $30 and monitor what the sensors are telling you. At least PCMScan works great for this.

 

[TalonMan71]

It has yet to happen again, I think threatening to sell it for a honda scared it straight . But i'll for sure think about buying an OBD2. They're always good to have around. Thanks for the help so far guys, i'll let you know if replacing the fuel pump works.