Engine stalling/cutting off on rough Terrain

FOCUS2003

MEMBER
2003 FORD FOCUS
1.6L
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
124,000 MILES

While driving over bumps etc, the engine will sometimes noticeably lower its rpm like it would be stalling while the suspension is stressed. This causes the car to decelerate quite suddenly, it feels like it is braking hard.

My steering also locked and did not turn whole way once while I was going over speed bump and turning same time. The engine thing happened same time.

I am thinking this must be some kind of mechanical problem. I have quite large tires, but I do not see any marks on my tires so I doubt they are touching anything.

I have not had this kind of problems before in this car.

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Sounds more electrical to me. I would see if there are any code set, remember that not all codes will set a check light. You may have a partial short that is flexing and loosing contact during the rough sections of the drive cycle. Check this first.

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Tuesday, October 10th, 2017 AT 3:35 PM

RENEE L

ADMIN
1,260 POSTS

Hi FOCUS2003,

If you decide you would like to conduct the scan yourself here is a link to an article that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself. Also, I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin

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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 12:00 PM

FOCUS2003

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for your help, it seems like my grounding of the battery was too weak. After fixing it by new big 50mm2 cable, I have not had any problems. The thing is I had 50mm2 grounding before but I removed it since it was part of the hifi system I had. I can imagine that poor grounding could cause this type of problems.

Grounding I fixed was the one close to the battery.

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Thursday, October 12th, 2017 AT 1:04 AM