Stalling and starting?

Hi,

That's a tough one. Has this only happened once? Is the check engine light staying on with the engine running?

Here is my thought: If you had to cycle the key three times for it to start, we may have an issue with fuel pressure drop-off. If this has only happened once, see if it happens again after the vehicle sits overnight.

If it does, here is a link that explains how to test fuel pressure. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you.

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

I attached the manufacturer's fuel pressure specifications below. When you test this, pay attention to how quickly the fuel pressure drops once the key is turned off.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Thanks Joe, my son works at a Chrysler dealership, and he is getting me in next week to check for pending codes and fuel pressure.

Hi,

Sounds good. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out. I'm interested in knowing what he finds.

Take care,

Joe

Running fuel pressure 65 PSI, slowly dropped to around 55 after shutting off. No pending codes. Yesterday I noticed some corrosion on terminals, so I disconnected those for about half an hour while cleaning them. Nothing bad happened today, it ran and started normal. Now my son is a Chrysler mechanic and wasn't sure if his reader would pick up all of Ford's pending codes. I doubt that having battery corroded would've caused issue or disconnecting battery for half hour or so would've reset computer and that was problem. Honestly, though, I'm no mechanic since cars got computers decades ago. If you have any other ideas, please let me know, I planned a trip next weekend and don't want to get stranded 200 miles from home.

Hi,

I totally understand. The idea that the battery was disconnected certainly can cancel stored codes. Interestingly, anytime there is a variation in voltage, it can cause issues. There is a chance a poor connection at the battery was causing issues.

Were there any other or new codes that your son was able to find?

Joe

No codes and it stalled out earlier today after all tests. I wonder whether throttle body needs cleaning. If there was a sensor going bad a code should appear but of course it never happens when mechanic is there with code finder or fuel pressure gauge hooked up.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to service the throttle body.

Here is a link that explains how to do it:

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

Let me know if you are comfortable doing this. Also, check to see if there are any engine vacuum leaks. That can cause a rough idle and stall at idle.

Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know.

Joe

Finally happened when near a code reader, 2 codes: internal control module error, and mass air flow sensor. Cleaning throttle body installing new mas, clearing memory then relearn computer. Hope this works.

Hi,

That sounds like a good plan. If you have the codes that were retrieved, let me know what they are so I can check out what may be happening.

Take care and let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe

P0610C Internal Control module system error.
P0610D Mass air flow sensor.

Hi,

By chance, did the work you performed take care of the issues? Also, I did look at the codes. The first one is related to the powertrain control module. Has anyone reprogrammed or done anything with the PCM?

Let me know.

Joe

Well Joe,

I'm not entirely sure yet, everything seemed to go well but the issue was sporadic at best. I'm driving as much as possible and have a code reader in the car. I'm guessing if it happens again, it's my ECU and I'm okay with that. I got the vehicle for a great price. I just want to find out what's wrong with it.
I will keep you informed of any information I find out in future.
Thank you again for your time and interest.

Rich

Thanks, Rich. Hopefully, the problem is gone.

Take care of yourself and please feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe

Hey Joe, Hope you've been well. Not sure you remember me, but I have 08 Lincoln MKX with random low idle stalling and rough starting. Mass air code came up, cleaned throttle body and replaced RAF sensor, cleared memory and went through relearning process. Was ok for a little bit and then on way to Niagra falls code for small leak emissions evap (small leak). After returning home for about a week the old problems began again. I found that a small leak, fuel pump and gauge gasket leaks if I fill tank to top. My son, who proclaims he's a certified Chrysler mechanic, but he doesn't feel the leak in top of tank gasket wouldn't cause the low idle stalling or rough starts. Basically, he checked for power and continuity from RAF sensor to ECU and all good. He is at a loss. His only suggestion now is after it acts up; Don't clear any codes and call a local Lincoln dealer, he doesn't think a regular Ford dealer would be as good, just because of license or something like that. Any other suggestions or ideas as to my predicament?

Thank you for your time,
Rich

Hi Rich,

Welcome back. I wish it was under better circumstances. LOL What codes are you finding at this point? Have you repaired the small evap leak?

Let me know.

Joe

Hey Joe, got a better chance to read codes coming up. P061D Internal Control Module Engine Air Mass Performance and P1336 Misfire Monitor Hardware C?? misaligned CKP/CMP noise. The screen on reader has a blem so I couldn't read what were the 2 digits behind the C on 2nd code. Any thoughts?
Rich

Hi,

The first thing I would recommend is to have the PCM updated to see if that changes things.

Pics 1 and 2 are the descriptions. Based on what I'm reading for diagnostics, I would first focus on the P061D code. Between these two codes, you are going to have a hundred pages of diagnostics. LOL However, I will let that up to you.

I suggested that code because it is tied to the PCM. The other code is likely a wiring issue that in fact, may be caused by the PCM. I don't know if that makes sense or not. Regardless, let me know which way you would like to run with this, and I'll get you set up with the diagnostics.

Take care,

Joe

Hey Joe,

Everything seems to be pointing towards the CKP sensor, had to order one to get a genuine Ford sensor. Will get it tomorrow but can't get in garage until Monday after work. Will let you know if it works but thought the MAF sensor fixed it for little bit.

Rich

Hi,

Thanks for the update, Rich. Let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing. Also, let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe