# Engine Shut-down **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [April 2, 2008, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shut-down/12488 "2008-04-02T15:13:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mekadb23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@mekadb23](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mekadb23)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2008, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shut-down/12488/1 "2008-04-02T15:13:31Z")
I have a 2004 Pontiac Gran Am that is in very good condition. Earlier today the car suddenly shut down when I stopped at the stop sign but soon restarted when i turn on the ignition again. What could the problem be. ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2008, 5:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shut-down/12488/2 "2008-04-02T17:42:27Z")
Whenever an engine shuts down suddenly (as if the key was turned off) I immediately suspect an electrical glitch in the ignition system. The fact that you were able to restart the vehicle suggests to me that the problem may be a loose connection. ---
**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2008, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-shut-down/12488/3 "2008-04-02T17:47:01Z")
Hmm, to which of the two identical posts should I respond? I guess I’ll go with this one, to expand on Roadrunner’s response. If the car will start up immediately, it’s unlikely to be an electronic component becoming heat-sensitive (cooling down would take at least a few minutes for most such components). I would suspect a flaky ignition switch (the electrical part, not the lock cylinder).