Car idles fine, but shuts off when I press the accelerator

Tiny
ERIC_JAHR
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
I first had a check engine light for code P0191-says fuel rail pressure sensor bad. I replaced it. No change. I then replaced the fuel filter and then the car wouldn't start at all. I finally got it started and now it will start but when I press the accelerator pedal, engine sputters and shuts off. It'll start back up but idles fine and again I will try and step on the accelerator pedal and the engine shuts off. Help
Friday, October 18th, 2019 AT 11:21 AM

29 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the fuel pump has gone out which is common. here is a video to help show you how to replace it:

https://youtu.be/D1AyqeftAmA

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Saturday, October 19th, 2019 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
ERIC_JAHR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you, I just replaced the TPS as well and no change. I guess its the fuel pump now. Lol
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Saturday, October 19th, 2019 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep I did the one in my car ( I have a 2005) worked great. Let me know.
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Sunday, October 20th, 2019 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
ERIC_JAHR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Fuel pump did the trick. Thanks for all the help.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:17 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
ALISSATWEED
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
Transmission problem
2003 Ford Focus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have yet another problem with my focus. Now it dies when I put it into gear from park. After it cuts off, it will not start up again because it blows the engine management fuse. After the fuse was replaced the car started again but once it was put in reverse it died again and will not start without a new fuse. I'm afraid it it something electrical and will start a fire if I keep starting it. Can anyone help me? I do not have the funds to put it in the shop. Is it something I can do myself?

Thanks,
Alissa, Iowa
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Alissa,

There is a shorting with the back-up light circuit and the fuse blows when reverse is engaged.

Check the reverse bulbs for damage and shorting.

Which specific fuse is blowing off?
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RUSST23
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 108,000 MILES
Only when moving almost always at slower speeds
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If the check engine light is on, have the computer scanned to identify trouble codes. If there is no light, check fuel pump pressure to make sure it is within spec.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RENEA KEENER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 224,564 MILES
Car shuts off while driving and it will not crank in neutral. When put in park it will do turn over or do nothing for a few turns, then will start and do it again soon there after.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hey RENEA,

It sounds like the battery or the battery cable end is going bad.here is a test to see if that is the problem:

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

Let me know what you find.

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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:44 AM (Merged)
Tiny
XOCDARO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • AUTOMATIC
The problem with my car is that when driving car makes a jerking movement and seems to want to stall out. I have taken to a repair shop and no one can find the problem. The first time I took to the repair shop got a new alternator and that did not work. Please help. I am running out of options.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try cleaning throttle plate on both sides and iac hole with choke cleaner first, then check egr valve for blockages etc. Then check fuel pressure with a gauge.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RANDY SHARP
  • MEMBER
  • 165 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
This just started engine stumbling a lot! Then when you give it gas it kind of misses then all at once it will take off. I got that DTC P303 and P316 have new coils for it and will see tomorrow. And what if the coils don't help what then?Thank You
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Have a local pro scan for codes and freeze frame it so he can check other sensors, also check fuel pressure with a gauge and check for a stuck open EGR and clogged EGR passages. Another possibility is that it may be a bad cam sensor.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TRINA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
The car was running and the dash lights went out and the radio turned off. The battery light flashed for a min
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If you have no power to anything, check the main fuse under the hood in the fuse block. Next, make sure the battery has a charge. If it is dead, remove it, charge it, and have it load tested at a parts store. If it shows good, check the alternator. If the alt is good, check the fuseable link between the alt and the battery.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HANSGROSHANS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
Every so often my Ford Focus will stall immediately after it starts. When it does so, it will run as long as you keep pressure on the accelerator. If you wait for about an hour, the car will start up and run without any issues. What could be causing this issue?
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Clean out the idle air control and EGR valve and test the TPS and MAF sensors-
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HANSGROSHANS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
There is no check engine light on. If the MAF or TPS weren't working correctly, wouldn't I get a check engine light? Or not necessarily. (I guess they're easy enough to check anyway)
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 AT 11:45 AM (Merged)

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