Shut off while driving, will not stay running

Tiny
RACHELOAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
2 days ago, my truck shut off on the highway. I had to pull it home and know my truck starts and shuts right back off. I have replaced the fuel pump and filter, the oil and filter, Park plugs and wires, new battery, and I have replaced the fuel pump control module. Please help.
Thursday, March 24th, 2022 AT 12:55 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

By chance, do you have a live data scanner? If you do, connect it and set it to RPM. Start the engine and watch if the RPM signal disappears right before it stalls.

Since you have already replaced the fuel pump, this sounds like an ignition-related issue, so I'm curious if the crankshaft position sensor is faulty. Also, confirm the fuel pump is running when you first turn the key to the "run" position.

Also, have you checked to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, March 25th, 2022 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
RACHEL MEDINA ARREDONDO
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Sorry, no, I do not have a live data scanner, but the diagnostics machine is bringing up no codes.
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Friday, March 25th, 2022 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, when it stalls, pay close attention to the tachometer to see if you notice it drop before the engine shuts down.

Also, I want you to try locating the inertia switch and resetting it. This switch automatically shuts down the fuel pump in the event of an accident. If I recall, they are bypassed in the start position and then power travels through them when the key returns to the run position.

The switch is located on the passenger side behind the left kick panel (where a passenger's right foot would lean.). See pic 1 below.

There is a reset button on it. Press it and see if it changes anything.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, March 25th, 2022 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
RACHELOAM
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Quick question does the fuel reset button supposed to be popped up or is it supposed to be pushed in?
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Friday, March 25th, 2022 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I believe it should be pushed inward. Have you already checked it? If it was already in, you wouldn't be able to reset it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, March 25th, 2022 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
RACHELOAM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The button is popped up I can press it down.
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Friday, March 25th, 2022 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, press it down and see if it changes things.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 26th, 2022 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
RACHELOAM
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  • 5 POSTS
No still didn't change anything.
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Saturday, March 26th, 2022 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

Make sure there is fuel in the tank. Start the engine while pressing the throttle to see if you can keep it running. If you can't, we need to check fuel pressure. I realize the pump is new, but that doesn't mean we are getting the pressure needed.

Here is a link that explains in general how it is done:

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

Next, see if you can get your hands on a live data scanner. I need to know what the coolant temperature sensor is indicating and if you lose the RPM signal which could be related to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. That would cause a loss of spark.

If you can't get a live data scanner, see if a parts store will lend a basic scanner to see if there are codes stored.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 26th, 2022 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
RACHELOAM
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On a basic tester it is showing no codes.
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Sunday, March 27th, 2022 AT 12:48 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Okay,

Here is the thing. A faulty crankshaft position sensor of fuel pump failure may or may not set a code. At this point, we really should be checking fuel pressure and for ignition spark.

Take a look through this link. It describes the most common symptoms related to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. See if you feel it mirrors what you experience. Also, note what it indicates as far as a check engine light may or may not turn on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, March 27th, 2022 AT 1:59 PM

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