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2003 Mercury Sable has irregular stalling problem


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rstecz
New User

Oct 12, 2011, 2:22 PM

Post #1 of 3 (5893 views)
2003 Mercury Sable has irregular stalling problem Sign In

My 2003 Mercury Sable LS has an irregular stalling problem. About a year ago I started the car and the engine started fluttering(rocking), and stalled. I tried to start it, but it would not start. After a few minutes I tried starting it again, and it started. The car gave no more problems until yesterday. I stopped in the alley so I could turn onto my street and it stalled. I pushed the car to my house. I went in the house for a couple minutes, came back out and tried to start it, and it started. Any idea what could be the problem.


Old 396
User

Oct 12, 2011, 2:58 PM

Post #2 of 3 (5872 views)
Re: 2003 Mercury Sable has irregular stalling problem Sign In

It sounds like you are having issues with residual and static fuel pressure. Post the results of the following:

Fuel pressure leak down test
Static fuel pressure test
Residual fuel pressure test
Fuel pump volume test
Dead head fuel pump test


Note: That a fuel pressure gauge must be used for the above tests.

You should also rule out cylinder (and or) ignition misfires and vacuum leaks. Understand that vacuum leaks cause misfires.

Has the fuel filter been replaced recently?

Has the MIL (check engine light) been on for a while and have you been ignoring it and driving the car anyway?

Are there any error codes? If there are post them so they can be seen.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 12, 2011, 5:07 PM

Post #3 of 3 (5861 views)
Re: 2003 Mercury Sable has irregular stalling problem Sign In

I don't think your problem is automatically fuel related. It could be any number of thing. Here is how you determine that.

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.


Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.



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