2000 SSEi w/67K miles. Car just stops running at times. Driving along and it totally quits! Sometimes, it will start again in 5 minutes, sometimes 30 minutes without taking any corrective action. Everything seems to work except it will not start. All electrical seems OK, starter cranks, just doesn't start! Any suggestions?

Does it just quit, as if you shut off the key, or does it sputter some first? Next time it quits, and won't restart, start by checking to see if you are getting any spark to the plugs.

This is sounding like a crank sensor. Although there are no definitive tests that we can do on the side of the road to check.

I started carrying a spark tester in my trunk bag.

Sounds like my MAF problem. If it is the MAF and it won't start, just disconnect the MAF and see if it starts. If it is the MAF, it should start.

It just stops, as if the key was turned off. It'* pretty obvious it'* either a lack of fuel or spark. Unfortunately, it'* been the wife driving at the time (wouldn't you know?) and she'* not particularly good at collecting diagnostic information. She tends to get a little emotional about the thing dying on her in traffic.

Lol! I can't say as I blame her, and certainly know that that'* how my wife would be.

I completely understand and have been there. I tried everything and then the crank sensor.

Mine did the same thing for about 3 months. I was just putting off the inevitable. New cranks sensor, a couple of hours of bitching and machining my own harmonic balance puller, and viola, it run'* like a champ.

Thanks to all for your responses. After hearing back from everyone and doing a little additional research, it seems very likely the crankshaft sensor is the culprit in this case. Where exactly is it located and is it a fairly simple replacement or are some special tools/calbration required?