2001 ZX2 shuts off

[mudslinger88]

Ok guys. I have just finished with the fixing of the cam seals. New oil and filter. I started it and ran it for over an hour with no problems. The car was left sitting for about a week and a half. I went to start it up and let the engine warm up and it shut off on its own after 10 minutes. I started it again and sat in the car watching the guage cluster. The Check Engine light came on and it shut off. Any Ideas? I need this car running not sitting in my freakin' driveway. Thanks for any suggestions.
~JD~

[mudslinger88]

Nobody knows what this could possibly be? Ten days without any type of suggestions. I don't have a butt load of frickin' money so I can't just take it to a frickin' shop. I can rebuild this engine if I have to but I have never dealt a great deal with engines that need the aid of a dang computer to 'run right'. Hence the two Ford trucks that are old as dirt. The extend of electronics on these old workhorses is the voltage regulator and the frickin' radio. They both are the best running trucks I have. I need this escort running because these trucks are killing me on gas money. If I can't get any suggestions then I'm just going to push into a ravine with a stick of dynamite where the gas cap outta be. Please post up any suggestions. I don't have the time to troubleshoot this thing right now, but if I get some educated guesses as to what it might be, then I may be able to make a quick fix so this car can be driven agian. Thank you and I appologize if I have offended anybody. Didn't mean to.

[BP2K2Max]

have you tried to have the check engine light diagnosed? bring it to an autozone and have them check the code. that'll tell you what the prob is.

[WickedNYCowboy]

How's the oil level? Did you check all the electrical and plumbing connections, any bolts or nuts loose? Start with the basics, then get it to an autozone if possible.

[odicus]

First I would check the MAF sensor in the air filter housing.

[Davescort97]

Reset the check engine light by removing the positve cable on the battery for 10 minutes. If it dies and the CEL comes on again pull the codes. There are about 10 different things that could make it die after idling for a while. It would cost a great deal of green to throw parts at this problem. You can buy a code reader for less than what Ford charges to analyze the problem. If you are close to an Auto Zone or Advance automotives they will pull the codes for you no charge. I don't blame I'd be PO'd too.

[zbo2]

i know that this may sound stupid....but did you check the gas tank....with all that running you didn't run out of gas did you....

[mudslinger88]

I didn't mean to go so far off the wall with my last post. Just one to many things happened at the wrong time and I didn't have anybody around to let it out on. Just a really sucky situation is all. Read on and you will know why. Thanks guys for the great help and suggestions.

BP2K2Max- The car currently sits 35 miles from the nearest Autozone, Advance Auto, NAPA, or Pep Boys. (Any shop really) I don't trust the car to drive it that far to get the codes pulled.

WickedNYCowboy- I have checked the oil level. I was told just tuesday by the guy I bought the car from that the PCV valve was going bad. I have checked as many lines and elecrical connections/wires as I can. They all appear to be in good condition. I haven't found any loose bolts or nuts...yet.

odicus- I haven't cleaned the MAF sensor yet but it doesn't seem bad. All wires and connectors are in good condition. The airbox isn't clogged up or restricted either.

Davescort97- I have pulled the cable off for ten minutes. The light came back on after about a 5 to 10 minute run. The car is sitting about 35 miles from the nearest shop and I don't trust it that far.

zbo2- Yes I have checked the gas tank. The guage shows 1/2 tank. I put two gallons in it to be sure.

Again, Thanks all for the responses.
~JD~