Stalls idling in driveway and it just quit running

Tiny
ORE QUACKSTA001
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Had the car in park, idling in driveway, and it just quit running. Changed the battery, changed the fuel filter. Unsure what to do next.
Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 5:52 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

I would suggest checking the fuel pressure.It's possible you might have a weak/failing fuel pump.If you don't have access to a fuel pump tester your local auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one.Here is a tutorial showing what is involved:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Your vehicles fuel pressure specification should be 35-45 p.s.i. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 1:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

There are a few things that can cause a crank no start condition. Most times it is related to either a drop in fuel pressure or loss of spark to the plugs. Here is a link that explains the most common issues related to this condition. Take a look through it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

The first things I would suggest doing is checking for spark and fuel to the engine. The easiest way to do this is by using starting fluid to start the car. If it starts for a couple seconds and stalls, then it is a fuel related issue. If it will not even try to start, then suspect an ignition issue.

Here are links that explain how to actually check for these things. I'm adding them in addition to the starting fluid test in case you want to properly check pressure and spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Here are a couple links that explain how to use the basic test equipment needed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Here are the manufacturer's specifications regarding fuel pressure.

PRESSURE
Engine Running .................... 210-310 kPa (30-45 psi)
Key ON Engine OFF .................... 240-310 kPa (35-45 psi)

Let me know what you find,. Also, please feel free to ask questions if you are not comfortable doing these tests.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 1:18 PM
Tiny
ORE QUACKSTA001
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When we went out today it would not even attempt to turn over, all it does is click like a starter problem. The fuel pump issue makes sense as we did not hear it kick on at all. Do you think we have a starter issue as well due to the clicking or would a fuel pump cause all these symptoms?
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 1:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Welcome back:

The two can be related, but the fuel pump isn't the cause of the clicking starter. It honestly sounds like you have a dead battery. I need you to do two very simple things. First, I need you to check the battery terminals to confirm they are clean and tight, free of corrosion. IF they are good, do a simple load test on the battery to see if it is good.

Here are two links that will walk you through both tests. Do this and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

After you either clean and tighten the terminals or confirm they are clean and tight, follow this link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Do these two things and let me know the results.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, May 5th, 2021 AT 1:18 PM

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