spinscan

Car is a 98 LS 400 with 192k on it.

A couple of months ago the car died while driving at 40 mpg, like turning off the key--no warning at all.

I tried to start it several times and it would run for a few seconds, idling roughly and then die.

After about the fifth time it started and continued to run with a smooth idle just like normal. I let it run for a bit and drove home 10 miles at 70 mph and everything was fine.

I haven't driven it much since then, maybe 50 miles and no problems. I have been running it a couple of times a week to keep the battery charged up which leads to my current problem.

A couple of days ago I was in the car letting it idle and after a few minutes I noticed that the idle had dropped from 700 to about half that and a few seconds later it just died.

I have tried to start it since then with no success. It cranks fine seems to catch for a second and dies.

Any help would be appreciated. I have read other posts with similar symptoms but none quite like this.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

What are the error codes?

If you don't have a reader, units like this one are good basics:

dicer

Crank position sensor I'm guessing.
If not that fuel pressure check is in order.

spinscan

I don't have any codes and I will order that reader that you linked. A dumb question but will this work without the engine running?

Thanks for your reply.

dicer

It is normal to read codes with the engine off.

RA051823

+1

You can also get the check engine codes free at advance auto. Tell them you need to have them scan the codes on your car and they will do it.

RA051823

Yes its normal.