Stalling, with a twist

[Vikarious]

I have a 2000 focus with a ztech engine. So far, the only problems I"ve really had were all covered by recalls or are unimportant (sounds like I may have gotten lucky?)

There are about 64,000miles on it. A few months ago, I was pulling into my drive way it and the engine stopped. I turned off the car and restarted it and it started up and ran no problem.

This had happened about 5 times now....all at low speeds or while stopped at stop lights. I say with a twist because it seems that all the other stalling I've read about has been at high speeds. It aslo seems to idle a bit rough.

So, I took it into the dealer and they replaced the "recall" fuel pump, put in a new fuel filter and said the cause of my stalling was from the "VM valve" (vapor management?). They said it was worn out and needed to be replaced. Ok, fine.

I get it back and it seems it has less power. PLUS, I pulled out of my driveway, had pulled over on the road to find a cd and my car died again!!

I'm pissed because I feel I was probably ripped off about the VM valve (I'm a girl....) and the problem still isn't solved.

Has anyone else had problems with stalling at low/no speeds? When it stalls, the oil light, battery light and sometimes the check engine light come on. Again though....I shut off the car and it just started back up again.

Please help. I don't want to go back to the deal with no information. Or at all if it's something I can do myself (spark plugs or something?)

Thanks.

[TheStang00]

take it to a shop and get a tune-up. spark plugs, wires etc...

[TheStang00]

and thats not expensive at all so dont let them screw you on that either. or do it yourself... you can buy a tune up kit at autozone for like 15 or 20 bucks i think. that should solve the problem but if it doesnt come back and say so.

[Mustangman25]

I had the exact same thing with my 2000: rare stalling at lights or other stops. Yesterday, I finally installed new Steeda plug wires and Autolite double platinum plugs, and the idle has definitely smoothed out. Before, at lights, the whole car would shake and shutter, with the new plugs and wires, I've only had it really shudder just once, (tonight actually) at a light, but it was right after start up. I would do a tune up to see if it gets you anywhere. Also, just make sure that your air cleaner is fresh, all the other regular matinence, etc. HTH

[Taz W.]

I have similar problems with my 2003 SVT Focus. I would just start to drive down the street and press the clutch in to come to a stop and the battery light would come on and then the car would die. Took the car to the dealer and they replaced the VCT sensor. Two weeks later the same thing happened, but then the car wouldn't stay running. Back to the dealer and the same sensor replaced. The car still isn't completely right, but it doesn't stall any more. (Knock on wood)

Hope this helps

[TheStang00]

i think it sounds like the dealer is screwing with you...

[TheStang00]

it sounds like a tune-up, or the timing is off, or the ignition coil is bad. i guarentee its one of those things