Engine stalling after running for a few minutes

1999 MERCURY COUGAR
112,000 MILES • 2.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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AWALT93
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  • 3 POSTS
No check engine light. Recent tune up. Battery is new.
Dec 18, 2018 at 12:46 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Based on your description, it could be a few things. However, my first suspect would be a bad crankshaft position sensor. Take a look through this link and see if the symptoms mirror what is discussed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

If you confirm the sensor is the issue, here is a link that shows how in general one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

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Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. All attached pictures correlate with these directions.

PROCEDURES
REMOVAL
1. Remove the lower right hand fender splash shield.
2. Disconnect the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor electrical connector.
3. Remove the CKP sensor.

INSTALLATION
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Dec 18, 2018 at 6:45 PM
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AWALT93
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  • 3 POSTS
It tries to stall when putting it into P-D as soon as I step on the gas it just shuts off.
Dec 18, 2018 at 10:40 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Welcome back:

Is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? Have you scanned for trouble codes? Based on your description, it could be a few different things. Therefore, if the check engine light is on, we need to know what diagnostic trouble code or codes are stored. That way, we know for sure what system to focus on.

Here is a video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Let me know.

Joe
Dec 19, 2018 at 6:40 PM
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AWALT93
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  • 3 POSTS
No check engine light at all. No oil lights. No lights on dash. No codes. Nothing.
Dec 20, 2018 at 2:57 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Welcome back:

Since there are no codes, we need to check for fuel pressure as well as if there is spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that shows how to check fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the directions for testing pressure specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with these directions. Also, the fuel pressure specifications are listed.

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Special Tool(s)

Fuel Pressure Gauge

Fuel pressure release procedure

Warning: do not smoke or carry lighted tobacco or open flame of any type when working on or near any fuel related components. Highly flammable vapors are always present and may ignite. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

the fuel system remains pressurized for a long time after the ignition is switched off. The fuel pressure must be relieved before attempting any repairs. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.


1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube.

3. Remove the Schrader valve cap.


4. Connect the Fuel Pressure Gauge to the Schrader valve.

Warning: make sure that the tap is turned fully clockwise before fitting the fuel pressure gauge to the schrader valve. failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury

5. Turn the tap on the Fuel Pressure Gauge fully counterclockwise to relieve the fuel pressure.

NOTE: When relieving the fuel pressure, catch any displaced fuel in a suitable container.


6. Remove the Fuel Pressure Gauge and install the Schrader valve cap.

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We have to start somewhere since there are no codes. Fuel pressure is the best place to start. Also, check and for vacuum leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Dec 20, 2018 at 6:00 PM