* Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP Sensor): This sensor is crucial for the engine's timing. When it fails, especially when hot, the engine will lose power and stall. The heat soak period you experience before restarting aligns with a failing CKP sensor. It's a common problem on older vehicles.
* Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP Sensor): Similar to the CKP sensor, a failing CMP sensor can cause erratic engine performance, stalling, and difficulty starting after the engine cools down.
* Fuel Pump: A fuel pump that's weakening due to age or heat could be struggling to deliver enough fuel, especially under load. The long wait for a restart is consistent with the pump needing to cool down. The limited driving range also points towards fuel delivery issues.
* Ignition System: Issues with the ignition coil, distributor cap (if equipped), or ignition wires can cause misfires and stalling, potentially worsening with heat. However, the long wait to restart is less indicative of a purely ignition problem unless there's a component overheating significantly.
* Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF Sensor): A faulty MAF sensor provides incorrect information about the amount of air entering the engine, leading to a lean or rich fuel mixture, causing power loss and stalling. While less likely to cause the long restart delay, it's a possibility.
* Coolant Temperature Sensor: An inaccurate coolant temperature sensor could cause the engine computer (ECM) to make incorrect fuel and ignition adjustments, potentially leading to stalling.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check the Easy Stuff First: Begin by inspecting obvious things:
* Fuel level: Make sure you're not running low on fuel.
* Battery connections: Corrosion on the battery terminals can cause intermittent power problems. Clean them thoroughly.
* Fuses: Check all fuses related to the ignition and fuel systems.
2. Code Reader: The most important step is to obtain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle's onboard computer using an OBD-II code reader. These codes will give you valuable clues about the problem. Auto parts stores often offer free code reading services.
3. Professional Diagnosis: If you're not comfortable working on your car yourself, take it to a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and experience to diagnose the problem accurately. Describing the symptoms clearly (the long wait for restart is key) will help them focus their efforts.
Important Note: Driving a car with these symptoms is risky. The sudden loss of power could lead to a dangerous situation. Minimize driving until the issue is resolved. Consider having the car towed to a mechanic or repair shop to avoid further damage.
