Why does my car stall after running for 20 mins.

Tiny
IT'S MY CAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
I have a 99 Crown Vic that stalls after running for twenty minutes. Doesn't matter if it's idling or driving. I can start it back up only after it sits for 20 minutes or more. I have check and tested the fuel pump rely, fuses, battery, alternator, coolant temperature sensor and sending unit, fuel injectors and their connectors, coil connectors, and the coils which are new as are the spark plugs and boots. All have passed either a voltage test and/or an ohm test. The IAC valve is clean so is the MAF sensor. The exhaust sytem has been replaced front to back as has the DPFE sensor. The EGR valve passed its test and is clean. Now can someone lead me in the right direction as to what the problem may be.

I would like to add that the car starts up quick and easy when the engine is cold and idles beautifully. This problem did not start until my car ran completely out of gas one time. Did I possibly damage the fuel pump. I do have good fuel pressure before and after it stalls. There are also no SEC's stored and the car does not misfire or hesitate, it just shuts off. Holding my foot on the throtle does not help to keep it running either at that 20 min mark.

When I try to restart it the engine cranks fine but it acts like there is no spark. It wiil try to fire once or twice but sputters out even if I pat the gas peddle.
Sunday, May 13th, 2012 AT 5:30 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
WGROOM2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Had same problem on 95 Tbird with 4.6 engine. Drove me nuts. Try this. Let engine run until it dies (20 mins) Disconnect wiring harness from MAF and leave it disconnected. See if engine starts. If so see if it goes beyond the dreaded 20 mins. If so it's a dirty or bad MAF. Tried cleaning mine with no luck. It was bad. Replaced it with one from junk yard and problem solved. Good luck. You can run without it connected but mixture will be off.
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Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 AT 1:46 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This is normally one of two things. Either fuel related or spark related.

We need to start with finding out what we don't have when the engine stalls. So I would monitor the fuel pressure while the engine is running and find out what it is when it cuts off.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

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

If the fuel pressure does not drop then when it stalls, pull a plug and hold it against the block and crank the engine to see if there is spark.

If not, then we may have a crank sensor issue.

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

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

If the spark and fuel is ok then we need to suspect the air fuel ratio is off. This could be a MAP sensor so try unplugging it and starting the engine to see if it starts.

Please let us know what you find with this.

Thanks
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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021 AT 8:16 PM

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