My Car Stalled Today

[FORDTECH]

Mine stalled on a very hot day in Brisbane recently, power steering went as I was taking a left hand turn I thought sh*te whats happened here. I took into the dealers last Friday, they tell me they updated the ECU with the latest version of software which they told me will overcome this problem. So far so good but only early days.

Does anyone know how you can tell the version of software installed in the ECU?

Unfortunately Santa didnt bring the new PCM calibrations that are supposed to address this problem.It is a known problem that is rectifiable by reflashing the PCM but the calibrations are still in transit (so to speak) and waiting certification.I also dont exactly know what the actual problem is so am unable to comment.From what I've heard around the traps is something to do with the canister purge and the fuel tank vent system flooding the engine on idle down causing them to stall.

If you look on the PCM in the engine bay they should have either attached a label with the calibration number on it or written on the body of the PCM itself.The latest calibration numbers are: Vehicles manufactured before 13th June the last letter of the PCM part number should be "H". Vehicles manufactured after 13th June the last letter of the PCM part number should be "B"

[malcx]

Mine has only stalled once. it happened only 5 minutes away from my dealer, after 3 hours of waiting (on works time so its ok) they told me that they had to clean out the VCT system. I dont know if that caused the problem but it hasent stalled since (about 2000k's)

the service manager did not sound supprised when I told him. I guess its pretty common??

[FORDTECH]

"um...no codes found..couldnt fault it"  - hands keys to me, see you next time, walks away with a smirky grin.

Be careful man. The sooky bubba know-it alls from Ford will get upset. Its not there fault, lol. HEY FORD - CARS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO STALL - HELLOOOOOOO. ANYONE OUT THERE???????? KNOCK! KNOCK!

Now you wouldnt be refering to me would you????

[DallasQLD]

Lets be greatful that a Frod tech reads the Forum and offers help in his own time. He isnt obliged to BTW

[aniken]

Mine hasnt stalled (recently ), but what has been happening a lot is the revs dropping to a point where the fire almost goes out.

Situation: Pulling up to a traffic light, slowing in 2nd (manual) with brakes. As I come to a stop, press clutch in (while still rolling) revs drop below 500RPM, and then the ECU realises its about to stall and blips it back up to 1500odd before settling to idle. You can actually feel the controls (steering, brakes)lose their power assistance as the engine almost dies.

It has only started happening recently, which seems to coincide with the permanent use of the AC in the weather we have had since before christmas.

Havent had a chance to have it looked at yet, but I am hoping that the ECU update will address.

Yeah, get the same type of thing - although the variation in revs is not as large as you describe (up or down). Almost 20K now.

[Cassius]

FYI,

Well mine stalled for a second time. Period between stalles would be about 2 months. Today was hot though, 41 degrees in Ipswich with humidity at ...um looks over at barometer.......76. Put it down to a very hot day. Stalling happend when engaging clutch comming to a stop to put gear in first......AC was on. Went to start it up and fired up strait away.

[Guest 56Mainline]

Situation: Pulling up to a traffic light, slowing in 2nd (manual) with brakes. As I come to a stop, press clutch in (while still rolling) revs drop below 500RPM, and then the ECU realises its about to stall and blips it back up to 1500odd before settling to idle. You can actually feel the controls (steering, brakes)lose their power assistance as the engine almost dies.

It has only started happening recently, which seems to coincide with the permanent use of the AC in the weather we have had since before christmas.

Havent had a chance to have it looked at yet, but I am hoping that the ECU update will address.

I get exactly the same thing - hot weather, A/C on, etc.

Has stalled only once, third to 2nd gear (manual) downchange. Died as soon as the clutch was driven home. Let it roll for a bit, surprised expression on my face as I turned to look at the wife (to indicate "it wasn't anything that I did!"), then gently clutch started the bas*ard! No ill effects thereafter (except the near stalling thing as per Trumpies quote above).

By the way: 22K kms on the odo, last ECU flash in early Dec '03.

[KrasH]

It's stalled on my twice, when the air con was on (was a hot). I have noticed with aircon on, sometimes the motor revs itself to not stall, when near idle after stopping at lights etc.

[FORDTECH]

Something for you guys to check yourselves.Had one today with an irratic idle and a leaking radiator.When I went to replace the radiator I discovered that you have to move the intercooler to access one of the air cond condensor bolts.Some wally had fitted the hose clamp to the intercooler hose upside down so I had to remove the right hand headlight assy and found that the earth wire's that are secured under the aluminium tube under the battery were loose.So I tightened them up and finished fitting the radiator.When I started the car up again it idled spot on.An easy way to find the wires I'm talking about.Look down between the RH headlight and the battery(Where the boost pressure sensor is)and the earth wires should be secured under the bolt that holds the aluminium tube.

Hope this helps.

[hypnodoc]

Something for you guys to check yourselves.

:banghead:

Interesting stuff Fordtec, how much drama is involved to get the intercooler out, and if you replace it with a twice as big 4lb less restrictive PWR job, will the boost automatically increase, and if the boost is lifted to 12 - 14lb does the BOV and wastegate actuator spring need to be replaced or are the standard ones OK, I just don't want to throw another $500 down the drain unneccessarily. Would muchly appreciate your opinion :banghead: