2000 Ford Focus. 140,000 miles.
Car sputters, then dies (twice now), on the freeway. It has restarted both times after a short wait. She is almost to Salt Lake, and would like to get it fixed here before continuing on her way.
What are the most likely problems, do you think? I realize that without getting under the hood, it is probably much tougher, but what do you think? I have my opinions, but I would like to hear from others.
Thank you!
2007-05-19 10:37:54 · 13 answers · asked by powhound 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. I did mention this happened during freeway driving, so assume 60 or 70 mph.
My opinion was also fuel filter/pump.
I'm not with her, I'm just communicating by phone, so I can't add a whole lot more.
Is there a way to really tell if the pump has gone bad? Without removing it?
2007-05-19 11:14:46 · update #1
Fuel pump, crank position sensor, clogged catalytic converter, fuel filter, could be just about anything, even a faulting computer (ECM). Why guess and waste time and money? Have her take it to Autozone, there are 4 in Salt lake according to the link below. They can pull the diagnostic codes for free and give her a better idea what is wrong. Changing parts without doing any diagnostics is just throwing money away and risking being stuck in a bad situation. You can also swap a good part for a bad rebuilt making things even worse.
OBD II Codes that start in P0 are identical in all cars, code that start with P1 and P2 are often vehicle specific. Again, Autozone can read the codes and look them up.
2007-05-25 22:26:11 · answer #1 · answered by Ichy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is more then likley the fuel pump.The 2000 ford line had issues with them. There may even be a open recall for it. The only other thing can be is the fuel filter but they fitler would not be that consistant. Particales would not fall off, let you restart and then find their way back again and cause another shutdown. it sounds like the pump is overheating and shutting off. They are in the tank so they are eqyuipped with a thermal breaker designed to shut down at a certain temperature so you don't have any kabooms from a pump fire in the gas tank. The car cools off the pump resets and lets you continue.
2007-05-25 19:44:02 · answer #2 · answered by asccaracer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably the fuel pump especially if the fuel level is low since the gas in the tank also acts as coolant for the submerged pump. All newer cars have submerged pumps in the tank...running the tank below 1/4 allot will cause the pump to overheat and die a premature death. I'm guessing the pump is overheating and the sitting is allowing it to cool enough to keep going...for awhile. One of these times the car just wont start anymore.
2007-05-19 12:35:15 · answer #3 · answered by Perry L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fuel pump has been revised three times by the manufacturer.First you need to have fuel pressure loss verified by a certified mechanic.If the fuel pump is faulty, definately use Motorcraft parts to get the latest updated part.Best of luck in Utah.
2007-05-25 16:08:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea - probably the fuel filter , BUT the Fuel Pump is also a possibility !
2007-05-19 10:46:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
She smell gas then leak. More then likely if driving about 50 mph or more then filter if she slows down is it OK then if so filter first then fuel pump
2007-05-19 10:54:07 · answer #6 · answered by retired_afmil 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can the good mechanical folks here help you with a diagnosis without giving us more of the SYMPTOMS of your "sputtering" I assume going highway speed......lets see........sounds like a fuel issue.....1st thing I'd troubleshoot......check your fuel pressure.....Fuel pumps or plugged fuel filter can monkey like that.....All we can do is guess without you telling us your "opinion"s too....and more details.
2007-05-19 11:08:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
try fuel filter but could also be distributer module failing. it will over heat and stop working after a short cool down it may start again.
2007-05-19 10:50:03 · answer #8 · answered by greg e 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
more information would be helpful. dies when slowing down? dies when cruising? what does it do when it won't restart?
it could be a possible vacuum leak (large)? it could be a bad cat (partially clogged)? is the check engine light on by chance? possible fuel pump going out? clogged (partially) fuel filter?
2007-05-19 10:47:48 · answer #9 · answered by iamnobody 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
could be a few things from a bad sensor or th fuel pump is going
2007-05-26 04:32:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋