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Randomly stalling?

Tiny
BOCCIGALOOPI6
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,685 MILES
I have had a stalling issue with my car listed above. I have had 2 mechanics that can't seem to find the reason why as there wasn't any codes or engine light showing. I bought a blue tooth scanner, and it did come up with codes. #1 U2023, #2 P0300, #3 P0316. I looked these codes up and I can't make hide nor tail out of any of it. I am at my wit's end, with a depleted bank account. I can't afford to put any more money into this car which I love. It is like parting with an old friend. I have had tune-ups, fuel filter replacement, MAF, IAC valve replaced also crankshaft synchronizer. Yes, I know as a 70-year-old woman they seen me coming. Would you have any insight or solutions to this issue? I forgot to add that my Taurus starts right up in the morning no hesitation, runs smooth and quiet for a while, then shuts down without warning. The crazy thing is it will start right back up again like nothing ever happened? My biggest fear is it will stall and cause an accident. I thank you for any help you can give me. Help!
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Friday, November 29th, 2024 AT 12:29 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,892 POSTS
So the first code, U2023, is the one to fix first which can be a low voltage error, can I ask how old the battery is? I have seen a battery short out internally and then work again instantly FYI.

U2023 - Fault Received from External Node:

P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected:

P0316 - Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions):

Please go over this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

If the battery is new, I would look at the ignition switch which can heat up and disconnect and then cool down and start working again. These kinds of problems can be hard to find but if we go step by step on the most popular items that can make this happen, we should be able to fix it. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, November 29th, 2024 AT 6:33 PM
Tiny
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  • 9 POSTS
Thank you for the quick response. I bought the battery in 2020 at AutoZone. It is a Duralast battery. What is the voltage a battery should be when the car is off/running? Question about the ignition switch once it causes car to stall will it restart immediately? When it stalls, I put the car in park turn the key and it starts right away. Thanks again for answering. Have a great day.
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Friday, November 29th, 2024 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
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  • 9 POSTS
Maybe it's time to look for a new car. :O(
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Friday, November 29th, 2024 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,892 POSTS
Sure, here is a guide that will help you test the battery voltage and the alternator output:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

These kinds of problems can be tough. It can be the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, bad connection at any of the electrical components. We need to see what the engine is missing when it stalls, fuel or ignition, please go over this video to help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t

We can try the most popular items before you look for a new car. Please go over this guide and get back to us. Also go over the guide above to see the list of the most popular items that can cause this kind of problem.
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Saturday, November 30th, 2024 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
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  • 9 POSTS
Ken,

There are no warning lights to test. Nothing indicates a problem at all it is what makes this so frustrating. I did locate a receipt from 2021 for a rebuilt alternator. Is it possible it's failing without sending a warning light? Just curious, could faulty alternator be able to restart after the stall right away. Thank you for your time and input, it is much appreciated.
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Sunday, December 1st, 2024 AT 8:00 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,892 POSTS
The alternator will probably not cause the car to stall. Let's try replacing the PCM power relay which can cause this issue and is a cheap and easy fix. Here is the location of the relay so you can swap it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.
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Sunday, December 1st, 2024 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
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  • 9 POSTS
Okay, Ken, where is the PCM power relay located? Is it under the hood on the right side or on the left under the steering column? Where can I buy one? AutoZone or any car parts store?
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Sunday, December 1st, 2024 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
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Ken,
Does PCM stand for Power Control Module or Powertrain Control Module or are they the same thing?
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Sunday, December 1st, 2024 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
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Thank you for your patience and aid in trouble shooting. It really makes me hopeful. :O)
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Sunday, December 1st, 2024 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
BOCCIGALOOPI6
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Good Morning Ken:

The fuse box diagram in the book that came with the car is different from the one you sent me. I tried to attach it but it said image not allowed. Anyway the PCM power relay is colored green and has a number 30 on it, I found it at the Ford site www. Startmycar. Com if that helps you to see what I mean. Have a great day and thanks again for all your help.
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Monday, December 2nd, 2024 AT 2:20 AM
Tiny
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Ken
Hi, me again.I think I understand it now. The green #30 was a fuse and the PCM power relay is in the same position as in your diagram but my book has a different number #31.
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Monday, December 2nd, 2024 AT 4:14 AM

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