Car cuts off while driving

Hi we have a 2002 cadillac sedan. We have installed a new ignition switch which we thought would take care of the problem but it has not. We have checked the battery connections around the battery and under the hood , everything appears tight and non corrosive, but the car will still cut of while we are driving or sitting at an intersection. What else could be causing this. The car will start later on when you keep cranking it.

My father-in-law has a 2000 cadillac with the northstar engine. He has had a couple of crankshaft sensor failures which caused the same symptoms you describe.

Fuel pumps can fail intermittently, causing the symptom that you described.

Have it scanned at Auto Zone, Pep Boys, Advance, or other auto parts store for free; even if the check engine light is not on. Find out if there are any Pending codes, and what I/M monitors are flashing on the scan tool. Bring said info back here for comments. You can measure the fuel pressure. Check that the fuel pressure holds when the engine rpm is kept at 2,000, in DRIVE, foot firmly on the brake, for three minuets. If you use the Haynes repair manual, it will show you how to check the crankshaft sensor.

Of course, that’s Mr Haynes of car, and truck, repair fame. Mr. Chilton’s is also good.