Engine Dies Suddenly

If nothing else, check the connectors to teh CPS...

Be very careful about specifiying what is to be replaced or repaired! Most shops in most states are required to do what you request even if they know for a fact that this will not resolve your problem. A case of consumer protection 'gone wrong' but it happens.

Instead you really should go in and just give them the symptoms, and you can certainly tell them you scanned it and got the code for the CPS (just give them the Pxxxx DTC number, they'll look it up). But if you say 'replace the CPS' and in fact the problem is a bad wire on the other end of the connector, they are generally going to do what you requested...

Mindy, just for your information and maybe a little peace of mind about what this turns out to be, there are two separate signals the tell the brain about where the engine is in its' rotation and the names people give them lead to confusion. One is mounted on the distributor (or some other shaft geared to the camshaft for distributorless igntitions) and its' sole purpose is to identify when the number one cylinder is the next one to top dead center so that the computer knows which cylinder and which stroke (exhaust or compression) that cylinder is on when it sees the sensor that reads the crankshaft position indicate the next index tooth for cylinder one. Two separate sensors, two totally different locations, two totally different repairs. A good mechanic can diagnose which signal is bad - probably from the code you read and you can bet he will check it before plunging ahead. Just don't be surprised if what he fixes is up top under the hood instead of down under the vehicle.

Saw your reference to the Texas weather - I'd let someone with an air conditioned garage do the work as well ;) Seems like every time I drive down to visit the family in Central Texas the weather tries the Noah-and-the-Ark routine so look out - gotta be in Killeen week after next. Flood warning!

Mindy, As others have suggested, as often as not the problem can be that the connectors just need to be cleaned/exercised.