1992 Vp Commodore Wagon

[ScottPayne]

Hello everyone,

Hoping somebody can help me out with a bit of advice as to what might be causing this problem.

I own a 1992 VP Commodore Wagon, Auto transmission. The car has done over 300,000km, so it is getting on a bit, but so far has run well without any major hitches.

Recently I have been driving on the highway between 100-110kph and the engine cuts out. What I usually do is drop the transmission back into neutral, and then start the engine again, which usually works.

On the two occasions that this didn't work, I pulled the car to the side of the road, waited for about 5 minutes, and then started the car again without any problems.

I don't think that this problem is related to the air-conditioner, as this has happened with both the air-conditioner on and off.

I spoke to a gentleman I know who works for the RACQ, and he seems to think that the cars computer is on the way out and that if I replace the computer this problem will go away. He also suggested that I try the forums here to get some advice.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Cheers
Scott

 

[OSL-060]

More than likey the CAS (Crank Angle Sensor) Cuts out when it gets hot, then will start again once it cools down. Next time it happens, throw some icey water over the CAS and see if it starts. Very common problem in the V6's.

BTW- The CAS is located to the right hand side of the harmonic balancer (very bottom pulley), it has wiring going to it and you'll see a silver mounting bracket it sits on.

If you feel like having a play around take off your passenger side kick panel, hanging down somewhere around the ECU you will see a 6 pin diagnostic link, bridge the top and bottom far left pins with a paper clip or similar (check on the back on the link, one will be white and the other black) Once the pins are bridged switch on your ignition, your thermo fan should switch on (if its one that works) and the check engine light will put out a series of flashes which are the codes. Eg. A code 12 is a no fault code- it will be a single flash then a few seconds gap then a double flash. Crank Angle Sensor Fault is a code 41 which is 4 flashes the few seconds gap then 1 flash.

If all that sounds a bit daunting take it to an Auto Electrician.

Goodluck with it and I hope the old VP makes another 100,000

Jake.

 

[shane0o7]

yeah i agree with OSL060 think it could be crank angle sensor!

 

[James Collins]

When you try to start the car, does it just sit there turning (like there is no fuel) or is the ignition dead? If it is the former then I will agree it is the CAS. I have had 2 die in 12 months. The first one was replaced by a performance vechile specialist but he forgot to tighten up the sensor bracket and crankshaft pulley which luckily only damaged the fins of the pulley and destroyed the sensor.

 

[OSL-060]

Performance Specialist Part of setting up the CAS is adjusting it on the bracket for clearance. As for tightening the harmonic balancer Not something thats possible to miss unless the job got half done and sent back out again. I had a Goodyear Franchise fit some new 17's and tyres to an old Commodore of mine, got a few metres down the road turning into a busy roundabout and the left rear rim came off and went rolling down the road. Goodyear replaced all the rims and tyres and did my rear brakes with new rotors and calipers for free. I couldnt believe it, I'd fire whoever let it go out.

Least you know where not to go now.