Car shuts off while driving

This guide can help us fix the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Please run down this guide and report back.

My 2005 Ford Focus stalled when I stopped at an intersection. After it stalled I noticed that the instrument and stereo display went dark. Tried to restart and only got a "clicking" sound. Let it sit and displays lit up again but still got "clicking" when I tried to.restart it.

It sounds like you battery has gone out, here is a test to confirm and then a guide to replace the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Roy

All Focus owners with stalling issues and engine stops running while at intersections/stops...
Engine much louder than before?
Gas mileage getting worse?
Check your rubber boot (resonator) between the airbox and throttle body.
Remove it and inspect the underside for cracks and oil deteriorization of the boot. Ours did this and the boot had a 4" crack/opening in the bottom of it. This effects the airflow sensor and such system - replaced ours and runs like when we brought it home.
Mechanic shop completely missed this! They cost about $80-$90...
Hope this helps!

Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Here is a guide that will help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-an-air-intake-boot

Cheers, Ken

I have 2005 Ford Focus and recently has started stalling when either stopped at light or turning right. I have recently changed fuel filter, and spark plugs has been running fine for past month and a half. Then today it stalls twice while turning right. What else could be the issue. Please help

Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Have you checked fuel pump pressure?

Let me know.
Joe

If i remember check engine light came on before spark plugs were changed. Have not checked for vacuum leaks, and have thought replacing fuel pump but hasn't been done yet.

check for leaks. Also, as far as the pump, it isn't a fun job, so I recommend checking pressure first.

Let me know.

Joe

highbeem light starts blinking sparaticaly car wants to shut off while im driveing , or when im sitting. soon as i park and turn off and take key out , it wont start , just had my dealer make me two keys and recoded them thats what i was told the problem was well its not becouse now its happenig again.

From what you described i had a similar problem you may want to check battery cables. on my 2000 they get loose and car and lights flicker.

My engine stalled when i stopped at a round about, it continued to stall for the next 5 minute's every time i pushed on the clutch and put into first or reverse, although it seems fine now i am concerned this is the beginning of a serious issue, any ideas on what may be causing the issue how to cure it.

check around clutch to see if there are any wires that get pinched when pushing on clutch . With a friend get it up on a lift. have friend push clutch down and check for lines pinched. If not start with basic. change fuel filter.

I have a 2004 ford focus zx3 and I have to keep my foot on gas or motor will die.

hi donna, this usually indicates a bad idle air control valve and possibly a dirty throttle body, I would clean the throttle body first then go for the valve

Do you have any code's?That's where we should start i need the number's.

Clean out the idle air control valve and the EGR valve and test the TPS and MAF sensors-

has the check engine light come on? Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Have you checked the idle air control valve?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

Thanks guys for your answers! That's exactly what it was. My husband cleaned the throdle and it's running perfect again!! Thx

I have a 2004 Ford Focus SE. My car is running fine while driving it but, once you come to a stop it acts like its going to die. I changed the idle air control valve.

Had the alternator rebuilt about a month ago don't know it that had anything to do with it.

Glad it's fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros.com.
Joe

So at idle with the car in gear what does the battery voltage reading at the battery read?

Let me add to this

First eliminate all vacuum or air leaks in the system. You may have a bad IAC ( idle air control) but try cleaning the throttle body first. Remove the intake snorkel, have someone hold the throttle wide open for you and scrub the back side of the throttle plate and surrounding bore with an old tooth brush and some carb cleaner. Be sure to spray some into the small holes next to the throttle plate. That should help stabilize the idle. If it still has a problem, replace the IAC.

It would be a lot easier to just check the voltage real quick then do all of wrenchtechs wonderful suggestions.

By all means check the alternator if you really feel it has anything to do with stalling at idle and running great the rest of the time.

I have seen stranger things also make sure there isnt any codes in the computer then make sure the battery cables are clean and loose cables will cause stalling at stops have seen that more then once.

i have a ford focus an it wll start but wont stay running is it my fuel injector?

Could be an ICM (idle control motor) get a scan and it should give you a fault code that will help identify the problem, start here.

mark (mhpautos)

Thank you all I already cleaned the throttle body with carb cleaner and changed the IAC valve. I will check the cables though , I also checked the throttle position sensor with a new one but the problem was still there. I also checked the mass air flow sensor but it looked fine to me. When you turn the A/C compressor kicks on the IAC opens and lets it throttle up but when it kicks off it drags down and try's to quit. Didn't remember if I said that or not don't really know if that makes a difference or not.

It doesn't have a battery gage. Just temp and fuel gage.

I was talking about using a multi meter to check the voltage.Do you have any codes?I would look for vacuum leaks also.

Oh ok I'm sorry where would I check that at? It's not throwing any codes I don't think the check engine light is not on. I just now cleaned the battery terminals really good and the hook ups. I drove it down the road and turned around when I came to a stop it started to die I noticed the battery light came on for just a sec and went off. I hadn't noticed that before though. Also where would I need to look for the vacuum leaks?

Were the cables corroded?Or loose?You would check the voltage at the battery cables at the battery.You look for a vacuum leak on all the vacuum hoses intake gasket anywhere a vacuum source is.The battery light could have came on because the engine rpms were so low.

No they didn't look to bad I cleaned them anyway. What should the battery read 12 volts? Also I heard that you can check the alternator by starting the car and removing one of the battery cables , is that right?

No you never take a battery cable off will its running or the key is on you can damage the computer and other circuits from voltage spikes.The battery buffers spikes etc.Turn on all accessories while at idle and see how what the voltage reads.

Ok I'll have to get a multimeter so it will probably tommorrow I'll message back the results thank you so much.

Sorry it took so long had some family issues. The voltage checked out fine , it's still doing all the same things. New issues though, now the car when your driving and it's starting to die . I try to shift to neutral the car revs up........... Holds it then comes back down and try's to die. Plus the interior lights ,dash lights , and the headlights are flickering. I don't have a clue what it could be any ideals. Also the car seems to die when stopped a little easier then before. Still no codes though!!!!

Have you made sure the battery cables are clean and tight on both ends of the cables?

Yes I cleaned each cable and posts. Didn't affect it at all.