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1987 Mercury Sable Engine stalls after start-up.

Tiny
CLENAURE
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 116,230 MILES
The engine starts good but when I go to put it in D or R it tends to stall especially lately here in the winter probably due to the cold. When I let it run for at least 10 minutes after start up before shifting to D or R it runs fine. When it does stall I have to wait 10-15 minutes before starting up the vehicle or it will not crank. This has also happened during warm days as well. Also it sometimes shuts off if I am waiting in a line too long with the car running when it does this I simply crank the car back up and it starts again no waiting. Now when I crank it up let it run 10 minutes and drive it long distances it runs fine for the rest of the day. On short trips if I have to stop I usually have to leave the vehicle running if I turn it off I have to wait another 5 minutes before cranking it back up or it will not crank. I changed the battery, new alternator and changed the fuel filter. It's driving me crazy and I don't want to be wasting money.
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 1:07 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
I question a couple things. First, when it won't start, can you hear the fuel pump kick on when you first turn the key on?

When these things happen, it is usually the result of a loss of fuel to the engine or spark. Which you are loosing, I'm not sure but will provide directions on how to check later. If it is only one or the other, I need to know. If you are loosing both, there is an electronic engine control (EEC) relay in the relay block under the hood that may need replaced (about a 5 dollar part). I need to have you check to see which is missing and let me know. Also, let me know if your check engine light has ever come on?

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Let me know,

Joe
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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The check engine light comes on for the first 5-10 seconds then the light goes away. It does not give enough time for the reading.
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Have you ever tried to scan the computer? Many times it will store a code. Most parts stores will do it for free.
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
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The light does not stay on long enough to provide a reading I have been to AutoZone and other shops and no one can provide an answer. I am going to listen to see if I hear the fuel pump next time it does that! I also have noticed that sopmetimes turning on the lights make the doors unlock so it could be electrical or something.
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Sunday, January 17th, 2010 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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That is interesting? Have you ever checked for spark and fuel when it won't start?
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Sunday, January 17th, 2010 AT 10:46 PM
Tiny
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Today car would not start so I looked under the hood and started the car from the engine. When I turned the car off it would not start from the ignition but it starts from engine again. Is it the ignition switch or is it an electrical issue. Oh yeah after starting it directly from engine I was able to drive the vehicle. No issues. Just need to know why it won't crank via ignition switch
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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
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Either the starter relay is bad or the ignition switch. Have you checked the relay?
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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
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Okay process of elimination the car starts when I turn the starter solenoid. When I turn ignition switch the dashboard lights up and ac works. I was told if it was the ignition switch nothing would happen the functions would have problems working. Now every now and then the dashboard flickers off and on. So we are at two crossing points the starter and the ignition switch how do I separate the two issues? Could there be a short in the solenoid? Also when I turn the solenoid and turn the ignition to start it holds the start-up and I am able to drive for long distances. If it was the ignition switch could I still do this or would it not hold the start?
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
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My first guess would be the switch. It sounds like the power is cut when you turn it to the run position.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
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Okay I changed the starter solenoid and switch. Car starts fine but I still have to wait for the car engine to warm-up or the AC to cut on before driving or car stalls is this normal? If I wait car runs fine every blue moon it may try to stall or die out but it starts up right away or a minute later. I would like to get this one solved.
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Monday, January 25th, 2010 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
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Have you checked carefully for vacuum leaks? Also, has the check engine light come on?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 25th, 2010 AT 1:19 PM

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