2003 Ford Taurus Car shuts down randomly

UKHAN13

MEMBER
2003 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
40,000 MILES

I have a 2003 Ford Taurus with 40000 miles on it. It just started doing this, when I'm driving the engine shuts down randomly. Usually it happens when I'm braking/sitting still, and it completely shuts off, and all the lights on the dashboard come on. I have to put it in park, take the keys out, and put them back in to get the car running again. I think it 'tries' to shut down while I'm driving on the highway, etc, but whenever this happens, only the ABS light comes on.

The other day, I was driving down the highway and a hubcap came flying out of nowhere, hit my hood, and bounced off my windshield. The damage wasn't too bad, only a small dent in the middle of my hood and some paint scratches. It didn't puncture the hood or anything like that. The car didn't have the shutting down problem before, so this might have something to do with it.

I also have to get my brake pads and discs replaced. This may be completely unrelated.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,262 POSTS

I believe the two things are unrelated. Has the check engine light come on while driving?

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Thursday, November 19th, 2009 AT 11:02 PM

UKHAN13

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, the check engine light comes on. Usually it's either the 'check engine' or 'ABS' light that comes on. Right before it stops, though, the ABS light comes on, and then the whole dashboard kinda lights up. It feels just like it does when I park the car and take the key out, only it's usually still in drive. It usually happens when my foot is on the brake pedal, it hasn't happened while I was accelerating/applying throttle.

Sorry, I know it's not much to go on.