2000 Focus runs fine cold then judders and dies

Can't seem to figure this out..

It just started doing it today, we had gone about 20 miles on a highway and the car juddered and eventually quit... After waiting 5 minutes it started again but we had to stop every couple miles..

I thought it was fuel or air supply, the engine light did come on but is now off ??


Its just plain weird it will only drive 3 miles before stuttering and dying.

JFYI

New plugs about 3000 miles ago
New oil and airfilter about 1800 miles ago
Gas tank is 3/4 full (cap is on tight)

O.K., but when did you last change your fuel filter? Could also be the primary fuel pump filter in the gas tank. Cuz' if it "just dies", that means all injectors are not getting fuel. Could also be something as simple as a vacuum leak. But something is clogging the fuel injectors. Also check for defective PCV or EGR valve.

OK I had time to change the fuel filter and the car runs now but it still judders under acceleration.. I'm getting an ugly feeling the clutch needs changing.

I've never changed a clutch before so roughly how much should I be paying for parts and labor ?

Edit

Car has 88k miles

Is it actually slipping and can you smell the clutch burning? Shuddering could also indicate that the clog is still not quite cleared yet. Anyway, I'd estimate a job like that at around $1200, more if you need a new clutch plate too. Might be slicker to trade up the car for something newer. Don't say anything about nothin', just let 'um cut you a new deal on a reliable used car. If you can swing it, I'd be upgrading to a late model Camaro SS. Ideally an '02. And do your best to take excellent care of it this time. :naughty:

Is it actually slipping and can you smell the clutch burning? Shuddering could also indicate that the clog is still not quite cleared yet. Anyway, I'd estimate a job like that at around $1200, more if you need a new clutch plate too. Might be slicker to trade up the car for something newer. Don't say anything about nothin', just let 'um cut you a new deal on a reliable used car. If you can swing it, I'd be upgrading to a late model Camaro SS. Ideally an '02. And do your best to take excellent care of it this time. :naughty:


There is no clutch smell and I don't think the filters is clogged because the car judders but the motor revs, before I put the new filter on the motor died.