2000 Mercury Sable car shuts off

Does the vehicle shut off going down the highway? When it stalls does it crank ok? Can you check for spark at the plugs and proper fuel pressure when the problem is ongoing? With intermittent issues, you have to test when problem is ongoing.

How long since a tune-up? Any applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand autostores will check codes for free.

My thought is the crankshaft position sensor problem.

Happy holidays to you and your family.

The very first thing I would do, would be to look for an rpm signal with engine cranking. If there is an rpm signal then the crank sensor wouldn't be my first thought. Your antitheft light isn't on, is it?

If the problem is the crank sensor, then Yes, it could be the wiring connector or wiring? The old sensor, did the end look like it was making contact with anything? It shouldn't.

The resistance across the crank sensor terminals is 250--1000 ohms. It varies depending on the sensor temp. If out of spec replace the sensor. It doesn't hurt to check new sensor.

You can also, check voltage at crank sensor wiring connector. This is with connector loose from crank sensor, key on, no crank. Use a digital multimeter. Measure from wire terminal to battery ground. Measure each terminal in turn. 1--2 volts. If your reading zero, then check for open circuit. Go from there.

You could wiggle the connector while your checking for that voltage, if the voltage comes and goes, then sounds like connector.

Hope you got it going your way.