car keeps shutting off

shnizzops · 08-08-2008, 06:11 PM

1991 Ford Escort, 1.9 fuel injected, manual trans.
Ok so upon initial start up the check engine lights comes on when the ignition is turned on, then when you crank the car over the fuel cutoff light comes on until it starts, then they both go away. now the car will run great then when you push in the clutch, put in in nuetral and let off the gas when coming to a stop or just slowing down off the interstate, i can hear a click on the passenger side and the check engine light, fuel cuttof light, and battery light comes on and the car dies. But it will fire right back up. any clues? i have checked all vaccume lines and replaced the ignition switch. Now the car was hit in the back bumper pretty softly around the time this started. could it be the inertia switch?

mightymoose_22 · 08-09-2008, 02:23 AM

If the inertia switch was tripped I would expect it to not run at all.
When the car dies like that I always suspect vacuum first. Maybe it isn't a hose... could be the intake gasket.
Get a vacuum gauge on it and see what you can find out with that.

Davescort97 · 08-09-2008, 04:23 AM

mm22 is right about the vacuum leak. The one thing people have been having trouble with on the 91 to 96 Escorts is a leak in the elbow of the PCV valve hose where it goes into the intake manifold. Also, back track the hose to find the PCV valve. It should rattle when shaken and you should be able to blow through it one way, but not the other way. If you have any doubts replace it. It's only a couple dollars. It doesn't kill the engine when you step on the brakes does it? If so the diaphragm in the brake booster has a vacuum leak.

shnizzops · 08-09-2008, 02:30 PM

the pcv valve is good. i will check for more hose leakage. and as far as it dying when the brakes are applyed, it does do that. so i will check for a hose leak and then check out the brake booster.

craig34 · 08-09-2008, 02:39 PM

Idk it could be the fuel pump or like you said a hose leakage. Hope you find it out .

mightymoose_22 · 08-09-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shnizzops

the pcv valve is good. i will check for more hose leakage. and as far as it dying when the brakes are applyed, it does do that. so i will check for a hose leak and then check out the brake booster.

Well there is your problem right there. Focus on that.

AzTumbleweed · 08-10-2008, 04:51 PM

The check engine light is supposed to come on when you turn the key on. So you'll know the bulb is good I guess. The fuel cut-off light should come on as you crank the engine. Same reason. When it dies I think the lights are doing what they are supposed to do EXCEPT the fuel cut-off light. Don't believe that should come on. The 'click' might be the A/C relay if you're running it. I'd try by-passing the inertia switch and see what happens.

mightymoose_22 · 08-10-2008, 06:05 PM

The fuel cutout switch does come on when the car dies. I believe that is normal. It seems that a lot of times when people start having problems they suddenly notice the lights on the dash... we never pay attention to them otherwise, but they are doing what they always do. What we don't want is a light that comes on and stays on... or flashes crazy codes at us

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