Car shut down while driving

Tiny
HUSSEIN SAMI GHUNAIM
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD CONTOUR
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My car drives smoothly and flawless, except for sometimes, usually everyday once or twice, when applying brakes or let it drive without pressing the power pedal. When doing so, sometimes it shuts down and the dashboard lights come on. Then I need to put it on (P) and turn the key off then wait a few seconds before starting it again. Then it starts normally and might shut down again or not.
If the car powered off and I started it immediately without waiting a few second then the "check engine" light comes on the dashboard. Then I need to get the car off and wait for twenty to thirty seconds before starting the car to make the "check engine" light disappear.

I have checked the both fuse box inside the car and under the hood. Everything is okay and the fuses are all okay and all of them are according to the diagram.
I have checked the MAF and it works great. I have also checked the connectors and wires of the following sensors (crankshaft, camshaft and MAF).
The only thing I have not done is checking IAC sensor and cleaning it.

The scanner tool does not give any error codes.

Any suggestions?
Friday, March 17th, 2017 AT 12:55 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Hello,

When the engine shuts down does the car shutter kind of like when you are not putting the clutch is on a stick shift car?

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
HUSSEIN SAMI GHUNAIM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It just shuts down. No hesitation or shaking or any other symptoms. Just turn off immediately.
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Friday, March 24th, 2017 AT 6:25 AM
Tiny
HUSSEIN SAMI GHUNAIM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Update:
three days ago, I've cleaned the throttle body with carb cleaner and applied half a bottle on it while pressing the gas pedal.
Now the RPM feels higher (although I have no RPM gauge), and the car doesn't shut down anymore!

What the problem could be, and is it solved by that? Should I clean it once more?
What are the suggestions?
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Friday, March 24th, 2017 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Yes that could cause it. Make sure the throttle body is completely clean for the best results, here is a guide that will help you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Friday, March 24th, 2017 AT 10:52 AM

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