Car jerked and engine light turned on

1997 FORD CONTOUR
150,000 MILES
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TYSEIBEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Today my car jerked while accelerating and the check engine light came on this lasted for maybe a second. When the car caught up the check engine light went off but was replaced by the airbag light. This happened a few times. Now while in park my car shut off. No lights doors will not open. Nothing.
Jul 4, 2018 at 7:30 PM
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DANNY L
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I am Danny.

Well, first and foremost we are going to need to know what the check engine light (codes) are to diagnose your vehicle. If you do not have a diagnostic scanner/code reader you can go to your local auto parts store (Pep Boys, AutoZone,O'Reilly's) and they will usually check them for free. Please be sure to copy/write down the codes and information and we will be happy to help! I have attached a tutorial to give you an idea of the scanner/diagnostic code process. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions if needed.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing
Jul 4, 2018 at 8:26 PM
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HARRY P
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 2,292 POSTS
Personally, I would start with checking the battery cables and terminals. Loose cables can cause all sorts of weird problems. In particular, you want to make sure that they are extra clean and that the terminals are tight enough that you cannot move them with your hands.

How to check and clean battery cables/terminals: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked
Jul 4, 2018 at 9:01 PM
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