Car stops working randomly

Tiny
TALIAJASMINE
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 210,000 MILES
I just bought this car off of somebody, it’s my first car. It passed inspection and everything. But while driving earlier while at a light the cat stopped working, all lights were still on engine still running, car was it drive but gas pedal wasn’t working, car rolled back a little bit, so immediately I had to turn it off and back on and when I turned it back on it was normal again.
Friday, March 4th, 2022 AT 4:21 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I have to ask. What wasn't working? Did you get no throttle response? You indicated the cat stopped working. Please explain.

As far as the throttle pedal, that could be a few things. By chance, was the check engine light on when the engine was running?

There is also a chance the vehicle was in limp mode. You may want to consider cleaning the throttle body. It may help. Take a look through this link for directions and help to identify possible causes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, March 4th, 2022 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
TALIAJASMINE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It was strange, there were no check engine lights. The car was in drive, but when I pressed on the gas pedal the car did not move and then started to roll in reverse. When I took my food off the gas and then when I turned the car off and back on it was normal again.
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Friday, March 4th, 2022 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

There could be an issue starting with the throttle control circuits. However, it certainly sounds like you were in limp mode. Were you able to review the link I attached? Also, has it happened again? Since there were no codes, my thoughts (or theory) are the APP may be the issue. If it didn't signal to accelerate, the computer doesn't know the difference. But again, that is a theory.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
TALIAJASMINE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, I reviewed the link :), after reviewing it I think it is the throttle body needs to be cleaned, going to take it to a mechanic on Wednesday. It hasn’t happened again yet.
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
TALIAJASMINE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My girlfriend was the one driving it, and I was wrong, the check engine light did come on when it happened, she said all the check lights came on and then when she turned it off and turned it back on the car was fine.
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
TALIAJASMINE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The car is pretty old and has been sitting for a while before we bought it. So I'm hoping that getting the throttle body cleaned, will help.
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If all the lights came on, that was likely the result of the engine stalling. I wonder if that is what happened. It's just a thought.

Ask her if that is a possibility.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 7:51 PM

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